General Management for Menstrual Health in Women
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) suggests that we should live in accordance with nature, this includes eating a balanced diet, staying in proper environment, going to bed with the stars and getting up with the sun. Lifestyle and behavior are determinant factors for good health. Menstruation is one of the common aspects that can easily be disturbed by various external factors, many menstrual problems are in turn resulted. Keeping healthy living habits is important for a smooth menstruation as well as preventing premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Before ovulation, the kidney's tian gui and essence have reached their maximum; thereafter, these materials begin to act as fuel to promote the uterus, Conception Vessel and Thoroughfare Vessel to be ready for menstruation or conception. Furthermore, the liver and kidney will become relatively hyper-functioning, while more blood and qi (vital energy) flow to the uterus. Based on the yin yang theory, this is a phase for rising yang (functional aspects) and falling yin (physical aspects) inside the body. Management in the premenstrual period aims to support the body's yang, but the yin should not be neglected as it ensures the supplement for yang.
Some daily routines are recommended to support the body’s yang, so as to facilitate the bodily changes in the premenstrual period.
The first thing to do is maintaining a stable mood, try to make yourself calm, avoid anxiety and being overly angry or irritable. A sound mental state ensures that the physical body is under proper control and the organ systems are working in harmony, so the body can protect itself effectively against disease.
Qi-gong exercises are helpful to enhance the communication between the body and mind, decrease physical discomfort and stress. In particular during the premenstrual period, some qi-gong exercises can direct the blood and qi flowing downward to the dan tian and then upward, which meets the need of yang rising and distribution inside the body. Qi-gong is better practicing in the morning period, as yang is dominated during this time. (see the chapter on qi-gong)
Morning massage is another way to support the body’s yang, which mainly focuses on the lumbar section of the Bladder Meridian. When get up in the morning, rub the hands together first, then press and knead on both sides of the backbone, massage from the lumbar to the hip region, up and down for 14 times. This can be done once a day until the arrival of menstruation. Massage lumbar helps to strength the regions and invigorate the kidney system.
Regular exercise is important, as an energetic body enhances yang rising. Women who exercise experience less anger and depression. Exercise also reduces stress, as qi and blood flows are motivated, there will be better functioning of the organs. The body will then be in a harmonized yang state and thus facilitating the menses to come. Moderate aerobic exercises are encouraged such as jogging, swimming and cycling, 20-45 minutes each time, 3 times a week.
Moxibustion is a proper way to promote yang rising, common acupoints selected are qi hai (Cv6), guan yuan (Cv4), pi shu (Bl20) & shen shu (Bl23). Heating the acu-pionts for 5 to 7 minutes every time, or make the local regions turning red, do this every day until the arrival of menstruation.
Some women may need Chinese herbs to promote the yin yang transforming inside the body. Chinese herbal supplements are beneficial to provide a gentle yet comprehensive regulating effect, and thus ensures the menstrual processing to be ongoing constantly.
- Chinese Dietary Advice for Women with Menstrual Problems
- Healthy Recipes for Premenstrual Syndromes
- Qigong Practice for Premenstrual Syndrome
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