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Treating Painful Menstruation with TCM

Chris Di Tecco D.Ac, D.TCM / December 18, 2006

Explanation of the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Painful Menstruation.

Despite the fact most women experience some sort of discomfort during their “time of the month” TCM would argue this should not be viewed as “normal”. Although many of the symptoms are widespread in today’s society this is a sign that the woman’s body is out of balance. A woman’s journey through the menstrual cycle should be smooth and free of any discomfort, pain, or fatigue.

Painful Menstruation [Dysmenorrhoea]:

Dysmenorrhoea, or painful menstruation, occurs prior to, during or after menstruation. Dysmenorrhoea is one of the more common gynaecological disorders. It is estimated that 50% of menstruating women experience this condition and 10% of these women will miss several days of work each month. The pain associated with menstruation occurs in the lower abdomen, sacral region (lower back) and sometimes extends to the legs. In severe cases, there may be nausea and vomiting or even fainting. Associated Western conditions include; mittleschmerz, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and myoma.

TCM & Painful Menstruation:

TCM views painful menstruation as an imbalance of energy & blood within the human body. In order for a normal, pain free period to occur, the blood must be abundant and move adequately. Proper movement of blood relies on the free flow of energy which is governed by the liver. If the energy stagnates or is obstructed, there will be pain. Pain can occur differently for women during the period. For some, it may be painful before the onset of the period, for others the period is characterized by stabbing pain which is only relieved by the passing of dark clots. Another symptom is a hesitant period, one which starts and stops suddenly.

Emotions, external environment, overwork, chronic illness and excessive childbirth are the main causes of painful menstruation in TCM. Emotional strain causes stagnation in the flow of energy, which eventually leads to stagnation of blood in the liver and uterus, which leads to painful periods. Excessive exposure to a cold and damp environment, especially during the years of puberty, will lead to cold invading the uterus causing constriction and stagnation of blood, therefore painful periods.

Prognosis:

The TCM protocol for treating painful menstruation is to disperse the static blood and qi which is causing the pain and if necessary strengthen the blood and qi. Both acupuncture and herbal therapy, on their own, or in combination, give excellent results for Painful Menstruation. It could be said that there is hardly a case that cannot be helped, although some cases may take longer. As with all menstrual problems, it generally takes a minimum of three menstrual periods to regulate the cycle completely, although some improvement will be apparent after the first month.