Ending the period Pain
TCM treatment of dysmenorrhea
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is well known for effectively treat conditions like arthritic knee pain and back pain, but many are surprised that TCM is highly effective for treating gynecological problems as dysmenorrhea.
Painful (or dysmenorrhoea) affect more than 50% of its rules and females is indicated by the presence of acute cramps or dull, aching, which may be intermittent or constant in the lower abdomen or back, before, during or after the period. Many women live with the discomfort and not never seek medical attention, believing that pain is something they come to live with. Some women are unable by the pain work or lack of school every month is a common thing.
What is dysmenorrhea?
Dysmenorrhea can be classified into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is when there is no known cause for pain (idiopathic). Secondary dysmenorrhea is when there is an underlying cause of pain such as endometriosis (the most common cause), inflammatory disease pelvic or a structural abnormality in the uterus.
Medical treatment of the West for dysmenorrhea
Treatments the most common medical for dysmenorrhea are the use of anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, Motrin, etc.). If women are interested in contraception and birth control pills may be prescribed which has also shown to be effective. The problem is that many of these treatments aim to relieve symptoms rather than the long-term management of the state. In addition, treatment side these effects have prompted a growing concern. A growing number of women are interested in more than just mask the pain and are looking for solutions who will treat the root of the problem of safely and naturally.
How TCM views Dysmenorrhea
As part of TCM, menstruation, plays an important role in health and females was speaking freely and openly. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine are able to gain a unique insight in a state of general health in females carefully observing their menstrual cycle. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine is primarily concerned by the length of the female cycle, the amount of bleeding, color and quality of blood and there is no pain involved. An imbalance is usually involved if the period of a woman is illegal, is still heavy or thin, if there is pain (just to name name a few). With the use of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, these imbalances can be corrected to be ultimately regulate the period and in case of dysmenorrhea, stop the pain.
TCM causes of dysmenorrhea
There are many different causes of painful menstruation when it comes to traditional Chinese medicine. It should be noted that all cases of dysmenorrhea have a life individual, despite similar symptoms in different individuals and may be dealt with completely different herbs or acupuncture points. This is why it is so important that when you go to a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, you go to a person with appropriate training.
Note: When working with a professional sound TCM, you will find they will use medical terminology to describe your unknown health status. Wind, humidity, Qi (chee) stagnation and Yang are some common descriptive terms used. Initially, they seem strange, but when is used in a TCM context, they paint a picture of harmony (or disharmony), which will ultimately guide the practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine choose acupuncture points or correct the right combination of herbs.
The following are the TCM diagnosis of dysmenorrhea, with signs and common symptoms. Some females will fit perfectly into the pattern described but most are a combination of reasons 2-3.
Liver Qi Stagnation: diagnosis very common. Which mostly PMS symptoms such as irritability, depression, breast distention and pain dull lower abdomen.
Stagnation of blood symptoms usually involve severe, stabbing abdominal or low back pain with a stream of dark clots.
Cold Humidity: usually involves the end of periods with menstrual pain that is sharp and cold and improves with the application of heat.
Kidney and liver Yin menstrual pain with accompanying lower back and knee pain with a stream of light.
Qi & Blood deficiency: a period often light and short with pain from usually after the period is over.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs
Both acupuncture and Chinese herbs are necessary for the successful treatment of dysmenorrhea.
Acupuncture is a very safe and effective reduce all types of pain, including menstrual pain and must be administered by a trained TCM practitioner for optimal results. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has shown that acupuncture is effective in treating dysmenorrhea. Acupuncture regulates many functions in the body, processes including inflammation and endocrine (hormonal) system that directly affect menstruation. Depending on the diagnosis, the points on the hands, feet, legs, abdomen and back will be considered. Points on the ear is often used and can be very useful to keep the client relaxed during treatment.
A recent article in the Journal of Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2007) has shown that acupuncture reduces pain due to dysmenorrhea over 60%. Also, the use of NSAIDs for the treatment of dysmenorrhea was reduced on average 63%. Most striking is the fact that the majority of women receiving acupuncture (over 55%) still had relief of more than 6 months after treatment ended, indicating that the benefits of acupuncture are not only symptomatic relief.
There are thousands and thousands of plants in the pharmacopoeia and traditional Chinese medicine, it takes several years to become an expert. There is no grass for a given condition and by diagnosis given, it could be anywhere from six to twenty herbs in treatment protocol. Herbs are usually taken as a tea twice a day until the therapeutic result was achieved. It is extremely important that interested in receiving therapy based plants go to a qualified practitioner with experience in gynecology these. Administering the wrong herbs at specific stages of the female cycle can potentially increasing pain and / or bleeding. This can be avoided by seeing a person specially trained in traditional Chinese herbalism.
Other anxiety disorders
Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dysmenorrhea and should always be a part of the treatment protocol. Some foods such as refined sugars and flours, red meats, dairy products and fried foods should be avoided with excessive alcohol and smoking. These foods can increase inflammation and may contribute to the problem. Supplements such as evening primrose oil (anti-inflammatory), calcium and magnesium (muscle relaxant), niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6) also showed a decrease in the frequency and severity of cramps menstrual.
Deep breathing exercises, sacral (lower back) massage and regular exercise are also effective to treat pain and menstrual can easily be done in the comfort of your home.
Traditional Chinese medicine is a wonderful system of primary health, perfect for the treatment of many diseases, much more than just pain management. Contact your local TCM practitioner today to begin your journey to a healthier, pain-free period.
About the Author
Drew Nesbitt BA, TCMP, Ac. ROHP has an honours degree in Health Studies as well as a Doctoral Diploma in TCM and Acupuncture and is a Registered Orthomolecular Health Practitioner. Drew is a member of the Canadian Society of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture and has been in clinical practise in Toronto for over 7 years helping people with chronic pain, digestive concerns, gynaecological issues and infertility. To reach Drew, visit www.drewnesbitt.ca
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