Relieving Period Pain Naturally
Period pain is common but it shouldn’t be normalized. When we do normalize period pain, we run the risk of ignoring patterns of deeper disharmonies. In Chinese Medicine, there’s a famous saying “TONG ZE BU TONG; BU TONG ZE TONG.” This translates to “If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is pain, there is lack of free flow.”
Western doctors diagnose period pain as either primary or secondary dysmenorrhea. There is no real explanation or understanding of why primary dysmenorrhea occurs, but secondary dysmenorrhea is usually diagnosed when there are other conditions present such as fibroids or endometriosis.
In Chinese Medicine, there are several patterns that contribute to period pain. Here are a few:
Blood Deficiency: This type of pain occurs more towards the end of your period and is dull in nature.
Qi Stagnation: Typically when you notice discomfort building a week or two before your period arrives, this is indicative of constraint of the free flow of qi. This type of pain will feel dull and achy.
Blood Stagnation: The quality of pain for this pattern is sharp and stabbing. It’s very hard to ignore. You’ll also probably notice your blood being darker with or without clots.
Here are some practical ways to ease period pains naturally:
Make it a habit to rest during your period days every cycle.
Be sure to help your body circulate qi, blood and body fluids with exercise, but appropriate types of exercise. Your body needs different types of movement depending on where you are in your cycle.
Book a consult for a pelvic steaming protocol.
Book an appointment with your acupuncturist and inquire about moxibustion therapy and an herbal formula to help ease pains and treat the underlying patterns.
Our womb space is prone to cold. See if a heat pack can help ease cramping.
Make a tea with hawthorn berry, ginger and cinnamon. Click here for recipe.
Love your liver! In your premenstrual phase, ensure that your bowels are moving everyday with high fiber foods and hydration. You can turn to the aid of herbal allies that help with digestion and liver detoxification such as dandelion root, milk thistle, bupleurum and artichoke.
Look into possible nutritional gaps that might be contributing to period pains. This may include minerals such as iron, magnesium, B Vitamins and essential fatty acids.
If you’re seeking more a more holistic way to understand your Menstrual Cycle, I’d invite you to learn more about our self study e-course, Embodied Menstruation :: Menstrual Attunement.
The connection between our physical and emotional well-being offers profound insights into our health. The Heart and its correspondence to our emotions and bodily functions are the core of this ancient healing system.