Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
Introduction: Menstrual pain is a common reproductive health concern that can substantially disrupt physical, emotional, and social well-being, yet it is frequently normalised and insufficiently addressed within healthcare encounters. Acupuncture is increasingly used as a complementary approach for menstrual pain management; however, little qualitative research has explored how women understand, interpret, and navigate this option within their menstrual care.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using four online focus groups with 14 women aged 19–46 years residing in Australia who self-reported primary dysmenorrhea. Participants were purposively sampled from respondents to a previous cross-sectional survey study who had indicated willingness to participate in focus group discussions. The sample included women from a range of country-of-birth backgrounds and varying levels of acupuncture experience. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's approach.
Results: Four themes were identified: (1) menstrual pain as a multidimensional burden, (2) evaluating acupuncture as a treatment option, (3) acupuncture as a relational and supportive care encounter, and (4) barriers shaping engagement with acupuncture. Women described menstrual pain as an ongoing and disruptive experience extending beyond physical symptoms. Acupuncture was perceived as a supportive and person-centred care option, particularly valued for its relational qualities, although structural, personal, informational, and treatment-related barriers constrained engagement for some women.
Discussion: The findings indicate that menstrual pain care must extend beyond symptom control to engage meaningfully with women's lived experiences and relational needs. From an integrative care perspective, acupuncture may offer a valued relational and holistic care experience.
Conclusion: Acupuncture was perceived as a potentially valuable option for menstrual pain management; however, its acceptability was influenced by multiple barriers affecting engagement. These findings underscore the importance of person-centred and accessible approaches that acknowledge women's preferences, lived experiences, and treatment contexts.
Keywords
acupuncture, integrative medicine, menstrual pain, relational care, women's experiences
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
10-1-2026
Article Number
102721
E-ISSN
18763839
ISSN
18763820
Volume
87
Publication Title
European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery / Research Centre of Prevention and Management for Chronic Disease / School of Science
Funding Information
This work was supported by the project on Edith Cowan University Higher Degree by Research (S0059).
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Liu, W., Towell-Barnard, A., & Lee, K. H. (2026). Women’s experiences of menstrual pain and perceptions of acupuncture: A qualitative study. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 87, Article 102721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2026.102721