Painful periods · Calgary SE

Period pain is common. It is not something you just have to live with.

Acupuncture, Chinese medicine and simple daily tools to ease period pain, built around your cycle over about three months.

Insurance acceptedDirect billingAlongside your doctorFree parking
Woman resting on a sofa with a hot water bottle on her lower belly and a cup of ginger tea
Does this sound familiar?

Every month, the same story

Understanding it

Why periods can hurt so much

During your period, the uterus contracts to shed its lining. These contractions are driven by substances called prostaglandins. When there are more of them, the cramps are stronger and can spread to the back, the thighs and the digestion.

This is called primary dysmenorrhea when there is no other cause. Sometimes period pain comes from an underlying condition such as endometriosis, adenomyosis or fibroids: this is secondary dysmenorrhea, and it needs a medical check.

The Chinese medicine view

Pain is a sign that something is not flowing

"Where there is free flow, there is no pain."

In Chinese medicine, painful periods are often described as Qi and Blood that are not moving freely in the lower abdomen. Cold, stress and exhaustion can all be part of the picture.

The timing and type of pain matter: sharp pain before the period, dull pain after it, pain that improves with heat. Kim reads these details, with your pulse and tongue, to choose the right treatment for you.

How Kim can help

A plan that follows your cycle

Acupuncture timed to your cycle

More sessions in the days before your period, when they help the most.

Warmth

Heat over the lower abdomen during treatment, and simple warming habits at home.

Herbal support

Chinese herbs when appropriate, checked against any medication you take.

Food and movement

Gentle changes to food and exercise around the different phases of your cycle.

A pain diary

A simple tracker so you can see, cycle after cycle, what is changing.

In her words

“After just the two first sessions, my life changed.”

“The pain is gone, my nights are restful again, I was able to get back to the gym, and my mood followed. I got my life back.”

A client of Kim, living with endometriosis for many years
Read her full story

I came to Kim skeptical, and honestly not excited about acupuncture at all, because of an unpleasant experience in the past. I mainly came for advice on herbs that might help me.

I had been living with endometriosis for many years. Even though I had been eating anti-inflammatory for several years, I was in pain every single day: constant lower back pain that woke me up several times a night, sore knees, headaches, and brain fog, among other symptoms. All of it wore on my mood. I had already tried everything, and I told myself I had nothing left to lose.

After just the two first sessions, my life changed. Yes, two. It’s the honest truth.

I don’t like needles, but Kim is so gentle that you feel them very little, if at all. My hesitation quickly turned into trust, and into something I had stopped hoping for: my symptoms disappeared. Not improved, disappeared. The pain is gone, my nights are restful again, I was able to get back to the gym, and my mood followed. I got my life back.

I’m continuing treatments to consolidate the results. My only regret is not going sooner.

I recommend Kim without any hesitation, with complete sincerity and real gratitude for her knowledge, her welcoming approach, her gentleness and her work. Thank you, Kim.

One client’s experience. Results vary from person to person.

How to start

The 12-week program

About three cycles: enough time to treat the pain, watch how each period changes, and adjust the plan.

12-week program

Program first visit

$120 CAD · 75 min

  • WhatInterview, your first treatment, and a 15-min presentation of your 12-week plan
  • WhereIn clinic, Strong Therapy · Tue morning & Sun
Book first visit
Start here

Free online call

Free · 15 min

  • WhatTell Kim what's happening and ask your questions
  • WhereOnline, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
Book free call

Direct billing with most insurers · Free parking · 3333 8 St SE, 3rd floor, Calgary

Questions

Before you book

How many sessions will I need?

Most people follow the 12-week program, which covers about three menstrual cycles. Kim adjusts the rhythm of visits to your cycle and how you respond.

When in my cycle should I come?

Kim usually plans more treatments in the week before your period. Your first visit can be at any point in your cycle.

Can I keep taking painkillers or the pill?

Yes. Acupuncture works alongside your usual care. Never stop a prescribed treatment without talking to your doctor.

Is it covered by insurance?

Many extended health plans cover acupuncture, and we offer direct billing with most insurers. Check your plan before your visit.

Related care at Women Matter

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Imagine a period that does not stop your life.

Start with a free 15-minute call. Kim will tell you honestly whether and how she can help.

Online: Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun · In clinic: Tue morning & Sun · (587) 890-2855

This page is general information, not medical advice. Acupuncture, massage and Chinese medicine are complementary care and do not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Individual results vary. In an emergency, call 911.
© 2026 Women Matter at Strong Therapy · 3333 8 St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 3A4

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