PCOS Support with TCM
1 in 10 women worldwide are affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It’s one of the most common hormonal disorders, yet up to 70% remain undiagnosed, according to the World Health Organisation.
PCOS is a leading cause of anovulation and infertility but it’s more than a reproductive concern. It’s a complex, long term condition that can impact both physical and emotional well-being. Common symptoms include irregular or absent periods, oily skin, acne, fatigue, low mood, weight gain, unwanted facial hair or thinning hair.
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a different lens. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, TCM looks deeper, seeking to understand and correct the internal imbalances behind them.
Conventional Medicine Perspective
In Western Medicine, PCOS is diagnosed when at least two out of the following are present:
signs or symptoms of high androgens (e.g. acne, hirsutism)
irregular or absent periods
polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Contraceptive pills may be prescribed to regulate periods and reduce acne or unwanted hair growth, while fertility medications or IVF may be offered for those trying to conceive.
These treatments can be helpful, but they often don’t address why the body is out of balance in the first place.
TCM Perspective
In TCM, PCOS isn’t seen as a single condition. Instead it’s a reflection of underlying disharmony among organ systems, particularly the Liver, Spleen and Kidney and imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang.
Possible TCM Causes:
PCOS can be attributed to constitutional weakness (inherited factors), poor digestion or diet, chronic stress or emotional strain or overwork.
Common TCM Patterns:
Kidney Yang Deficiency - associated with low libido, cold hands and feet, long or absent periods, difficulty conceiving
Spleen Deficiency - manifests as cysts, bloating, weight gain, heavy feeling in the body
Liver Qi Stagnation - mood swings, irritability, PMS, painful or irregular periods are commonly seen.
In many people, several patterns may overlap. That’s why TCM places so much emphasis on personalised diagnosis and treatment.
What The Research Says
Growing research supports the use of TCM therapies for PCOS management.
🔸 A 2023 clinical study in found Acupuncture combined with herbal medicine improved ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with PCOS (Pan et al. 2022).
🔸 A review of systematic reviews concluded that Acupuncture helped restore menstrual cycle and reduce BMI, compared with no intervention (Yang et al. 2023).
🔸 A 2024 review highlights that Acupuncture may help regulate menstrual cycles, improve insulin sensitivity, and support hormone balance by influencing neuroendocrine and reproductive pathways, including the endogenous opioid system (Graca & Lai, 2024).
While more rigorous trials are still needed, the existing research is promising, especially when Acupuncture is used part of a holistic treatment plan.
Acupuncture Points for PCOS
Acupuncture helps to restore the proper flow of Qi and Blood, regulating cycles, calming the nervous system and promoting ovulation.
Your treatment will be based on your unique presentation, but commonly used points include:
🌿 Guanyuan (CV 4) - Strengthens the Kidneys and benefits the uterus
🌿 Zigongxue - Invigorates blood circulation to the ovaries and uterus
🌿 Taixi (KD 3) - Nourishes Kidney Yin and Yang
🌿 Sanyinjiao (SP 6) - Harmonises Spleen, Liver and Kidneys
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicine offers additional support by helping to restore internal balance and nourishing deficient systems. Some herbs that may be used include:
🌿 Dang Gui (Angelica sinesis) - Nourishes and moves the blood
🌿 Fu Ling (Poria) - Drains dampness and calms the mind
🌿 Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) - Tonifies Spleen and supports Kidney
🌿 Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) - Strengthens Spleen and supports digestion
Self-Care Tips
Small changes at home can support your healing between Acupuncture visits. Here are our suggestions:
🌙 Eat warm, cooked meals: Avoid cold or raw foods that can weaken the Spleen Qi
🌙 Support your sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours each night to nourish your Kidneys and help regulate your hormones
🌙 Keep your womb warm: use a wheat pack or hot water bottle on your lower abdomen, especially during or after your period.
Ready to Rebalance?
PCOS may be complex, but with the right support, healing is possible. At Luna Chinese Medicine, we offer a holistic approach that addresses the root of your symptoms.
Book a personalised consultation to explore how Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you restore balance, improve your cycle and feel more in tune with your body naturally.
References:
World Health Organization (2025). Polycystic ovary syndrome. [online] World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome.
Pan, W., et al., A randomized sham-controlled trial of manual acupuncture for infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Integrative Medicine Research, 2022. 11(2): p. 100830.
Yang, H., et al., Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome: an overview of systematic reviews. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2023. 21(2): p. 136-148.
Graca, S. and L. Lai, Acupuncture for management of polycystic ovary syndrome: current evidence and future directions. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Akupunktur, 2024: p. 1-4
