2. Menstrual cramps, a common yet distressing
symptom among women, demand effective relief
strategies. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
offers a unique solution through moxibustion, a
technique that has been relieving women of this
discomfort for centuries.
3. Dysmenorrhea, the medical term for menstrual
cramps, manifests as pain in the lower abdomen,
often accompanied by lower back pain and
abdominal swelling during or around menstruation.
It is primarily divided into two categories: primary,
which lacks organic genital lesions and accounts for
over 90% of cases, and secondary, resulting from
pelvic lesions.
4. Moxibustion, a cornerstone of TCM, is particularly
effective for primary dysmenorrhea. It involves
burning moxa (mugwort) either directly on the
skin or held just above it, to stimulate specific
acupoints. This process is believed to warm the
meridians, dispel cold, invigorate the blood, and
promote the flow of qi, thereby alleviating
menstrual discomfort.
5. 1. Salt Moxibustion: Salt is placed on the navel and
Guanyuan acupoint, topped with moxa, and ignited. This is
done daily starting a few days before menstruation for three
cycles.
2. Ginger Moxibustion: Ginger slices are used instead of salt,
with the moxa placed on top and lit. This method similarly
begins a few days pre-menstruation and continues for three
menstrual cycles.
6. 3. Salt and Ginger Moxibustion: Combining both
salt and ginger at the navel and Guanyuan points,
this method also uses ignited moxa for treatment in
the days leading up to menstruation.
4. Moxa Moxibustion: Directly using a lit moxa stick,
the abdomen, lumbosacral region, and inner calf
are gently warmed, starting several days before
menstruation for three cycles.
7. 5. Mankshood Moxibustion: A cake of ground
monkshood is placed on the pain area, with moxa on
top and lit. This technique is applied in the days
before menstruation for three consecutive cycles.
6. Medicine Moxibustion: A mix of saffron, pollen
typhae, ligusticum wallichii, and corydalis tuber is
made into a cake, placed on specific acupoints, and
used as a base for the moxa. This treatment starts a
few days before the expected menstrual pain for
three menstrual cycles.
8. These moxibustion methods can significantly alleviate
menstrual cramps by enhancing qi and blood flow
and opening the meridians. However, it's crucial to
differentiate between primary and secondary
dysmenorrhea, as the latter requires addressing the
underlying cause.
Women experiencing dysmenorrhea should first seek
medical evaluation to determine its origin.
9. In cases of secondary dysmenorrhea caused
by pelvic inflammation,TCM also offers
remedies like the Fuyan Pill, alongside other
medical interventions, to comprehensively
tackle the condition.
10. Persistent menstrual cramps should not be ignored.
Delaying treatment for dysmenorrhea, especially if
linked to gynecological inflammation, can worsen the
condition. Prompt medical consultation is essential to
identify the cause and initiate appropriate treatment,
ensuring relief and well-being.
11. If you have questions about your
condition and treatment, contact our
experts. Most questions are
answered in 24 hours.
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