Treat Cramps with Acupuncture

In this article we’ll discuss cramps, which can be treated with acupuncture. For those who suffer from pain and cramping caused by menstruation or muscle stress, regular acupuncture sessions can be a very helpful approach for dealing with symptoms. Acupuncture is performed by inserting thin needles into strategic points on the body – acupuncture for cramps specifically is performed similarly.

Let’s discuss more about how Acupuncture can help with Cramps.

What are Muscle Cramps?

Acupuncture can help with two different kinds of cramping, muscle cramping and menstrual cramping. But can acupuncture truly relieve muscle cramps and spasms? It sure can.

Acupuncture can relieve muscle cramps

In Chinese medicine, it is referred to Liver Yin not nourishing the tendons. By this we are saying that the tendons:

Are tight
Pulling at the joints
And suffering cramps in the belly of the muscles.

Basically the Liver Yin is not lowering with sufficient quantity or force, making the muscles starved so they “cramp” by tightening and pulling the blood in, then often spasming in response to the poor flow. Acupuncture works by balancing blood flow, fluids and circulation in general. It’s also very effective at treating physical and mental symptoms. Because cramping +can have both physical and mental origins, acupuncture is a great modality of treatment.

Muscle cramps happen for a bunch of different reasons. They often originate as a result of too much stress on a particular muscle. Let’s say you’re exercising and it’s leg day – you may begin to cramp hours after your workout. Cramping can occur as a result of too much exercise, but cramps can also occur because of too much psychological stress. Usually, cramping happens because a muscle is overworked. Poor diet can also lead to cramping. That’s why it’s important to consume fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, and when working out to eat carbs, salts, and electrolytes. If you cramp on a normal basis you might want to look at your diet. Adding bananas to your diet may help because they’re high in potassium, which can alleviate and prevent cramping. If you’re eating unhealthy foods on a normal basis, changing this habit may help. Cramping happens with a variety of physical symptoms, including pain and spasming.

What are Period Cramps?

Menstrual cramps are also known as dysmenorrhea. They occur when, during menstruation, the uterus contracts deeply, strongly, and painfully for a period of about 1 to 2 days. As the uterus contracts, the body pushes out blood clots of endometrium lining. For some, the pain can be unbearable. Some women may stop participating in normal activities while they’re in the middle of dysmenorrhea. There are certain medications women take when they’re experiencing period cramping, including Tylenol, Midol, and Advil.

What are the Causes of Dysmenorrhea?

Dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps happen for a variety of reasons. Most women experience some pain, but the pain for some is severe and even unbearable. Dysmenorrhea can also be caused by:

What are the Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps and Dysmenorrhea?

The symptoms of menstrual cramps vary from person to person. Some may experience severe pain in the lower abdomen and back, while others experience a dull but constant pain. Period pain usually lasts for about 1 to 2 days. Other symptoms of menstrual cramps include:

A sometimes severe ache in the stomach
Feelings of pressure in the stomach/abdomen
Pain in other bodily areas, including the hips, lower back, mid-back, and inner thighs

How can Acupuncture Help with Cramps?

Cramping pain, whether caused by menstruation or muscle stress can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Cramping can occur for a number of reasons including dehydration, poor diet, muscle stress, muscle overuse, and menstruation. Acupuncture can help. It can help stimulate blood flow, which can help restore nerve function and improve pain points overall.

Where can I treat Cramps with Acupuncture in Raleigh, North Carolina?

Menstrual cramps and muscle cramps can be treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture can also help with pain, swelling, migraines, bursitis, hip pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel, and more. If you’re searching for a qualified Acupuncturist to help with your inflammation and pain in Raleigh, North Carolina, you’ll want to find someone with experience, qualifications, and compassion. Look no further than Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center. Our goal since 2010 has been to provide quality and compassionate acupuncture in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding areas.

Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center for all of your Acupuncture needs

Hi, I’m Jim Eleczko, the founder of Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center and it’s my mission to provide you with compassionate, whole-person care using holistic treatments, including Acupuncture and topical herbal medicine. I’m a board-certified and licensed Acupuncturist practicing since 2010 in Raleigh, North Carolina. I love that I get to wake up every day to make meaningful changes in my patient’s lives. I’ve seen first hand the changes that Acupuncture can make. As a teen I suffered from allergies and my father suggested that I try Acupuncture to calm the symptoms. It worked – and left a lasting impression on me! Now I offer Acupuncture and other treatments to help people with a variety of issues, including anxiety, migraines, fibromyalgia, and more. Our other treatments include Dry Needling, Tuina Massage, Guasha, Cupping, Stretching, Orthopedic Movements, Electroacupuncture and Therapeutic Exercises.

Here’s a bit more about me and my qualifications: I studied the 4-year program at Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine and continue to travel multiple times a year to study with my mentor, Andrew Nugent-Head. I also studied under Dr. Ed Garbacz, M.D. LAc and spent a year working and studying under Dr. Bonnie Walker, M.D. LAc. I have also done extensive post-graduate studies in acupuncture, nutrition, herbal medicine from lectures of acupuncturists like Dr. Nguyen Van Nghi, Dr. Tran Viet Dzung, Matt Callison, and Edward Obaidey.

Get in touch with me by calling (919) 260-4104. I’d be happy to answer your questions and get you booked for an appointment today!