TCM in Treating Menstrual Cramps                                                                                                        
Article contributed by:

Physician Ms Wong Hui Mei

Ma Kuang Healthcare Group

Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, refers to cyclical abdominal pain experiencing before, during or after menstruation, and may associated with headache, nausea, vomit, abdominal bloating, diarrhea and lower back pain.  Usually it is tolerable, occurs once in a while and does not cause much inconveniences to daily life.  However, in 5-15% of women, the cramps is severe enough to disrupt their work and study.  Medical attention is needed if the condition persists and gets worse.  If untreated, it may lead to infertility in the future.
 
Most menstrual cramps is caused by disrupted flow of Qi (vital energy of our body) and over consumption of food and drinks with cold property.  Coldness slows down the circulation, resulting in formation of blood clot in menstrual blood.
 
TCM is effective in treating the root cause of dysmenorrhea by herbal medicine and acupuncture.  It is best to treat 1-2 weeks before menstruation, if no other symptoms show during the cycle.  Through modulating your body condition, TCM helps in promoting circulation and removing blood clots, thereby relieves cramps and improves general well-being during periods.
 
The key point to prevent cramps is keeping your body warm before and during periods, especially the heavy days of periods.  Mild discomfort can be relieved by rest or applying heat.  Ginger tea works well for those who feels cold and nausea.  These methods may not work for all, consult your physician if needed.
 
TCM has shown good efficacy and high success rate in dysmenorrhea treatment.  If painkiller is the only choice you have for your cramps, give TCM a try.

Article contributed by:

Physician Ms Wong Hui Mei

Ma Kuang Healthcare Group

Dated: November 2014

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