Let’s break down the menstrual cycle into four main phases and explore how to support each one with acupuncture, movement, and food:
- Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)
Hormonal Profile: Low estrogen and progesterone
TCM Perspective: Blood and Qi are in decline; focus on moving stagnation and replenishing Blood
Acupuncture Focus:
- Move Blood to support a complete, pain-free flow
- Soothe Liver Qi to ease cramping or irritability
- Rebuild strength post-bleed
Ideal Treatments:
- Gentle acupuncture or moxibustion for warmth and movement
- Restorative treatments if fatigue or pain is present
Movement:
- Light walking, yin yoga, or rest
- Honor your body’s lower energy—this is your “inner winter”
Foods to Support:
- Warm, blood-building foods like soups, bone broth, cooked leafy greens, and beets
- Avoid cold/raw foods which can impair digestion and blood flow
- Follicular Phase (Days 6–13)
Hormonal Profile: Rising estrogen; preparing for ovulation
TCM Perspective: Yin is rebuilding; the body is becoming nourished and creative
Acupuncture Focus:
- Nourish Yin and Blood to support egg development
- Strengthen Kidney essence (Jing) if working on fertility
Ideal Treatments:
- Mid-cycle acupuncture to enhance follicle quality and regulate emotions
- Great time for facial acupuncture, energy-boosting points
Movement:
- Increase intensity: strength training, cardio, dancing
- Your energy is rising—take advantage of it!
Foods to Support:
- Fresh vegetables, lean protein, flaxseeds, legumes
- Hydrating foods like cucumber, berries, and chia pudding
- Ovulatory Phase (Days 14–16)
Hormonal Profile: Peak estrogen, LH surge, then rise in progesterone
TCM Perspective: Yang begins to rise; Heart and Liver are active in moving Qi and Blood
Acupuncture Focus:
- Move Qi and Blood to encourage smooth ovulation
- Open Heart and calm Shen (spirit) for emotional clarity
Ideal Treatments:
- Fertility-focused if trying to conceive
- Liver Qi-regulating treatments for mood or PMS prevention
Movement:
- High-energy workouts like HIIT, running, or group classes
- Social energy is highest now—use it for collaboration or fun
Foods to Support:
- Antioxidant-rich foods: berries, cruciferous veggies, leafy greens
- Zinc and vitamin C to support immune and reproductive function
- Luteal Phase (Days 17–28)
Hormonal Profile: High progesterone, then drop before menstruation
TCM Perspective: Yang is dominant; Qi is consolidating inward
Acupuncture Focus:
- Support Spleen and Liver function to prevent PMS
- Move Qi to prevent stagnation (bloating, breast tenderness, irritability)
Ideal Treatments:
- PMS or mood-support sessions
- Spleen Qi-tonifying if bloating or cravings are dominant
Movement:
- Moderate exercise like pilates, yoga, or swimming
- Wind down intensity as your energy wanes
Foods to Support:
- Complex carbs, magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate), root vegetables
- Warm, cooked meals to ease digestion and comfort the body
Why Acupuncture Works So Well with Cycle Syncing
Acupuncture doesn’t just respond to symptoms—it supports the body’s innate intelligence. By syncing acupuncture treatments with your cycle, we can:
- Reduce PMS and period pain
- Improve ovulation and fertility markers
- Regulate irregular or absent cycles
- Ease mood swings, bloating, and fatigue
TCM sees your cycle as a monthly diagnostic report. When you learn to listen and adjust, your hormones don’t feel like something you have to fight—they become your allies.
Final Tips
- Start tracking your cycle (a journal or an app is great)
- Bring your cycle chart to your acupuncturist—this helps tailor your treatments
- Don’t expect perfection every cycle; tuning in is a practice
By aligning with your cycle rather than pushing through it, you’re reclaiming body literacy, emotional resilience, and hormonal harmony. Add acupuncture to the mix, and you’re giving your system a gentle yet powerful nudge toward balance.
Want help syncing your cycle with acupuncture treatments?
Let’s work together to create a plan that fits your body’s rhythm. Book a session and start living in tune with your cycle—one phase at a time.