Originally published on April 16, 2025 by Vital Physiotherapy & Wellness, now part of the Bravella Health network. Original author: Ysé Gerbaux.
Acupuncture & Women’s Health: Your Body, Your Healing, Your Time
We know that as women, our bodies go through a lot. From the first time we get our period to pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and menopause, it’s constant change. Sometimes it feels like we’re just getting through the day, right? But the truth is, we don’t have to do it alone. Acupuncture can be a helpful way to support our bodies, naturally, through every phase of life.
At Vital Physiotherapy & Wellness, we’re here to help you feel your best no matter where you are in life. Let’s dive into how acupuncture can support your pelvic floor and everything else that comes with being a woman.
Pelvic Floor Health: More Strength, Less Pain
If you’ve been dealing with pelvic pain, bladder leakage, or discomfort during intimacy, you’re not alone. And acupuncture? It might be worth exploring.
Research on acupuncture for pelvic health is still growing, but there are promising results. In a large clinical trial of women with stress urinary incontinence, electroacupuncture reduced urine leakage more than a sham (placebo) treatment.[1] Acupuncture may also help ease some types of pelvic and period pain.[2] It works best as part of a complete plan that includes pelvic floor physiotherapy.
Menstrual & Hormonal Health: Helping You Find Your Balance
Let’s talk about periods. The cramps, the bloating, the heavy flow—it’s tough. Acupuncture may help make those days more manageable.
A Cochrane review found that acupuncture may reduce period pain compared with no treatment, although the quality of the evidence is low.[2] For PCOS, a large clinical trial found that acupuncture did not improve pregnancy or live birth rates,[3] so it’s best viewed as a complement to medical care rather than a replacement for it.
Fertility & IVF Support: Care Through the Journey
Trying to get pregnant can be a tough and emotional journey. If you’re navigating IVF or fertility treatments, acupuncture can be part of how you care for yourself along the way.
Many women use acupuncture to help manage stress during fertility treatment. However, a large, high-quality trial found that acupuncture did not increase live birth rates in women undergoing IVF.[4] If you’re going through IVF, acupuncture can be part of your self-care, alongside—not instead of—your fertility team’s plan.
Menopause Support: Relief Without the Side Effects
Let’s be real, menopause isn’t a walk in the park. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings—it’s a lot to handle.
In one randomized trial, women who received acupuncture had fewer hot flashes and night sweats than women who didn’t receive treatment.[5] However, the evidence is mixed: The Menopause Society does not currently recommend acupuncture specifically for hot flashes, because it hasn’t clearly outperformed sham acupuncture.[6] Some women still find it helpful for relaxation and overall well-being, and it can be used alongside other menopause treatments.
Postpartum Recovery: Feeling Like Yourself Again
Postpartum recovery isn’t just about cuddling with your baby, it’s about healing and taking care of yourself. If you’re struggling with fatigue, pelvic discomfort, or emotional shifts, acupuncture may help.
Research suggests acupuncture can reduce pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy,[7] and it can be a gentle, drug-free option alongside pelvic floor physiotherapy after birth. If you’re experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, please talk to your healthcare provider—acupuncture can be part of your support, but it shouldn’t replace proven treatment.
Chronic Pain & Inflammation: Long-Term Relief
Chronic pain, whether from fibromyalgia, arthritis, or other conditions, can feel exhausting. Acupuncture is a drug-free option that can help.
A large analysis of data from about 20,000 patients found acupuncture was more effective than both sham acupuncture and no acupuncture for chronic pain, including back, neck, and osteoarthritis pain.[8] For fibromyalgia, there is low- to moderate-quality evidence that acupuncture may reduce pain.[9]
Stress & Mental Health: Restoring Calm When You Need It Most
Life is stressful. Between work, family, and everything in between, it can feel overwhelming. Acupuncture can offer a quiet moment to reset.
Many people find acupuncture sessions deeply relaxing, and some studies suggest it may help with anxiety and sleep, although more high-quality research is needed.
Urinary Health: Supporting Your Bladder, Naturally
Urinary issues like leakage are more common than we think. Acupuncture may help support bladder control.
In women with stress urinary incontinence, electroacupuncture has been shown to reduce leakage.[1] Evidence for overactive bladder and for preventing recurring UTIs is limited, so if you get frequent UTIs, be sure to see your healthcare provider.
The Bottom Line: Acupuncture Is For Every Stage of Life
Your body deserves care, and acupuncture is a wonderful way to support your health—whether you’re dealing with period pain, navigating fertility, recovering postpartum, or easing into menopause. It’s natural, holistic, and can be a helpful part of your care.
We all deserve to feel our best, no matter what stage of life we’re in. So why wait? Let acupuncture help support you on your health journey.
Book your session at Vital Physiotherapy & Wellness today, and let’s get you feeling your best.
References
- Liu Z, Liu Y, Xu H, et al. Effect of electroacupuncture on urinary leakage among women with stress urinary incontinence: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;317(24):2493-2501. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.7220
- Smith CA, Armour M, Zhu X, Li X, Lu ZY, Song J. Acupuncture for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4:CD007854. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007854.pub3
- Wu XK, Stener-Victorin E, Kuang HY, et al. Effect of acupuncture and clomiphene in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;317(24):2502-2514. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.7217
- Smith CA, de Lacey S, Chapman M, et al. Effect of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture on live births among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2018;319(19):1990-1998. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.5336
- Avis NE, Coeytaux RR, Isom S, Prevette K, Morgan T. Acupuncture in Menopause (AIM) study: a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial. Menopause. 2016;23(6):626-637. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000597
- The 2023 Nonhormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society Advisory Panel. The 2023 nonhormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2023;30(6):573-590. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37252752/
- Elden H, Ladfors L, Olsen MF, Ostgaard HC, Hagberg H. Effects of acupuncture and stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain: randomised single blind controlled trial. BMJ. 2005;330(7494):761. doi:10.1136/bmj.38397.507014.E0
- Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. J Pain. 2018;19(5):455-474. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005
- Deare JC, Zheng Z, Xue CCL, et al. Acupuncture for treating fibromyalgia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(5):CD007070. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007070.pub2
