The idea behind acupuncture is that it triggers the body's own natural immune response so that the body can both defend and heal itself. Different points relate to different body parts. When I have bad menstrual pain, my doctor places extra needles across my abdomen. However, for all sessions I am basically head to toe in needles. But *no, none of the needles are near the genitals if that's where you are referring to Ennie. *No needles on or near the breasts either. it is not uncomfortable. Once they are in, I don't feel them though of course being still is important. I often meditate during my treatments.

I wear a loose top (because I prefer to breathe comfortably without a bra) and underwear under a medical gown. I usually have needles in my scalp, sometimes sides of the neck, arms, sometimes abdomen, lower legs, ankles, and feet. The placement of the needles varies somewhat each session depending on my reported symptoms and how I've been feeling for the last few days.

***Disclaimer: I am NOT certified or trained at all in acupuncture. So the info I'm giving is heavily simplified. TCM has been around and helping many for a very long time but it is unfortunately not well understood by allopaths. Part of that is due to language barriers and very different ways of explaining the body and illness. I ask my TCM doc SO many questions every time. He is extremely calm and patient and knowledgeable. I learn more about my body as I go along. We also talk about nutrition and exercise etc.

More info, since Guilloche asked. I started acupuncture in my late 30s approximately 9 months ago. I have been having regular treatments (my insurance covers thus far) 1 -2 times a week with some weeks off for scheduling or other reasons in my life. Before I started going, my periods were WILD. Every 2 weeks or 6 weeks or 3 weeks etc. All over the map! Increasing pain. Increasing flow/heaviness. Premenstrual syndrome. And terrible migraines which were triggered by different points in my cycle and kept getting worse. They were starting to scare me.

After about 2 months of acupuncture and info from my TCM doc, my migraines completely stopped. Seriously. I no longer even fill the Rx which an MD had given me years ago. It was an unpleasant Rx with dangerous side effects and I kept having to take higher doses. I'm not a big fan of drugs in general so I was ready to find another way. I am so, so glad that I did. My periods are now like clockwork!! Every 4 weeks. The bleeding is mild to moderate (was getting scary back in the day) and I have either zero pain or 1 day of moderate pain (1st day) and then zero pain.

My TCM doc is also helping me with lifelong depression and anxiety. My partner comments that I am severely depressed less often (rarely) and my moods are much more stable. I don't think I ever have PMS anymore. I should also mention that I have experienced two major life traumas in the last 18 months. So the fact that my other half thinks my moods are better is quite amazing! I feel better but I ask him as a check-in because he's more objective. I am the type of person who lives in her mind a lot, if that makes sense.

I would highly recommend acupuncture to any woman struggling with her period, PMS, anxiety and/or depression. Though you need to verify who's doing it and what their credentials are. TCM is more than just acupuncture too but that's too complex to explain here.

We need MDs for lots of things. If I ever break a bone, I will go to a MD not my TCM doc....he doesn't treat things like that. BUT I am shocked by the lack of understanding of women's bodies in the traditional MD community. They take such extreme measures (or none at all...no woman should have to suffer heavy bleeding or terrible period pain) before trying other things because they don't know any other way. I believe that TCM doctors and MDs should work together...referring back and forth as needed. Perhaps in the future?

Another note for women. There is a growing body of evidence that when women visit their MD with pain, they are often dismissed. When they go to the MD with a male partner, they are more likely to be believed. This is wrong on many levels. BUT I want to point out that my TCM doc is male and he is extremely respectful and safe. He never dismisses me in any way. I have cried during more than one session with him because of stressful events in my life. He sat calmly and gently helped me to relax. On one occasion, he picked up a fresh tissue and gently dried the tears from my eyes for me because I was distraught.

And as weird as it sounds, when the needles are in I feel so RELAXED. It's incredible sometimes. But I believe it's because they are affecting my CNS.

Thank you all for sharing. I hope you can find peace and good health...be it with a TCM doc or some other option you prefer.

Ps. forgot to mention that a different acupuncturist cured me of sinus infections about 15 years ago after only 4-5 sessions. I was amazed. I highly recommend acupuncture for folks with allergies, sinus irritation or infection, and/or post-nasal drip. Again, be careful about ENT MDs. They tend to go to extreme measures right away which cause more problems. I had friends going down that path.