Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea, is a common issue experienced by many women during their menstrual cycle. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe cramps that interfere with daily activities. While some women rely on over-the-counter medication, others seek more natural solutions, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture, to relieve their period pain.
What Causes Period Pain?
Period pain is typically caused by the contraction of the uterus during menstruation. These contractions help shed the uterine lining, but they can also reduce blood flow to the uterus, leading to cramping and discomfort. There are two types of dysmenorrhea:
- Primary Dysmenorrhea: The most common form, caused by natural uterine contractions. It usually begins a few years after the start of menstruation and may become less severe with age or after childbirth.
- Secondary Dysmenorrhea: Caused by an underlying medical condition such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. The pain from secondary dysmenorrhea often starts earlier in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than primary dysmenorrhea.
How Can TCM Help Relieve Period Pain?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views period pain as an imbalance in the body. In TCM theory, pain occurs when there is Stagnant Qi or blood stasis.
For menstruation, this stagnation can manifest as cramping, clotting, or even irregular cycles.
Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Acupuncture is a key component of TCM and is widely used to treat dysmenorrhea. During acupuncture treatment, thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to restore the flow of Qi and improve blood circulation.
By stimulating the brain and nervous system, acupuncture can initiate homeostasis or the body's ability to repair and regulate. It can show up as less frequent or severe menstrual cramps, reduced inflammation and feeling calmer and more relaxed.
Several studies support acupuncture as an useful treatment for menstrual pain. A systematic review published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2018 showed some interesting conclusions.
It found that acupuncture can significantly reduce the intensity and duration of period pain compared to no treatment or standard medical intervention.
Acupuncture showed the ability to release endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Moxibustion for Period Pain Relief
Moxibustion, or moxa, is another TCM therapy often used in conjunction with acupuncture to treat menstrual pain.
Moxa involves burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near specific acupuncture points to warm and relax the abdominal muscles, promote blood flow, and relieve pain.
In the context of dysmenorrhea, moxa is typically applied to acupoints around the lower abdomen or lower back to stimulate circulation and reduce the stagnation causing pain.
A specific moxa technique for period pain involves the use of moxa sticks or moxa cones placed on the lower abdomen. The gentle heat from the burning moxa penetrates the skin and tissues, helping to relax the uterine muscles and ease cramps.
This method is particularly beneficial for women who experience cold-type dysmenorrhea, where the pain is exacerbated by feelings of coldness in the body.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Moxa
Several clinical trials have examined the effects of moxibustion on period pain. A study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2013 found that moxibustion was effective in reducing menstrual pain and improving overall quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea.
Another published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2016 showed that combining moxa with acupuncture produced better results than acupuncture alone, with women reporting significant relief from period pain.
References:
- PLOS ONE. (2018). Acupuncture for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (2013). The Effectiveness of Moxibustion for the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. (2016). Comparison of Acupuncture Alone and Acupuncture with Moxibustion in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea.
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