Menstrual disorders are a common gynecological problem, mainly referring to abnormalities in the timing, amount, color, and quality of menstruation, clinically manifested as irregular menstrual cycles and irregular menstrual flow. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for regulating menstruation often involves massage and acupuncture combined with specific dialectical treatment. Let's take a look at which areas can be massaged to regulate menstruation.
Special Acupressure Points for Regulating Menstruation
Guanyuan Point
Guanyuan is the converging point of the small intestine meridian. It is the first choice for nourishing kidney qi and enhancing the body's resistance to diseases. It is also a commonly used special acupressure point in gynecology and obstetrics.
Location: 3 cun below the umbilicus, along the anterior midline.
Massage Technique: Place the palm of the hand on the acupressure point and gently massage in a clockwise direction until warmth is felt, for about 10 minutes each time.
Uterus Point
This acupressure point is located in the lower abdomen, where the uterus is located. It has the functions of promoting blood circulation, regulating menstruation, and relieving pain. It is commonly used in the treatment of female menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other conditions.
Location: 4 cun below the umbilicus, along the anterior midline, 3 cun to the side.
Massage Technique: Press and massage the acupressure point with the index and middle fingers together, with moderate pressure, until warmth is felt, for about 5 minutes each time.
Xuehai Point
This acupressure point is located on the spleen meridian of the foot taiyin. It is the gathering point of blood produced by the spleen meridian. It has the functions of promoting blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, nourishing and replenishing blood, and guiding blood back to the meridians. It can be frequently massaged to regulate menstrual disorders.
Location: 2 cun above the inner end of the distal patella, in the bulge of the inner thigh.
Massage Technique: Bend the knee joint and use the thumb to press and massage the acupressure point. Both legs can be massaged at the same time. Massage for 5 minutes each time, once a day.
Abdominal Massage for Regulating Menstruation
Press and massage Qihai, Guanyuan, and Zhongji points for about 1 minute each, until a feeling of warmth is obtained. Then, use a rubbing motion to massage the lower abdomen in a clockwise direction for about 6-8 minutes.
Qihai: 1.5 cun below the umbilicus, along the anterior midline.
Guanyuan: 3 cun below the umbilicus, along the anterior midline.
Zhongji: 4 cun below the umbilicus, along the anterior midline.
Back Massage for Regulating Menstruation
Press and massage Pishu, Ganshu, and Shenshu points for about 1 minute each, until a feeling of warmth is obtained.
Ganshu: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra on the back.
Pishu: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra on the back.
Shenshu: 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd lumbar vertebra on the back.
Lower Limb Massage for Regulating Menstruation
Press and massage Sanyinjiao, Taixi, and Taichong points for about 1 minute each, until a feeling of soreness is obtained.
Sanyinjiao: Place the four fingers together, with the little finger touching the tip of the inner ankle, at the intersection of a parallel line above the upper margin of the tibia and the posterior margin of the tibial crest.
Taixi: In the depression between the tip of the inner ankle and the Achilles tendon.
Taichong: Push upward between the first and second toes on the dorsum of the foot until a depression is felt.
Differentiation and Treatment of Menstrual Disorders by Massage
Blood Heat Massage Technique
1. Press and massage Dadun (0.1 cun outside the distal end of the big toe, at the corner of the nail), Yinbai (0.1 cun inside the distal end of the big toe, at the corner of the nail), Xingjian (at the back of the foot, between the first and second toes, at the junction of the red and white skin), Sanyinjiao, Xuehai points, for about 1 minute each, until a feeling of warmth is obtained.
2. Press and massage Ganshu (1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra on the back), Weishu (1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra on the back), Dachangshu (1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra on the back), for 3-5 minutes.
Blood Cold Massage Technique
1. Use the palm pressing method to press the navel for 3-5 minutes, until a feeling of warmth is obtained in the lower abdomen.
2. Rub the back with the palm of the hand until the skin feels warm.
Qi and Blood Deficiency Massage Technique
1. Press and massage Zhongwan, Qihai points for 3 minutes each, until a feeling of warmth is obtained in the abdomen.
2. Press and massage Zusanli, Sanyinjiao points for about 1 minute each, until a feeling of soreness is obtained.
3. Press and massage Pishu, Weishu points for 1 minute each.
4. Rub the back with the palm of the hand until the skin feels warm.
Liver Depression Massage Technique
1. Press and massage Zhangmen (below the free end of the 11th rib on the side of the abdomen), for about 2 minutes.
2. Press and massage Geshu (1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra on the back), for 3-5 minutes.
