Primary Dysmenorrhea: Exploring the potential of acupuncture

By Alison E Gamon - MSc in Acupuncture

Abstract

The aim of this Masters research dissertation was to explore the potential of acupuncture in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. To this end, the current state of knowledge in this area, from the perspective of both western and Chinese medicine, was investigated. This study relied predominantly upon documentary data and was guided and informed by the findings from the five case studies.

Analysis of the data revealed an unmet and often unacknowledged demand for treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. And that this demand exists primarily because the standard and widely available orthodox medical treatments do not meet women’s needs.

Whilst further research is required to demonstrate, beyond reasonable doubt, the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea, it is argued that acupuncture, a natural and holistic system of medicine, has the potential to provide women with an effective and appropriate health care option in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.