As women reach a certain age, they may experience amenorrhea, but some women may experience abnormal amenorrhea. Cupping therapy can be used to regulate this condition. So, where should cupping therapy be applied for amenorrhea?
Where to Apply Cupping Therapy for Amenorrhea
Da Zhui Acupoint
1. Location of Da Zhui Acupoint:
Da Zhui acupoint is located in the spinal area, on the midline of the back, below the depression between the spinous processes of the seventh cervical vertebra. The patient should be in a prone or supine position to locate the acupoint.
2. Method of Applying Cupping to Da Zhui Acupoint:
The patient should be in a seated position with the head lowered. Da Zhui acupoint is located on the midline of the back, at the lower end of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra, approximately level with the shoulders (or in a seated position with the head lowered, the hand presses down on the lower edge of the bony prominence of the neck). If the bony prominence is not very obvious, ask the patient to move the neck. The stationary joint is the first thoracic vertebra, approximately level with the shoulders.
3. Function of Da Zhui Acupoint:
Reinforces qi and strengthens yang. Da Zhui acupoint has the functions of releasing the exterior and activating yang, nourishing deficiency and calming the mind, clearing heat and releasing the exterior, and stopping convulsions.
Liver Yu Acupoint
1. Location of Liver Yu Acupoint:
Liver Yu acupoint is located on the back, below the ninth thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 cun to the side of the midline of the back.
2. Method of Applying Cupping to Liver Yu Acupoint:
The patient should be in a prone position. Liver Yu acupoint is located below the ninth thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 cun to the side of the midline of the back, along the bladder meridian.
3. Function of Liver Yu Acupoint:
Dispels heat from the liver. Liver Yu acupoint has the functions of clearing and benefiting the liver and gallbladder, calming the mind and brightening the eyes, nourishing blood and resolving stasis, regulating the liver and gallbladder, and regulating qi and brightening the eyes.
Spleen Yu Acupoint
1. Location of Spleen Yu Acupoint:
Spleen Yu acupoint is located on the back, below the eleventh thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 cun to the side of the midline of the back.
2. Method of Applying Cupping to Spleen Yu Acupoint:
The patient should be in a prone position. Spleen Yu acupoint is located on the back, below the eleventh thoracic vertebra spinous process, 1.5 cun (two finger widths) to the side of the midline of the back.
3. Function of Spleen Yu Acupoint:
Strengthens the spleen and transforms dampness, tonifies the spleen and stomach, and promotes the transformation of dampness and the upward movement of clear qi.
Shen Zhu Acupoint
1. Location of Shen Zhu Acupoint:
Shen Zhu acupoint is located in the spinal area on the midline of the back, below the depression between the spinous processes of the third thoracic vertebra.
2. Method of Applying Cupping to Shen Zhu Acupoint:
The patient should be in a prone or supine position, and the cupping should be applied at the depression below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra on the midline of the back.
3. Function of Shen Zhu Acupoint:
Tonifies qi and strengthens yang. Shen Zhu acupoint has the functions of dispersing lung heat, calming the mind, clearing lung heat, and calming the mind and suppressing coughing.
Shen Yu Acupoint
1. Location of Shen Yu Acupoint:
Shen Yu acupoint is located in the lumbar area, below the second lumbar vertebra spinous process, 1.5 cun to the side.
2. Method of Applying Cupping to Shen Yu Acupoint:
The patient should be in a prone position, and the cupping should be applied at the point 1.5 cun to the side of the Shen Yu acupoint, next to the Mingmen (Du meridian).
3. Function of Shen Yu Acupoint:
Dispels heat from the kidneys externally. Shen Yu acupoint has the functions of nourishing the kidneys and assisting yang, strengthening the lumbar region and promoting urination, regulating kidney qi, strengthening the lumbar spine, and improving hearing and vision.
Qi Hai Acupoint
1. Location of Qi Hai Acupoint:
Qi Hai acupoint is located on the upper abdomen, on the midline, 4 cun above the navel. It is one of the main acupoints on the Ren meridian.
2. Method of Applying Cupping to Qi Hai Acupoint:
The patient can be in a supine position. Qi Hai acupoint is located on the upper abdomen, on the midline, 4 cun above the navel (draw a line from the lower end of the sternum to the midpoint of the umbilicus, divide this line into five equal parts, and the acupoint is located three-fifths of the way down from the umbilicus), this is the location of the acupoint.
3. Function of Qi Hai Acupoint:
Collects and conducts lower body fluids. Qi Hai acupoint has the functions of regulating qi and promoting digestion, resolving dampness and descending rebellious qi, strengthening the stomach and spleen, and descending rebellious qi and promoting diuresis.
San Yin Jiao Acupoint
1. Location of San Yin Jiao Acupoint:
San Yin Jiao acupoint is located on the inner side of the leg, on the tibia, specifically on the inner side of the lower leg, 3 cun above the inner anklebone, behind the medial border of the tibia.
2. Method of Applying Cupping to San Yin Jiao Acupoint:
To locate the acupoint, first measure four finger widths from the inner anklebone upwards, and then the depression on the inner side of the tibia just above the anklebone is the location of the San Yin Jiao acupoint.
3. Function of San Yin Jiao Acupoint:
Tonifies the spleen and nourishes the kidneys, regulates the liver and nourishes the blood, calms the mind and aids sleep.
Ming Men Acupoint
1. Location of Ming Men Acupoint:
Ming Men acupoint is located in the lumbar area of the spinal region, on the midline, below the depression between the second and third lumbar vertebrae spinous processes.
2. Method of Applying Cupping to Ming Men Acupoint:
The patient should be in a prone position. Ming Men acupoint is located in the lumbar area, between the second and third lumbar vertebrae spinous processes. When pressure is applied, there is a strong tenderness.
3. Function of Ming Men Acupoint:
Connects with the Du meridian qi and blood. Ming Men acupoint has the functions of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang, nourishing the kidneys and consolidating essence, and strengthening the lumbar spine.
Guan Yuan Acupoint
1. Location of Guan Yuan Acupoint:
Guan Yuan acupoint is located in the lower abdomen, on the midline, 3 cun below the navel. It is one of the main acupoints on the Ren meridian.
2. Method of Applying Cupping to Guan Yuan Acupoint:
The patient can be in a supine position. Guan Yuan acupoint is located in the lower abdomen, on the midline, 3 cun below the navel (draw a line from the lower end of the sternum to the midpoint of the umbilicus, divide this line into five equal parts, and the acupoint is located three-fifths of the way down from the umbilicus), this is the location of the acupoint.
3. Function of Guan Yuan Acupoint:
Tonifies the kidneys and consolidates essence, strengthens yang, clears heat and resolves dampness, tonifies and consolidates the original qi, and promotes the circulation of red blood cells and diuresis.
Tea Therapy for Relieving Amenorrhea
Su Mu Tong Jing Tea
Ingredients: 5g Su Mu, 5g Liu Ji Nu, 3g Gui Xin, 5g Ling Xiao Hua.
Method: Grind Su Mu and Gui Xin, then brew them together with the rest of the ingredients in boiling water, cover and steep for 15 minutes.
Usage: Drink 1 dose daily, replacing regular tea.
Effect: Activates blood circulation, removes stasis, and promotes menstruation. Suitable for amenorrhea caused by blood stasis.
Ji Xue Teng Tea
Ingredients: 20g Ji Xue Teng, 50g Brown Sugar.
Method: Soak Ji Xue Teng in water for 1 hour, then add brown sugar and simmer for 40 minutes.
Usage: Drink as a substitute for tea.
Effect: Promotes blood circulation, regulates menstruation, and invigorates collaterals. Suitable for amenorrhea caused by blood deficiency.
Yi Mu Cao Orange Tea
Ingredients: 50-100g Yi Mu Cao, 30g Orange, 50g Brown Sugar.
Method: Decoct Yi Mu Cao and Orange, then add an appropriate amount of brown sugar.
Usage: Drink 1 dose daily, several times a month.
Effect: Regulates the liver and qi, activates blood circulation, and eliminates dampness. Suitable for amenorrhea caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis.
Porridge Therapy for Relieving Amenorrhea
Ze Lan Porridge
Ingredients: 30g Ze Lan, 50g Glutinous Rice.
Method: Cook Ze Lan in water, remove the residue, and cook with clean glutinous rice to make porridge.
Usage: Take 2 times daily on an empty stomach.
Effect: Activates blood circulation, promotes diuresis, and relieves depression. Suitable for amenorrhea caused by blood stasis.
Nuo Mi Nei Jin Porridge
Ingredients: 15g Ji Nei Jin, 45g Fresh Chinese Yam, 50g Glutinous Rice.
Method: Boil Ji Nei Jin in water over low heat for 1 hour, then wash the glutinous rice thoroughly and cook with Chinese yam to make porridge.
Usage: Take 1 dose daily, divided into 2 servings.
Effect: Activates blood circulation, regulates menstruation, and invigorates the stomach and digestion. Suitable for amenorrhea caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis.
Long Yan Lian Zi Porridge
Ingredients: 5g Long Yan Rou, 5g Lotus Seed, 20 Red Dates, 100g Glutinous Rice.
Method: Wash Long Yan Rou, red dates, and lotus seeds thoroughly, put them in a pot with an appropriate amount of water and glutinous rice, and cook until porridge is formed.
Usage: Can be consumed for breakfast or as a snack in the morning or afternoon, warm.
Effect: Nourishes the heart, calms the mind, invigorates the spleen, and nourishes qi. Suitable for amenorrhea caused by deficiency of qi and blood.
Cupping Therapy Method for Amenorrhea
For each set of acupoints mentioned above, apply cupping therapy using either simple cupping or pricking-cupping method. First, use a three-edged needle to puncture the acupoints, and then use the flash-fire method to apply the cupping cups to the acupoints. Leave the cups in place for 15 minutes, applying one set of acupoints once a day.
Lifestyle Care for Amenorrhea
1. Increase exercise, enhance physical fitness, and improve overall health.
2. Maintain a relaxed mood, avoid excessive tension, and reduce mental stimulation.
3. Adjust diet, pay attention to intake of protein, and avoid excessive dieting or weight loss, which can lead to malnutrition and cause this condition.
4. Pay attention to menstrual hygiene and postpartum hygiene.
