Irregular periods, menstrual cramps, abdominal pain, breast tenderness, anxiety and irritability are all problems associated with having your period.
Menstrual cramps can be quite painful and along with bloating can be very disruptive to daily life. Many advocate slowing down, taking it easy, resting. If you can grab a hot cup of rosehip tea, a great book and snuggle down with your favorite pet, that is an excellent remedy, but often times life interferes and occasionally the pain is stronger than just slowing down can help. OTC medications are plentiful, they can ease the pain but don’t actually treat the problem.
Menstrual cramps can be relieved by acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks at menstrual cramps as a result of Qi and Blood not able to flow freely. This energy, or Qi stagnates and this can cause pain. Promoting movement of this Qi and Blood, as well as regulating your body so that bloating, breast tenderness and irritability are also relived is the main goal of these treatments.
In addition to regular acupuncture treatments, the following can be used to promote movement and relieve painful periods.
Tea: Rosehips, cinnamon, chamomile and ginger teas can all assist the body during this time. Mixing some of the raw herbs with boiling water, letting them steep for 20 minute or so before drinking.
Wine: Wine is one of the medicines in the pharmacopea of Chinese Medicine. It can promote and stimulate the movement of Qi and Blood and taken in moderation, can be used for cramps. Moderation prior to your cycle with wine and alcohol is important, as prior to beginning bleeding, wine can actually cause stagnation and problems.
Fish Oil Capsules: Fish oils are an amazing source of essential fatty acids, which are show to reduce overall inflammation in the body and will help to reduce the blood clotting and vasoconstriction that can cause cramping. Take fish oils daily, from 1,200 to 4,000 mg per day.
Diet: Chinese Nutrition is an important factor in every treatment plan. Avoid excessively cold foods and dairy products during your period. Ice in your water at this time, icecream, and other cold foods will only serve to make the problem worse. Drinking plenty of room temperature water, or warm tea, green leafy vegetables and regular meals will help. Regular exercise is essential, but when you are bleeding, don’t push yourself too hard. Gentle movements such as dancing and yoga, walking and light swimming are great.
Chinese Herbal Therapy: Chinese herbs are foremost, the best choice for helping to reduce cramping. A Traditional Chinese Medical formula at our office is made up of granuals and is highly individualized according to the underlying problems with the health of the patient. We can use this individual formula to address everything from cramping and bloating to irritability and irregular menstruation.
Whatever your imbalance is with your reproductive health, Traditional Chinese Medicine, with acupuncture and herbal therapy can be a great tool to help you feel better. When you come in, we will write up a full treatment plan and help you to make the best decisions for your health.
Tags: Benefits, Natural Methods, Pain Relief, Women's Health