Chinese medicine to ease menstrual pain

By Tracey-Ann Brown, Complementary & Oriental Medicine

Do you find yourself on the offensive every month, starting your regular course of painkillers before the onset of your period and the inevitable cramps? Many women are plagued with dull, throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen as a result of their menstrual period. This is known as dysmenorrhoea.

In some cases, the pain radiates to the lower back and down the thighs and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, loose stool, constipation and headaches. More than half of menstruating women experience menstrual cramps and about 10 per cent experience severe pain, which may interfere with regular activities.

CAUSES

There are two types of menstrual cramps/dysmenorrhea:

Primary dysmenorrhoea: in this case there is no underlying problem causing the pain.

Secondary dysmenorrhoea: here there is an underlying condition contributing to menstrual pain.

Conditions which may contribute to pain include:

Endometriosis: endometrial tissue which usually lines the inside of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus.

Uterine fibroids: benign/non-cancerous uterine growths.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): an infection of one or more pelvic organs.

Adhesions: the formation of bands of tissue between organs.

Adenomyosis: a condition in which the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) invades the muscle wall of the uterus (the myometrium)

IUD (intrauterine device): for contraception.

TREATMENTS

In addition to painkillers, hormone therapy and, in some cases, surgery, Chinese medicine offers treatment that can help with the management of pain and underlying conditions if present. Three primary approaches are taken to aid in the relief of pain and accompanying symptoms of discomfort.

ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

The primary acupuncture points used are those along the Ren Mai, Chong Mai and Dai Mai meridians. These meridians are pathways in the body that are used to regulate the menstrual flow and are particularly useful in cases of menstrual pain, clots and heavy flow. Extremely thin acupuncture needles are gently inserted and stimulated at points found primarily on the abdomen to address symptoms.

Moxibustion involves the application of warmth using the moxa/mugwort herb at specific acupuncture points. In the treatment of menstrual pain, moxa is placed on acupuncture points in the pelvic area. This stimulates the movement of qi and blood in order to allow its free flow.

HERBAL FORMULAS

Herbal formulas primarily comprise herbs called blood invigorators. These herbs are used to break up masses, cysts, adhesions and, generally, any kind of obstruction in the pelvis and are very helpful in overall pain management. Commonly used herbs include:

Dang Gui/Tang-Kuei (Chinese angelica root)

Jiang Huang (Tumeric)

Tao Ren (Peach kernel)

Chi Shao (Red peony root)

Mu Li (Oyster shell)

Mo Yao (Myrrh)

Hong Hua (Safflower flower)

Some of these herbs are readily available at health food stores.

DIET AND EXERCISE

A number of dietary recommendations are made to ease symptoms. Key recommendations include the elimination or reduced consumption of:

Sugar

Dairy

Highly processed food

Exercise can help alleviate menstrual cramps.

The good news is that menstrual cramps tend to improve with age.

Dr Tracey-Ann Brown is an oriental medicine practitioner of acupuncture and herbal medicine at Revamp Comprehensive and adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology in oriental/Chinese medicine; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com