Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological symptoms, which refers to the pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen before and during menstruation, often accompanied by backache or other discomforts, and severely affecting the quality of life. Dysmenorrhea can be classified into primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain without organic lesions in the reproductive organs, accounting for more than 90% of dysmenorrhea cases, while secondary dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain caused by organic diseases in the pelvic cavity.
Dysmenorrhea is a common symptom in women, and for some girls with primary dysmenorrhea, the pain naturally improves or disappears after they grow up, especially after marriage and childbirth, so no treatment is needed, except for individual cases. However, if the pain lasts for more than 3 days, treatment should be given. The treatment for primary dysmenorrhea mainly focuses on symptomatic relief, such as pain relief and sedation. In recent years, comprehensive treatments including psychological counseling, Chinese medicine, Western medicine, and acupuncture have been adopted.
Traditional Chinese medicine can teach you how to relieve pain by massage for various parts of the body. For example, rubbing the temples for headache or pressing the web between the thumb and index finger for toothache. Here, we will introduce the acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine that can relieve pain.
1. Dysmenorrhea Switch - Rubbing the Foot Arch
The dysmenorrhea switch is located on the foot arch, 1.5 cm above the gap between the big toe and the second toe. The specific massage method is as follows: use the thumb of the left hand to rub the right foot, and vice versa. Rub until you feel a sore and swollen sensation, then switch to the other foot.
2. Toothache Switch - Pressing the "Tiger's Mouth" or Hegu Acupoint
"Toothache is not a disease, but it can be fatal when it hurts!" Toothache can make people restless, so you can try two acupoints to relieve toothache. One is near the "Tiger's Mouth," which is the highest point of the muscles when the thumb and index finger are closed. When pressing the "Tiger's Mouth," the force should be applied towards the little finger to achieve better therapeutic effects. It should be noted that pregnant women should not massage this area to avoid affecting the fetus. Another acupoint is located in front of the ear, in the depression between the zygomatic bone and the mandible, known as the Hegu acupoint. Pressing this area with fingers or knuckles can also relieve pain.
3. Headache Switch - Pinching the Brow
Whether you have a cold or are feeling anxious, headaches always seem to follow. When you furrow your brows, try gently relaxing them, because the switch to relieve headaches is hidden between your brows. There is an "Yintang" acupoint between the eyebrows, and massaging this area can help relieve headaches and discomfort in the nose. When you have a headache, use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch and knead this area for about 2 minutes. The movements should be slow and not too fast, with a little pressure, until you feel a slight tingling or swelling. This method can provide immediate relief for common headaches.
4. Back Pain Switch - Rubbing the Lower Back
When you have back pain, rubbing your lower back with both hands can provide immediate relief. The lower back is where the "Dai Mai" passes according to Chinese medicine, especially on both sides of the spine where the kidneys are located. The kidneys prefer warmth and dislike cold, so regular massage can help alleviate back pain. The specific method is to rub your hands together until they are warm, then place them on both sides of the spine at the waist area and rub downward to the coccyx. People with frequent back pain can do this exercise 50-100 times each time, once in the morning and once in the evening.
5. Shoulder Pain Switch - Lifting and Rubbing the "Shoulder Peak"
Many people often help their parents massage their shoulders, but few know the standard movements to relieve shoulder pain. According to Qi Bin Dai, rubbing the shoulders can not only invigorate the blood and Qi in the shoulders but also press the "Jianjing" acupoint, which is located above the nipple and where the shoulder line intersects, and can help relieve shoulder pain, heaviness in the head, lightness in the feet, eye fatigue, tinnitus, and stiff neck. The specific method is to open the palms of both hands, close the four fingers together, and naturally place them on the person's shoulders. Use the five fingers to knead with force. For better results, you can also use hollow fists to tap the back. It should be reminded that massage should not be too long or too forceful, especially for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, it is better not to massage for a long time or with excessive force.
6. Heartache Switch - Pressing the Wrist
Three finger-widths above the transverse crease of the wrist is the switch for heartache, which is also the "Neiguan" acupoint in traditional Chinese medicine. If there is sudden angina, in addition to taking nitroglycerin, pressing this area for 5 minutes can promote blood circulation and relieve pain. It should be reminded that this method is only for auxiliary treatment and emergency use. In case of any emergency, medical attention should be sought in a timely manner.
Precautions
(1) Pay attention to psychological treatment and eliminate tension and worries.
(2) Get enough rest and sleep, exercise regularly and moderately, and quit smoking.
(3) If the pain is unbearable, medication should be used for treatment.
