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Writer's pictureLiyan Lu

Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

Updated: Sep 23, 2021


Menstrual cramps are painful sensations that affect many women before and during a menstrual period. The pain ranges from dull and annoying to severe and extreme. Menstrual cramps seem to begin after ovulation when an egg is released from the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube. The pain occurs in the lower abdomen and lower back. It usually begins 1 to 2 days before menstruation and lasts from 2 to 4 days. The pain that is only associated with the process of menstruation is known as primary dysmenorrhea. Suppose the menstrual cramping pain results from an identifiable medical problem such as endometriosis (the tissue that is supposed to line inside the uterus but grows outside the uterus), uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. In that case, it calls secondary dysmenorrhea ( painful period). Generally, treating menstrual cramps with over-the-counter medicine, birth control treatments, and some home remedies. (Source: www.medicalewstoday.com)


Healthyping’s suggestions:


Ginger relieves menstrual cramps and period pain. The research found out that ginger inhibits the body’s production of prostaglandins, which trigger uterus contractions to shed its lining. The onset of menstrual cramps appears to relate to excessive production of prostaglandins. Therefore consuming ginger in dietary supplements or tea can help reduce menstrual cramps and pain.


Calcium not only strengthens bones but also relaxes muscles. Calcium can reduce menstrual pain because it helps maintain muscle tone. Calcium citrate is the most easily absorbed form. Take calcium citrate 250 mg with vitamin D twice a day.


Vitamin D helps calcium absorption and may reduce inflammation. Take vitamin D 400 IU/ day.


Chinese Herbs promote blood circulation and relieve pain. Some Chinese patent medicines are very effective in treating menstrual pain, such as Tog jig wan and Xue fu zhu yu wan.


Ping’s meridian massage relaxes muscles, comforts the body, reduces stress, and relieves cramps.


Acupuncture cleans energy traffic jams, makes blood flow freely, and helps the uterus shed its lining without pain. It also helps alleviate the pain in the abdomen and the lower back.

Cupping removes toxins and relieves menstrual pain.


Most of our patients can manage the discomfort of menstrual cramps with the above complementary and alternative therapies.



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