Treated Conditions > Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation) symptoms usually include pain in the lower abdomen that may spread to the lower back or inner thigh. Often associated with this pain are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and anxiety. Conventional treatments for dysmenorrhea are birth control pills and/or NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen. Even with these medications, however, 20% to 25% of women still experience inadequate pain relief. And there are unwanted side effects with the medications.
How Do We Treat Dysmenorrhea with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine ?
Traditional Chinese Medical theory views the following five factors as the cause of dysmenorrhea:
  1. blood stasis and Qi stagnation
  2. the accumulation of coldness
  3. damp heat
  4. deficiency of Qi and blood
  5. kidney deficiency
In most cases of dysmenorrhea, numbers 1 and 2 are the main causes. With a detailed evaluation of a patient's lifestyle and dysmenorrhea symptoms, we can differentiate the patterns and develop a specific treatment plan to address the root cause of each patient's dysmenorrhea.
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For blood stasis and Qi (energy) stagnation, acupuncture is very effective to promote the blood circulation and Qi (energy) flow.

For the accumulation of coldness, thermal therapy is very effective to dispel the coldness.

For damp heat, deficiency of Qi and blood, and kidney deficiency, the combination of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture produce the optimal result.
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The best treatment time for dysmenorrhea is the week before and during menstruation. Patients often experience instant pain relief by acupuncture treatment.
Self-Care Suggestions
  • AVOID eating or drinking anything COLD before and during your period
  • Drink hot ginger tea with a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses daily
  • Avoid EXTREME exercise during your period