"Women prioritize their liver" and "kidneys come first for women". During the menstrual period, women experience a significant loss of blood, which leads to deficiency of qi and blood. Deficiency of qi and blood results in poor circulation, and blood stasis causes pain. If not treated in a timely manner, this can develop into cyclic or other severe types of headaches. To treat this type of headache, it is essential to address the deficiency of qi and blood. Massaging acupoints such as Zusanli (ST 36), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), and Yintang (EX-HN 3) is the best choice for treating menstrual headaches.
Zusanli is an acupoint of the Stomach meridian of Foot Yangming. It is located on the lateral side of the lower leg, 3 cun below the St 35, one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia. Taiyang is located in front of the auricle, on the temple area, above the line connecting the outer canthus and the apex of the ear. Yintang is located on the forehead, at the midpoint between the eyebrows.
The forehead and the supraorbital ridge belong to the Yangming meridian, and Zusanli is the meeting point of the Yangming Stomach meridian, which directly targets headaches. The Stomach meridian has the most abundant qi flow from 7 to 9 am every day. During this time, massaging the Zusanli acupoints on both sides for 3 minutes can enhance the overall functioning of the body, just like a dual-core processor, promoting smooth circulation of qi and blood.
If the massage is combined with stimulation of the Taiyang and Yintang acupoints, the results will be more remarkable. The Taiyang acupoint is also an effective acupoint for treating headaches. Many people instinctively massage the Taiyang acupoint to alleviate headaches. Moreover, "The Secrets of Damo" also considers massaging this acupoint as a "rejuvenating method" and believes that regular massage of the Taiyang acupoint can help maintain youthfulness and even reverse aging. The Yintang acupoint is also a key point for treating headaches. Even now, there is a folk tradition of applying moxibustion on the Yintang acupoint to treat headaches.
During the massage, use the thumb to press the Taiyang acupoint on both sides, while the other four fingers push from the center of the forehead towards the sides, gradually moving outwards. Then, press firmly on the Taiyang and Yintang acupoints. Starting from 7 days before menstruation, perform this massage technique for 2 minutes, including pushing the forehead, massaging the Taiyang and Yintang acupoints, until the end of menstruation. This is highly beneficial for relieving menstrual headaches.
Of course, persistence is key. The practice of "fishing for three days and drying the net for two" is not advisable. After all, consistent acupoint massage is necessary to achieve true health benefits.
In addition, Ginseng and Deer Antler Stewed Chicken is a delicious dish that is highly suitable for treating menstrual headaches. Take 10g of ginseng, 3g of deer antler, and 150g of chicken pieces. First, wash the ginseng, deer antler, and chicken pieces. Then, put them together in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and stew over low heat for 3 hours. Season with salt and consume in multiple servings. This can effectively treat menstrual headaches.
Ginseng and deer antler stewed chicken has the double effects of nourishing qi and blood. Ginseng has a slightly warm nature, with a sweet and slightly bitter taste. It has the functions of replenishing qi, solidifying sweating, nourishing blood, harmonizing qi and blood, tonifying qi, nourishing blood, combating fatigue, anti-aging, improving immunity, and regulating blood pressure and lipids. Deer antler is the undeveloped antler of a male deer, and it is a precious Chinese medicinal herb with excellent nourishing properties. It can improve sleep and appetite, reduce fatigue, enhance immune function, and strengthen cardiovascular function. Chicken meat can supplement the five viscera, treat weak spleen and stomach, and nourish qi and blood. Therefore, consuming Ginseng and Deer Antler Stewed Chicken is an excellent choice for treating menstrual headaches.
