Dysmenorrhea refers to lower abdominal pain that occurs before or during menstruation. According to traditional Chinese medicine, dysmenorrhea is mainly caused by poor circulation of qi and blood. Massage therapy can help regulate meridians, promote qi and blood flow. Let's take a look at which parts of the body can be massaged to treat dysmenorrhea.
Causes and Mechanisms of Dysmenorrhea
1. Qi stagnation and blood stasis: Emotional distress and liver qi stagnation can lead to poor circulation of qi, resulting in blood stasis and pain.
2. Cold and dampness stagnation: Exposure to rain or cold, sitting or lying on damp ground can lead to invasion of cold and dampness. This can cause blockages and hinder the flow of blood, resulting in abdominal pain during menstruation.
3. Qi and blood deficiency: Weak constitution or long-term illness can lead to deficiency in qi and blood. Insufficient qi and blood cannot circulate properly, resulting in empty meridians and lack of nourishment to the uterus, leading to menstrual pain.
Principles of Massage Therapy for Dysmenorrhea
The main goal of massage therapy for dysmenorrhea is to regulate qi and blood circulation. For those with qi stagnation and blood stasis, the focus is on promoting qi and blood flow. For those with cold and dampness stagnation, the focus is on warming the meridians and resolving stasis. For those with qi and blood deficiency, the focus is on nourishing and warming the body.
Acupoints and Areas for Massage Therapy for Dysmenorrhea
Qihai, Guanyuan, Shenshu, Ganshu, Pishu, Geshu, Baliao, Xuehai, Sanyinjiao, and other acupoints.
Massage Technique: The patient lies on their back, while the therapist sits on the right side. First, rub the area around the Renzhong acupoint, then rub the lower abdomen (rub for about 5 minutes or longer). Next, use the One-Finger Zen technique on Qihai, Guanyuan, and Zhongji, repeating the technique 2-3 times. Massage Qihai, Guanyuan, Xuehai, and Sanyinjiao, then have the patient switch to a prone position. The therapist can use the thumb technique to massage Shenshu, Pishu, Geshu, Shenshu, and Baliao acupoints. Lastly, rub Baliao and the lumbar sacral area.
Explanation of Acupoints for Massage Therapy for Dysmenorrhea
Rubbing the Ren channel helps to regulate the flow of qi and blood. Rubbing the lower abdomen warms the meridians, dispels cold, resolves stasis, and relieves pain. Both rubbing and massaging techniques can also regulate the Ren channel, harmonize qi and blood, and treat dysmenorrhea. Pushing and massaging Guanyuan and Qihai can strengthen the body. Geshu is a key acupoint for treating blood diseases and can be used together with Xuehai to promote blood circulation and nourish the blood. Pushing and massaging Baliao can regulate the flow of qi and blood in the uterus, and rubbing it can enhance its warming and promoting effects. Sanyinjiao is a key acupoint for treating gynecological diseases, and massaging it can promote qi and blood circulation.
Differentiation and Modification of Massage Therapy for Dysmenorrhea
For those with qi stagnation and blood stasis, omit Qihai and add Zhongmen, Qimen, and Taichong. For those with cold and dampness stagnation, add pressure on Dazhui, push Fengchi, and massage Quchi and Fenglong. For those with qi and blood deficiency, add pressure on Ganshu, Weishu, Zusanli, and massage Zhongwan and Zhen Guanyuan.
Precautions for Massage Therapy for Dysmenorrhea
1. Massage therapy for dysmenorrhea is generally recommended to start 7-10 days before the expected period and stop during menstruation. Resume massage therapy 7-10 days before the next expected period.
2. When the abdominal pain is severe, press and massage acupoints such as Ganshu and Geshu before performing abdominal massage, and proceed with the massage after the pain is relieved.
3. During menstruation, pay attention to keeping warm and avoid exposure to cold. Maintain menstrual hygiene.
4. Rest appropriately during menstruation and avoid excessive fatigue.
5. Maintain stable emotions, avoid irritability and depression.
6. Avoid eating raw and cold, spicy, and stimulating foods.
