Period Pain is a common issue faced by many women during their menstrual cycle. In Australia, due to its widespread occurrence, numerous individuals hold misconceptions, believing that menstrual pain is a normal phenomenon every woman experience, differing only in its intensity. As a result, apart from severe pain that becomes unbearable, individuals tend to rely on painkillers for relief, often neglecting to seek proper treatment. The consequences include enduring years of agony, neglect-induced reproductive impairment that can significantly impact future pregnancies, and complications arising from irregular menstruation, which is a crucial aspect of female health.
However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective and methods distinct from Western medicine. In TCM theory, dysmenorrhea is categorized as "menstrual pain" or "painful menstruation," typically arising from factors such as stagnation of Qi and blood, the generation of cold and dampness, or emotional discomfort.
Causes of Period Pain:
1. Obstruction Leads to Pain:
Stagnation in meridians or blood vessels causes pain. From a TCM perspective, the primary causes of obstruction include cold, dampness, phlegm, blood stasis, and Qi stagnation.
2. Deficiency Leads to Pain:
Insufficient nourishment of muscles via meridians and blood vessels, primarily due to blood deficiency, usually occurring in the latter part of menstruation.
Distinctive Features of Chinese Medicine for Period Pain:
1. Individualized Treatment:
TCM emphasizes individualized treatment based on constitution, Qi and blood status, and symptom manifestation. For dysmenorrhea, TCM practitioners analyze the individual's physical condition, Qi and blood circulation, and pain nature to identify the true cause of pain. They employ targeted methods such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and moxibustion to address the underlying cause, achieving fundamental healing instead of temporary relief.
2. Natural Therapies:
TCM practices advocate alignment with nature, where acupuncture, herbal remedies, or moxibustion assist the body's self-repair mechanisms by replenishing Qi and blood, regulating their flow, and restoring overall harmony. Common herbs like Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum chuanxiong, and Rehmannia glutinosa are widely used to nourish and promote Qi and blood circulation in women. Acupuncture targeting specific points like Guanyuan, Qihai, and Sanyinjiao can supplement vital energy, alleviate meridian stress, and enhance blood circulation, thus reducing menstrual discomfort.
3. Holistic Adjustment:
TCM emphasizes holistic thinking, optimizing the entire body while treating dysmenorrhea. Often, alongside the resolution of menstrual pain, individuals experience a significant enhancement in overall health. Symptoms associated with PMS, such as headaches, breast tenderness, constipation, mood swings, and insomnia, may subside or disappear during the treatment process.
The ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine for Period Pain is gradually gaining recognition in modern society, providing a new alternative for women seeking alternative methods.
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