Your Period Health

through Chinese Medicine

Menstrual health doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but for many people, it’s a big part of life. And it can be tough – from cramps and mood swings to fatigue and bloating, periods often come with all sorts of symptoms that can make life harder. The good news? Chinese Medicine (CM) offers natural, gentle methods to help support your menstrual health so that you feel more comfortable and balanced every month.

In CM, we focus on keeping the body in balance. We look at menstrual health as part of a bigger picture, where symptoms like cramps, bloating, fatigue, and mood changes are signs that your body might need some extra support. Instead of just tackling individual symptoms, we aim to restore balance, so everything flows a bit smoother – quite literally, in this case.

1. Improving Flow and Easing Pain

Let’s talk about pain and cramps. They’re often a big part of why people come to me for help with their cycle. In CM, we look at cramps and pain as signs that things aren’t flowing quite right internally. We call this “Qi Stagnation.” Think of it like a traffic jam on a motorway: if things get backed up, there’s pressure and discomfort. By working on improving flow, we can help ease this tension and reduce pain.

  • Try Acupressure for Pain Relief: You don’t need to be an expert to try a bit of acupressure at home. Spleen 6 is a key point for menstrual pain, located just above your inner ankle bone. Gently pressing and massaging this point for a few minutes each day leading up to your period can help reduce cramps. Try it sitting comfortably and breathing deeply – a simple but powerful tool!

  • Bring in the Warmth: Warmth plays a big role in CM when it comes to relieving pain. Many people find that a hot water bottle or warm compress over the lower abdomen or lower back during their period can make a big difference. The warmth helps improve circulation and eases pain naturally. Plus, it’s a lovely excuse to curl up with a hot water bottle and relax.

2. Reducing PMS and Stabilising Mood

PMS is a tough one – and for many, it can feel like mood swings and irritability take over every month. In CM, we see emotional changes as tied to liver health. The liver is responsible for regulating the smooth flow of emotions and energy throughout the body, so when it’s out of balance, you might feel irritable, teary, or just generally not yourself.

  • Herbal Support for Balance: In CM, we often use herbal formulas like Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer) to support liver balance and ease emotional tension. This particular formula is known for its calming effects and can help with mood swings and irritability. However, it’s best to get advice from a qualified CM practitioner (like me!) to make sure any herbs are right for you.

  • Breath and Movement to Ease Tension: It might sound simple, but taking a few moments to breathe deeply or move your body can make a big difference. Gentle stretching, yoga, or even a quick walk can help release built-up tension and make PMS feel more manageable. In CM, movement supports liver health, and a relaxed liver is a happier one – which means fewer intense PMS symptoms.

3. The Role of Diet in Menstrual Health

When it comes to supporting menstrual health, diet is a big one. Food is our body’s fuel, and in CM, we pay close attention to what we’re putting in, especially in the days leading up to your period. Foods that are too cold or raw can make things harder on the body and potentially increase cramps. Instead, focus on warm, cooked meals that feel comforting and nourishing.

  • Avoid Excess Cold: Cold foods and drinks can create stagnation, which leads to cramps and pain. Try reducing icy drinks and raw foods like salads, especially in the lead-up to your period. Opt for warming meals like soups, stews, and cooked vegetables. Not only will they keep you warm, but they’re also easier on your digestion.

  • Focus on Iron and Magnesium: Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes are full of iron and magnesium, both essential minerals for menstrual health. Iron helps replace what you lose during menstruation, while magnesium eases muscle tension and can reduce cramps. Building these foods into your diet can make a real difference in how you feel.

4. The Importance of Quality Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for menstrual health, but it can be difficult, especially if you’re struggling with pain or PMS. Rest allows the body to restore and recharge, which is particularly important during your cycle. Good sleep helps manage stress, improves circulation, and supports overall hormonal balance.

If you’re finding sleep tricky around your period, acupuncture can be a fantastic way to reset. Specific acupuncture points help relax the body and mind, encouraging a restful sleep pattern that’ll leave you feeling more refreshed and resilient.

5. The Power of Acupuncture

For those dealing with regular, challenging symptoms, acupuncture is one of the most effective tools we have in CM. It’s a fantastic way to support menstrual health because it encourages the body to restore its own balance gently and naturally. Here’s how it works: we stimulate specific points with fine needles to improve blood flow, support hormone balance, and calm the nervous system. Some people find that with regular acupuncture, their periods become shorter, less painful, or even lighter over time.

Acupuncture is a subtle but powerful practice, and many people feel the effects even after just a few treatments. It’s not only about addressing current symptoms but also setting the stage for a smoother, more comfortable cycle every month.

Bringing It All Together

Your body is unique, and so is your menstrual cycle. Chinese Medicine allows us to work with each individual’s needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re feeling like your monthly cycle could be more comfortable, predictable, and in balance, CM offers a natural, supportive way forward. Together, we can develop a plan that’s specifically tailored to help you feel more comfortable, resilient, and in tune with your body each month.

It’s all about listening to what your body needs and finding gentle, effective ways to support it – because you deserve to feel good, period.