Breast pain, abdominal pain, acne, lower back pain, irritability… Various discomforts after “Aunt Flo” seriously affect the lives and work of female friends. Menstrual cramps are very common among women, with an incidence rate between 50% to 90% depending on age and population.
Severe menstrual cramps are like a “tribulation,” rendering individuals incapacitated and significantly impacting their daily work, study, and life. According to research statistics, 80% of primary dysmenorrhea can be effectively relieved by painkillers. However, the current stigmatization of painkillers has led many women to prefer trying various folk remedies rather than taking painkillers.
We have seen countless girls in the comments section, enduring severe pain because they are afraid of the side effects of painkillers. So, besides taking painkillers, are there other ways to alleviate menstrual pain? Of course!
By massaging these 5 acupoints during menstruation, menstrual pain and lower back pain will disappear!
1. Irregular menstruation – Guan Yuan Point
Guan Yuan Point is located 3 inches below the navel, with 3 inches approximately the width of four fingers placed side by side. This point is mainly used to preserve the body’s yang energy. For those with irregular menstrual cycles, moxibustion on this point has a good effect, once a day for 30 minutes each time.
2. Menstrual cramps – Ming Men Point
Ming Men Point is located between the second and third lumbar vertebrae spines. It can be identified by drawing a circle around the waist with the navel as the center. To alleviate menstrual cramps, it is crucial to keep the Ming Men Point warm by avoiding low-waisted pants and belly-revealing clothes. Additionally, a warm waistband can be used if necessary.
3. Excessive or scanty menstrual flow – Xue Hai Point
According to traditional Chinese medicine, “the spleen governs blood.” Stimulating the Xue Hai Point along the spleen meridian can regulate menstrual flow.
Xue Hai Point is located on the inner side of the thigh, 2 inches above the inner edge of the patella. By tapping with a fist or a health rubber hammer, you can regulate excessive flow by tapping the left side of the Xue Hai Point or tapping the right side for insufficient flow. The number of taps per session is unlimited, but it is recommended to continue for at least 1 hour daily for a month.
4. Stomach discomfort – Zu San Li Point
Zu San Li Point is located on the outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the calf’s knee. It is a well-known acupoint for health maintenance. If you experience fatigue, stomach bloating, or other discomfort during menstruation, you can massage this point to regulate it.
5. Irritability – Tai Chong Point
Tai Chong Point, also known as the Liver 3 point, is located approximately one horizontal finger depression above the space between the first and second toes. Women often experience irritability and mood swings before and after menstruation, and pressing Tai Chong Point for 10 minutes each time can help soothe the liver, regulate qi, and alleviate irritability.
Dr. Miao reminds: In addition to massaging acupoints, women suffering from menstrual pain should pay attention to their diet, lifestyle habits like keeping warm, avoiding cold foods, maintaining emotional stability, and having a balanced diet. Furthermore, regular physical activities such as early bedtime, morning routines, avoiding staying up late, and actively participating in sports are crucial.
Remember these 2 points when dealing with menstrual pain!
1. Brown sugar water is not a “panacea”
During menstruation, many women like to drink brown sugar water to alleviate menstrual pain. However, the suitability of drinking brown sugar water during menstruation varies from person to person. Women with a deficiency in constitution or inadequate qi and blood can moderately consume brown sugar water during menstruation. On the other hand, women with a body constitution leaning towards heat should avoid drinking brown sugar water during menstruation as it might lead to excessive bleeding and increased anxiety.
2. Don’t avoid painkillers
Many people endure menstrual pain silently, refusing to take painkillers, but this is a misconception. Severe menstrual pain may require oral painkillers, which show the best effect when taken two days before the onset of menstruation. As prostaglandin secretion is higher in the first two days of menstruation, early medication can effectively prevent prostaglandin release and synthesis. Therefore, women with severe menstrual pain should monitor their menstrual cycle and take medication in advance for the best results. It is important to note that the efficacy of the same painkiller diminishes with prolonged use, so it is advisable to switch medications. Painkillers should be taken with food to minimize side effects.
