Menstrual abdominal pain, also known as “dysmenorrhea” in traditional Chinese medicine, is a common gynecological symptom. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the occurrence of dysmenorrhea is related to various factors, mainly including external factors and internal injuries. Specifically, it can be summarized into the following points:
1、 External factors
Cold and Damp Stagnation: During menstruation, if one is exposed to cold or resides in a cold and damp place for a long time, cold pathogenic factors may accumulate in the uterus, leading to poor circulation of qi and blood, resulting in pain. This type of patient usually presents with premenstrual or menstrual pain in the lower abdomen, refusing to press, and a decrease in heat.
Qi stagnation and blood stasis: It is often caused by emotional depression or anger that damages the liver, leading to unfavorable Qi function, poor circulation of Qi and blood, resulting in blood stasis and causing pain. Patients often have symptoms such as premenstrual or menstrual bloating and pain in the lower abdomen, refusal to press, reduced menstrual flow, poor menstrual flow, or blood clots. The pain can be relieved after the blood clots are cleared.
2、 Internal injury factors
Qi and blood deficiency: Disease depletion or dysfunction of the spleen and stomach can lead to insufficient Qi and blood, loss of nourishment in the uterus, resulting in pain. These patients often have symptoms such as reduced menstrual flow, pale color, and sparse texture.
Liver and kidney deficiency: Congenital deficiency or acquired excessive sexual labor leading to liver and kidney deficiency, insufficient blood and essence in the Chong Ren region, and loss of nourishment in the uterus, resulting in pain. The patient may have symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, dizziness and tinnitus.
3、 Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Methods
Traditional Chinese medicine has various treatment methods for menstrual abdominal pain, including:
Abdominal hot compress: Use a hot towel or warm water bag to apply abdominal hot compress, promote blood circulation, and relieve pain.
Acupuncture and moxibustion and moxibustion of traditional Chinese medicine: through acupuncture and moxibustion at corresponding points, it can promote the discharge of blood stasis, avoid excessive contraction of the uterus, and thus alleviate pain.
Moxibustion: Utilizing the heat generated by the burning of moxa fibers, it plays a role in promoting blood circulation and unblocking meridians, relieving menstrual pain caused by congestion.
Cupping: Cupping can promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, dispel cold and dampness, and help improve menstrual pain caused by uterine coldness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment: Select appropriate Chinese medicine formulas for treatment based on the patient’s specific condition and constitution. Patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis can take traditional Chinese medicine such as Shaofu Zhuyu Tang to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis; Patients with cold dampness stagnation type can use traditional Chinese medicine that warms the meridians and disperses cold for regulation.
4、 Daily maintenance
Pay attention to keeping warm: During menstruation, avoid getting cold, especially in the abdomen and waist, to avoid worsening menstrual pain.
Dietary regulation: During menstruation, one should have a light and easily digestible diet, and avoid stimulating foods such as raw, cold, spicy, etc. Moderate consumption of foods with warming and nourishing effects, such as red dates, longan, etc.
Emotional regulation: Maintain a happy mood and avoid excessive emotional fluctuations that affect the circulation of qi and blood.
Moderate exercise: During menstruation, it is advisable to engage in light physical activities such as walking to promote blood circulation, but vigorous exercise should be avoided.
In short, traditional Chinese medicine focuses on the principles of overall regulation and individualized treatment for menstrual abdominal pain, achieving the goal of relieving pain and regulating the body through syndrome differentiation and treatment. At the same time, patients should also pay attention to daily care and emotional management to assist in treatment and prevent recurrence.
