Dysmenorrhea is a common physiological problem faced by many women. There are various reasons that can cause dysmenorrhea, and besides congenital factors, unhealthy habits in daily life can also lead to dysmenorrhea. So, how can we relieve dysmenorrhea? Traditional Chinese medicine teaches you a simple acupressure technique that can effectively alleviate the pain.
Causes of Dysmenorrhea in Women
1. Primary Dysmenorrhea
About 50% of women experience dysmenorrhea, but it is considered primary dysmenorrhea, which is a physiological condition. Some discomfort during menstruation, such as lower abdominal pain, is a normal physiological phenomenon. Everyone experiences some discomfort during menstruation, but the intensity of the pain varies from person to person. Only when dysmenorrhea affects normal life does it become a disease.
2. Poor Uterine Development
Poor uterine development can lead to abnormal blood supply, causing uterine ischemia, hypoxia, and subsequently dysmenorrhea.
3. Physical Weakness
The muscles in the upper abdomen provide support to the organs in the abdominal cavity. If these muscles are underdeveloped, they may not provide adequate support, causing pain due to the pulling of organs caused by their weight.
4. Mental Stress
Some women feel irritable, anxious, tense, and fearful during menstruation. Therefore, they are more sensitive to pain than others. Even slight discomfort can be perceived as pain, and the more stressed they are, the more pain they feel. This kind of pain is mainly caused or aggravated by psychological factors.
Methods to Regulate Dysmenorrhea
1. Diet Adjustment
Women with dysmenorrhea can drink a cup of hot milk with honey before bedtime to relieve the pain. They can also eat bananas to alleviate the pain. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, which stabilizes emotions and reduces abdominal pain.
Eating more vegetables, fruits, chicken, and fish, and avoiding overly sweet or salty foods, can also help relieve dysmenorrhea.
It is important to note that caffeine can cause nervousness and may lead to menstrual disorders. Additionally, the fat in coffee can stimulate the intestines. Therefore, women with dysmenorrhea should consume less or avoid foods containing caffeine.
2. Heat Application
Placing a hot water bottle on the abdomen and maintaining body temperature can significantly reduce the pain of dysmenorrhea. Drinking hot water can also be beneficial.
3. Massage
Lie on a blanket in a completely relaxed position, stretch your body, extend your arms, and point your toes inward. Let a friend touch the spine on your back and gently push towards your feet. Repeat 1-2 times per second. Note that the motion should be pushing forward and backward, not circular.
Acupressure to Relieve Dysmenorrhea
Location: Located on the inside of the lower leg, 3 inches above the inner ankle bone, behind the inner edge of the shinbone.
Name Explanation: Sanyin refers to the three yin meridians of the foot. Jiao means intersection. The name Sanyinjiao implies that the qi and blood substances of the three yin meridians of the foot intersect at this acupoint.
Method: About one week before menstruation, massage the Sanyinjiao acupoint. Use the thumb of one hand to knead the opposite Sanyinjiao acupoint for about 1 minute until you feel a sore and swollen sensation.
Effect: This can help the menstrual blood flow downward. When experiencing pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region before menstruation, massaging this acupoint can help eliminate stagnated menstrual blood and reduce or relieve the pain.
This acupoint is effective in treating various gynecological conditions, including irregular menstruation, excessive or insufficient menstrual flow, premenstrual syndrome, and menopausal syndrome.
The Sanyinjiao acupoint is where the three meridians of the spleen, liver, and kidney intersect. Massaging the Sanyinjiao acupoint on both legs for 15 minutes each night from 9 to 11 p.m. can regulate menstruation and improve skin conditions such as freckles, acne, and wrinkles.
