A new study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology has found that acupuncture may be more effective in relieving menstrual cramp pain than conventional or herbal medications.

According to Reuters, researchers in South Korea reviewed data from 27 previous studies that involved nearly 3,000 women.

"There is convincing evidence on the effectiveness of using acupuncture to treat pain as it stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin in the central nervous system," the study’s authors wrote in a statement. "Compared with pharmacological treatment or herbal medicine, acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in pain."

Menstrual cramps are believed to affect as many as half of young women. In addition to pain, they can be accompanied by bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and headache.

Common treatments include exercise, painkillers and applying heat to the lower abdomen. Natural remedies include taking nutritional supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, calcium as well as vitamins B1 and E.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that uses small needles placed at specific points on the body to help the flow of energy. It is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for many conditions including migraines, depression, lower back pain and rheumatoid arthritis.