Let’s face it—menstrual cramps can be a nightmare. Whether it’s a dull ache or stabbing pain, around 70% of women experience some form of discomfort during their menstrual cycle. The symptoms can range from mild to debilitating, affecting daily life and emotional well-being.

What if there were a natural, effective way to not only relieve the pain but also restore balance in your body?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—a holistic, time-tested system in which it has a distinct advantage in this area and is considered one of the most effective and natural methods to manage menstrual issues. By understanding one’s constitution and the underlying cause, selecting an appropriate TCM treatment can effectively not only relieve symptoms of menstrual cramps but also address the root cause of the issues.

What are Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramps refers to cyclic pain in the lower abdomen or lower back that occurs before, during, or after menstruation, affecting daily life and work. Severe menstrual cramps may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cold sweats, cold hands and feet, and even fainting.

Modern medicine attributes primary menstrual cramps to an excess of prostaglandins—chemicals that trigger uterine contractions. But when cramps are due to underlying health issues like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease, they fall under secondary menstrual cramps.

Primary vs. Secondary Cramps: What’s the Difference?

Primary Menstrual Cramps

• Common in teens and young women;
• Not linked to any underlying reproductive issues;
• Caused by hormone imbalance or excess prostaglandins;
• Often improves with age or after childbirth.

Secondary Menstrual Cramps

• Caused by reproductive conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammation;
• May get worse over time;
• Often require deeper intervention.

TCM’s Perspective on Menstrual Pain

In TCM, menstrual cramps are considered “menstrual abdominal pain” due to qi and blood disharmony and stagnation in the Chong and Ren meridians—the channels responsible for reproductive health.

When qi and blood don’t flow freely, pain arises. By restoring balance, TCM helps eliminate pain and regulate menstruation naturally.

Common TCM Syndromes Causing Cramps

Understanding your TCM body type can help determine the best treatment. Here are a few patterns TCM recognizes:

• Qi stagnation and blood stasis:   Symptoms: Dark purple menstrual blood with clots, pain in the lower abdomen, chest, and breasts during menstruation.

• Cold-damp stagnation:  Symptoms: Poor menstrual flow, cold lower abdominal pain, fear of cold, cold limbs. Pain eases with warmth.

• Heat accumulation:  Symptoms: Burning or distending lower abdominal pain during menstruation, dark red blood with clots, excessive and prolonged flow, lower back pain.

• Liver and kidney deficiency:  Symptoms: Dull, lingering pain before or after menstruation, alleviated by pressure. Accompanied by lower back pain, scanty and pale menstruation.

Why is Your Period Irregular?  

TCM sees irregular periods as signs of internal imbalance caused by:

• Stress or emotional upset
• Poor diet or too many cold foods
• Postpartum neglect
• Weak organ function (especially liver, spleen, and kidneys)

Balancing the qi, blood, yin, and yang is the key to regular cycles.

How Does TCM Treat Menstrual Cramps Naturally?

TCM treatment is tailored based on individual constitution and root causes. For instance, women with liver qi stagnation—characterized by irritability, breast tenderness, dry mouth, and bloating—are treated with herbal formulas like Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang or Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San. Various methods are used based on the type of dysmenorrhea, including:

• Herbal Medicine
• Acupuncture
• Moxibustion
• Tui Na Massage
• Lifestyle and Diet Adjustments

Four Powerful TCM Techniques for Menstrual Cramps Relief

1. Acupuncture points for period pain

It include Guanyuan (CV4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Zusanli (ST36). They help

• Improving uterine blood flow
• Warming meridians and dispel cold
• Promoting blood circulation and resolve stasis
• Regulating the nervous system’s response to pain

2. Moxibustion (Du Meridian Therapy)

Du Meridian moxibustion involves warming points along the spine from Dazhui (GV14) to Yaoshu (GV2) by using moxa on ginger or herbs. It promotes:

• Promote Qi and blood circulation
• Improve immune function
• Balance of yin and yang

The Du Meridian, known as the “sea of yang meridians,” runs from the perineum up the spine to the head. Its health affects the body’s overall vitality. Moxibustion along this pathway is beneficial for both men and women and can help regulate menstruation, ease menstrual cramps, and treat gynecological conditions like pelvic inflammation.

3. Tui Na (Massage Therapy)

A focused massage on key acupoints can bring immediate relief:

• SP6 (Sanyinjiao): Relieves all types of menstrual pain
• CV6 (Qihai): Boosts energy and treats deficiency
• CV4 (Guanyuan): Increases warmth and circulation to the womb

4. Herbal Medicine forMenstrual Cramps Relief

Commonly used herbs include: 

• Leonurus (Yi Mu Cao): Activates blood, removes stasis, relieves pain, detoxifies, and reduces uterine spasms.
• Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui): Nourishes and invigorates blood, regulates menstruation, relieves pain, and boosts red blood cell production.
• Mugwort (Ai Ye): Treats cold-related menstrual disorders, menstrual cramps and infertility; stops bleeding and warms meridians.
• Curcuma (Yu Jin): Moves qi and blood, treats pain, dispels heat, and clears the liver.

Tea for menstrual cramps

• Ginger tea

Ginger tea is made from the pungent, spicy ginger root. Ginger may help relieve pain and bloating because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

• Rose tea

Rose tea is made from the petals and buds of the rosebush. It have been used to make tea for centuries as they are considered very powerful at helping women with menstrual and cramping.

Can TCM Really Cure Menstrual Cramps?

Yes—when tailored correctly. By unblocking meridians, nourishing blood, and restoring harmony, TCM offers more than symptom relief—it aims for long-term healing. With regular treatment and lifestyle changes, menstrual cramps can be completely resolved.

Example case

Susan, a 25-year-old woman troubled by long-term menstrual cramps, found relief after one month of herbal therapy and Du Meridian moxibustion. Previously, she relied on painkillers for relief and suffered from premenstrual bloating, intense lower abdominal pain during menstruation, pale blood with clots, edema before menstruation, dizziness afterward, migraines, poor sleep, chest tightness, and sensitive skin.

She sought TCM treatment. The diagnosis: liver qi stagnation with blood deficiency. She was prescribed Xiao Chai Hu Tang with Dang Gui Shao Yao, and received moxibustion therapy. After three months, her menstrual cramps duration shortened, and symptoms like headaches and insomnia significantly improved.

Related video:  How TCM doctor deal with period pain? 

Special Treatment: Spinal Regulation Therapy

At Shanghai Chinese Medicine Clinic in Dubai, the clinic’s unique spinal Moxibustion Program offered by Dr. Wang Xiao Zhong, an registered and experienced TCM doctor, is tailored to women suffering from chronic menstrual pain. By targeting the Du Meridian, we help the body restore balance, warmth, and resilience.

Want a customized, natural solution for period pain? Book your consultation with one of our experienced TCM physicians today.

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