Menstrual disorders refer to abnormalities in menstrual cycle, duration, color, and quality, accompanied by other symptoms. It is also known as irregular menstruation. Clinical manifestations include early or late menstruation, irregular menstruation, heavy or light menstrual flow, and so on. The treatment mainly focuses on harmonizing Qi and Blood. Below is a detailed explanation of the massage techniques for menstrual disorders.
Abdominal Massage Techniques
Press and rub Qihai, Guanyuan, Zhongji acupoints for about 1 minute each, focusing on obtaining Qi. Then, use rubbing method to massage the lower abdomen in a clockwise direction for about 6-8 minutes.
Qihai: Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, 1.5 inches below the navel.
Guanyuan: Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, 3 inches below the navel.
Zhongji: Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, 4 inches below the navel.
Back Massage Techniques
Press and rub Pishu, Ganshu, Shenshu acupoints for about 1 minute each, focusing on obtaining Qi.
Ganshu: Located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra.
Pishu: Located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra.
Shenshu: Located on the lower back, 1.5 inches beside the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra.
Lower Limb Massage Techniques
Press and rub Sanyinjiao, Taixi, Taichong acupoints for about 1 minute each, focusing on achieving a sore and swollen sensation.
Sanyinjiao: With four fingers close together, the little finger is placed on the tip of the medial malleolus. The intersection point of the upper margin of the index finger and the posterior margin of the tibia is the acupoint.
Taixi: Located between the tip of the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon.
Taichong: Press upwards between the first and second toes on the dorsum of the foot until a depression is felt.
Massage Techniques for Blood Heat Type Menstrual Disorders
1. Press and rub Dadun, Xingjian, Yinbai, JieXi, Sanyinjiao, Xuehai acupoints for about 1 minute each, focusing on obtaining Qi.
Yinbai: On the inner side of the distal end of the big toe, 0.1 inch from the corner of the toenail.
Dadun: On the outer side of the distal end of the big toe, 0.1 inch from the corner of the toenail.
Xingjian: On the lateral side of the foot, behind the red and white skin junction at the back of the interdigital cleft between the first and second toes.
JieXi: In the center of the depression at the intersection of the transverse lines at the junction of the dorsal foot and the lower leg, between the two tendons on the dorsal foot.
Sanyinjiao: With four fingers close together, the little finger is placed on the tip of the medial malleolus. The intersection point of the upper margin of the index finger and the posterior margin of the tibia is the acupoint.
Xuehai: Bend the knee, grasp the knee with the palm of the hand, and the thumb and other four fingers form a 45° angle. The acupoint is located at the tip of the thumb.
2. Press and rub Ganshu, Weishu, Dachangshu acupoints for 3-5 minutes.
Ganshu: Located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra.
Weishu: Located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra.
Dachangshu: Located on the lower back, 1.5 inches beside the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra.
Massage Techniques for Blood Cold Type Menstrual Disorders
1. Use palm pressure to press the navel for 3-5 minutes, causing a warm sensation in the lower abdomen.
2. Rub the back, focusing on achieving a warm sensation in the skin.
Massage Techniques for Qi and Blood Deficiency Type Menstrual Disorders
1. Press and rub Zhongwan, Qihai acupoints for 3 minutes, causing a warm sensation in the abdomen.
Zhongwan: Located on the upper abdomen, 4 inches above the navel on the midline, at the midpoint between the navel and the xiphoid process of the sternum.
Qihai: Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, 5 inches below the navel.
2. Press and rub Zusanli, Sanyinjiao acupoints for about 1 minute each, focusing on obtaining Qi.
Zusanli: Located 3 inches below the outer knee crease, 1 inch to the outside. Can be felt by palpating up along the tibia until a prominent bony slope blocks, the acupoint is located 1 inch beside it.
Sanyinjiao: With four fingers close together, the little finger is placed on the tip of the medial malleolus. The intersection point of the upper margin of the index finger and the posterior margin of the tibia is the acupoint.
3. Press and rub Pishu, Weishu acupoints for 1 minute each.
Pishu: Located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra.
Weishu: Located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra.
Massage Techniques for Liver Depression Type Menstrual Disorders
1. Use the thumb to press and rub Zhangmen acupoint for about 2 minutes.
Zhangmen: On the lateral side of the abdomen, below the free end of the 11th rib.
2. Use the thumb to press and rub Geshu, Ganshu acupoints for 3-5 minutes.
Geshu: Located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra.
Ganshu: Located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra.
Massage Techniques for Kidney Deficiency Type Menstrual Disorders
1. Press and hold Guanyuan acupoint for 3-5 minutes, focusing on deep and warm sensation in the lower abdomen.
Guanyuan: Located on the midline of the lower abdomen, 3 inches below the navel.
2. Press and rub Yongquan acupoints on both sides for 1 minute, then use palm rubbing method to repeatedly rub the sole of the foot along the vertical axis, focusing on achieving a warm sensation.
Yongquan: Located in the front one-third of the sole, in the depression above the arch.
3. Rub the back along the Governor Vessel and the bilateral Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, rubbing 5-7 times, then focus on rubbing the waist and sacral region, aiming to achieve a warm sensation.
Precautions for Massage Techniques for Menstrual Disorders
1. The movements should be gentle and relaxed, gradually progressing in sequence. Avoid rough movements and the desire for quick results.
2. Massage should be performed before and after menstruation, pay attention to diet regulation, avoid overeating, or consuming fatty, sweet, cold, spicy foods.
3. Pay attention to changes in climate and environment, avoid getting cold, but also avoid excessive heat.
4. Maintain a relaxed mood, avoid extreme emotional fluctuations that may cause this condition.
5. Pay attention to rest, avoid excessive fatigue and intense exercise, avoid excessive sexual activity, and pay attention to contraception to avoid miscarriage and damage to the Chong and Ren channels and Kidney Qi.
