Kidney 3 (Taixi) is considered the most important acupuncture point for hormonal balance. This powerful point helps regulate your body’s natural hormone production and supports reproductive health. But it’s not the only one that works.

Several key acupuncture points can help balance your hormones naturally. These include Spleen 6, Liver 3, and Stomach 36. Each point works differently to support your body’s hormone system.

This guide will show you which acupuncture points are best for hormonal balance, how they work, and what to expect from treatment.

How Acupuncture Helps Balance Hormones

Acupuncture works by targeting specific points on your body to restore natural balance. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, research suggests that acupuncture may influence the endocrine system, including the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a central role in hormone regulation.

When your hormones are out of balance, you might feel tired, moody, or have trouble with your periods. Acupuncture can help balance women’s hormones by regulating the body’s natural hormone production and reducing stress levels.

The treatment helps your body in three main ways:

1. Reduces stress – High stress can mess up your hormones
2. Improves blood flow – Better circulation helps hormone production
3. Supports organ function – Healthy organs make better hormones

What The Research Shows

Studies have found promising results for acupuncture and hormones. A comprehensive literature review published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that acupuncture increases estrogen, especially estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and other hormones.

Research has shown that acupuncture can increase levels of key female hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin. These hormones are crucial for healthy menstrual cycles and overall well-being.

Top Acupuncture Points for Hormonal Balance

Kidney 3 (Taixi) – The Foundation Point

Location: Behind your inner ankle bone, in the soft spot between the ankle and your Achilles tendon.

Kidney 3 is called the “foundation point” because it supports your body’s basic energy. In TCM, the Kidneys are considered the foundation of reproductive health and play a crucial role in hormonal balance.

This point helps with:

• Low energy and fatigue
• Irregular periods
• Fertility issues
• Stress and anxiety

How to find it: Place your finger behind your inner ankle bone and slide toward your heel. You’ll feel a small dip – that’s Kidney 3.

Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao) – The Women’s Health Point

Location: Four finger widths above your inner ankle bone, on the inside of your leg.

Spleen 6 is often called the “Three Yin Crossing” because it connects with the three yin meridians of the leg, Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians. This makes it extra powerful for hormonal issues.

This point helps with:

• Menstrual problems
• PMS symptoms
• Digestive issues
• Sleep problems

Important note: Don’t use this point if you’re pregnant, as it can trigger labor.

Liver 3 (Taichong) – The Stress Relief Point

Location: On top of your foot, between your big toe and second toe.

Liver 3 is key in regulating menstrual cycles and nourishing the uterus. It’s especially good for emotional balance and stress relief.

This point helps with:

• Mood swings
• Anger and frustration
• Irregular periods
• Headaches

How to find it: Place your finger between your first and second toes. Move up about an inch toward your ankle until you find a tender spot.

Stomach 36 (Zusanli) – The Energy Booster

Location: Four finger widths below your kneecap, on the outer side of your leg.

Stomach 36 is vital for building life force energy. It helps your body make better use of the nutrients you eat.

This point helps with:

• Low energy
• Digestive problems
• Immune system weakness
• Overall vitality

How Different Hormones Are Affected

Estrogen and Progesterone Balance

Female Hormone Balancing Acupuncture (FHBA) helps to bring a balance between the hormones estrogen and progesterone. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this balance is based on the concept of Yin and Yang.

In TCM gynecology, estrogen is the yin and progesterone is the yang. When these two forces are balanced, your menstrual cycle works smoothly.

Stress Hormones

By reducing stress levels, acupuncture can regulate cortisol levels and improve hormonal balance. High cortisol from stress can disrupt all your other hormones.

Thyroid Hormones

Acupuncture stimulates acupoints related to the thyroid gland, promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance to the endocrine system.

Common Hormonal Issues Acupuncture Can Help

Irregular Periods

Many women struggle with periods that come too early, too late, or not at all. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can help balance estrogen and progesterone levels, alleviate menstrual pain, and promote regular menstrual cycles.

PMS and Mood Swings

Acupuncture may help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate PMS symptoms. The treatments can help reduce mood swings, bloating, and other monthly discomforts.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Women with PCOS may benefit from acupuncture. A study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism suggested that acupuncture could help restore hormone balance and ovulation in women with PCOS.

Menopause Symptoms

Acupuncture has shown promise in managing menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. A meta-analysis published in the journal Menopause found that acupuncture could significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. The researchers found that when the participants received just a 15-minute session of standard acupuncture once a week, they noted a decrease in hot flashes after three weeks.

Fertility Support

Acupuncture has been shown to regulate hormone levels by moderating the release of beta-endorphin levels in the brain, which improves the release of gonadatrophin- releasing hormone by the hypothalamus, follicle-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland, and estrogen and progesterone levels from the ovary.

What to Expect During Treatment

Your First Visit

During your first acupuncture session, your practitioner will:

• Ask about your health history
• Discuss your symptoms
• Check your pulse and tongue
• Create a treatment plan just for you

During the Treatment

Thin needles are inserted at specific points, which may be left in place for 20-30 minutes. Most people find the experience relaxing and pain-free.

How Often You’ll Need Treatment

For hormonal issues that pertain to fertility, period pain, and menstrual migraine, you may wish to attend acupuncture sessions or use an acupressure mat on a weekly basis for at least three to four months before determining whether it’s having the intended effect.

Who Should Try Acupuncture for Hormones

Acupuncture can help many people with hormone issues, including:

• Women with irregular periods
• Those struggling with PMS
• People going through menopause
• Couples trying to conceive
• Anyone dealing with stress-related hormone problems

When to See a Doctor First

It’s important to note that acupuncture should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment, and women should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment regimen.

You should see a doctor if you have:

• Severe period pain
• No periods for several months
• Sudden weight changes
• Extreme mood changes

Combining Acupuncture with Other Treatments

Lifestyle Changes

Acupuncture works best when combined with healthy habits:

• Eating balanced meals
• Getting enough sleep
• Managing stress
• Regular exercise

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine can help regulate hormones by balancing the energy and functions of various organs in the body, such as the liver and kidneys, which play a key role in regulating hormones.

Nutritional Support

Dietary therapy, which is an important component of Chinese medicine, can also help regulate hormones by promoting healthy eating habits and addressing nutritional imbalances that may be contributing to hormonal imbalances.

Safety and Side Effects

Acupuncture is generally safe when done by a trained practitioner. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture is recognized as a safe and effective treatment when performed by qualified practitioners. Side effects are rare but can include:

• Slight soreness at needle sites
• Minor bruising
• Temporary fatigue

Important Precautions

• Tell your practitioner if you’re pregnant
• Mention any medications you’re taking
• Don’t use certain points during pregnancy
• Make sure your practitioner is licensed

Finding the Right Practitioner

When looking for an acupuncturist:

• Check their credentials and licensing
• Look for experience with hormonal issues
• Read reviews from other patients
• Ask about their training in women’s health

At HealthQuest Longevity, we specialize in holistic approaches to health and wellness. Our experienced practitioners understand how chiropractic care and massage therapy can work together with acupuncture to support your overall health.

How Long Until You See Results

Results vary from person to person, but many people notice improvements within:

• 2-4 weeks for stress and sleep
• 1-3 months for menstrual issues
• 3-6 months for fertility support
• 4-8 weeks for menopause symptoms

We’ve seen it take as little as 4 weeks and as long as 3 months. Everybody is different and the time prognosis varies.

Cost and Insurance

The cost of acupuncture varies by location and practitioner. Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture for certain conditions. Check with your insurance provider to see if hormonal treatments are covered.

Complementary Approaches

Stress Management

Since stress affects your hormones, try these along with acupuncture:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Yoga
• Regular sleep schedule

Dietary Support

Foods that help balance hormones include:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Healthy fats like avocados
• Protein from fish and beans
• Whole grains

For those dealing with chronic stress, our migraine freedom program offers comprehensive support for stress-related health issues.

Final Thoughts

Acupuncture offers a natural, gentle way to support your hormonal health. The key points – Kidney 3, Spleen 6, Liver 3, and Stomach 36 – work together to restore balance in your body.

Remember that hormone balance is a journey, not a quick fix. Working with a qualified practitioner who understands your unique needs is essential. The true power and mastery of acupuncture lies in personalized treatments addressing your unique health concerns and the root cause of hormonal imbalances.

If you’re ready to explore how acupuncture can help balance your hormones naturally, consider reaching out to a licensed acupuncturist in your area. Your body has an amazing ability to heal and rebalance itself – sometimes it just needs a little help to get back on track.