Aquilia Acupuncture
Regulating the Menstrual Cycle
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a unique model of health and fertility (potential to conceive). Regulating the menstrual cycle is a way we aim to help our patients. We ask a range of questions regarding the patient’s menstrual cycle in order to be able to identify the presence of subtle imbalances that according to Chinese medicine may act as barriers to fertility.
Medical Research Design
In general research on infertility is quite limited. For example, a systematic review found that there is limited evidence available on how to best advise couples to try for a baby. At Aquilia Acupuncture we use consensus guidelines produced by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
Some questions that we ask to help us measure menstrual cycle irregularities according to the Chinese medical model include:
- Cycle regularity: is the cycle early or delayed?
- The colour of the menstrual fluid: is it bright red or dark red?
- Flow: is there spotting?
- The amount of menstrual fluid lost: are periods heavy or light?
- The consistency of the menstrual flow: are clots present and are they big or small?
- Pain level and type?
- Mood?
Aquilia Acupuncture
Regulating the menstrual cycle involves acupuncture treatment management around these phases:
Menstruation
Follicular development
Ovulation
Luteal
