COMING OFF THE PILL & HOW TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE CAN HELP:

• At Purnima, we assess patients individually and work in partnership with them to address any systemic imbalances. Here are three common ways acupuncture excels when it comes to supporting post-pill patients:

  • Regulating the Cycle: treatments are tailored to address the underlying pattern diagnosis and support the body through each cycle phase (menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal).

  • Treating Mood Disorders: We see anxiety, irritability, and depression as stagnation, and treatment plans are designed to support mental-emotional clarity and ease.

  • Digestive Support: birth control can impact gastrointestinal health and disrupt our gut microbiome. In Chinese Medicine, healthy digestion is essential for blood production and, therefore, vital for optimal ovulation and menstruation.

  • More conditions that acupuncture supports with post-pill include low libido, painful or missing periods, hormonal acne,  brain fog, and more.

BEHIND THE SCENES:

The female reproductive system is anatomically and physiologically intricate, with a monthly hormonal cycle that can be easily influenced.

Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to regulate efficient communication between the brain and ovaries — the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axes. This clarity of communication between the ovaries and hypothalamus + pituitary glands promote regular ovulation cycles, a crucial component of the menstrual cycle.

IDEAL POST PILL TREATMENT:

We recommend beginning treatments at least one month before discontinuing use of the  oral contraceptive pill (OCP), or ideally three months earlier. This preparation supports hormonal shifts and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Our treatments focus on enhancing ovarian health, nourishing the uterine lining, and supporting the hormonal interplay that creates smooth ovulation and menstruation. 

Once the OCP has been stopped, acupuncture treatments are offered weekly for a month, followed by twice-monthly sessions. Our treatment plans are designed to suit each individual and their unique cycle needs.

WHICH APPOINTMENT SHOULD I BOOK?

We recommend booking an Integrative Acupuncture Evaluation & Initial Visit at Purnima Clinic.