Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common conditions among women. Many are unaware of its potential risks—it's not merely about pain but can even lead to infertility. When experiencing dysmenorrhea, we must be vigilant and seek active treatment. Below are some traditional Chinese medicine folk remedies for dysmenorrhea.
TCM Methods for Relieving Dysmenorrhea
1. Heat Therapy
This method uses external heat to alleviate pain. For instance, many women find applying a hot water bottle to the abdomen particularly effective in reducing discomfort.
Corresponding Therapy: Individuals with this constitution may benefit from regular hot spring baths or warm water soaks (approximately one hour per session), which improve pelvic blood circulation. However, soaking baths are not recommended during menstruation. Instead, apply thumb pressure to the point two finger-widths below the navel (Zhongji acupoint) for 10-20 minutes to reduce or eliminate menstrual cramps.
II. Exercise Therapy
1. Increase physical activity: Especially for those with weak constitutions, while improving nutrition through diet, incorporate light exercises like walking.
2. Practice yoga: Yoga offers soothing effects. Try poses such as kneeling with knees bent, sitting on heels, forehead touching the ground, arms straight alongside the body.You may experiment with different poses to find the most comfortable position.
III. Medicinal Tea Therapy
Many women drink ginger and brown sugar tea to alleviate menstrual pain, which can be somewhat effective. Adding red dates to this mixture enhances its benefits, not only relieving cramps but also replenishing lost blood and helping maintain a healthy complexion during this period.
IV. Three Folk Remedies for Menstrual Cramps:
Remedy 1: Ginger, Mugwort, and Coix Seed Porridge
10g dried ginger, 10g mugwort leaves, 30g coix seeds. Decoct the first two ingredients to extract the liquid. Cook the coix seeds into porridge until 80% done, then add the herbal liquid and simmer until fully cooked.This porridge warms the meridians, dispels blood stasis, dispels cold, removes dampness, and moisturizes the skin. Suitable for dysmenorrhea caused by cold-damp stagnation.Crush the scallion whites and simmer with chicken, motherwort, and cyperus in water. Drink the broth and consume the chicken. Suitable for dysmenorrhea, also enhances skin radiance. Folk Remedy Three: Hawthorn, Cinnamon Twig, and Brown Sugar Decoction 15g hawthorn fruit, 5g cinnamon twig, 30–50g brown sugar.Place hawthorn fruit and cinnamon twig in an earthenware pot. Add 2 bowls of water and simmer over low heat until reduced to 1 bowl. Stir in brown sugar, mix well, and bring to a boil. This decoction warms the meridians, promotes blood circulation, dissipates blood stasis, and alleviates pain. Suitable for women with cold-type dysmenorrhea and dull complexion.