Dysmenorrhea (period cramps) is a common health issue for many women during menstruation. Relying on painkillers/Panadol only provides temporary relief and does not address the root cause. In this article, we will explore a real-life case of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments for period cramps, along with recommendations on diet and lifestyle.
Real Case of Chinese Medicine(TCM) Treatment to Relieve Period Pain
27-year-old Ms. Lam: “Doctor, I always vomit from the pain during my period, but this time, even painkillers didn’t help…”
Patient’s Condition：Ms. Lam, 27, visited the clinic on the second day of her period. Despite taking painkillers, she still experienced severe cramping, nausea, and loss of appetite, forcing her to take sick leave from work. A previous gynecological ultrasound showed no abnormalities.
Treatment & Results：I prescribed a 3-day herbal formula based on the principle of promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, and relieving pain. Ms. Lam reported immediate pain relief after taking the herbs and discharged some dark red, jelly-like blood clots. The severe period cramps were actually caused by uterine muscle contractions trying to expel stagnant blood, and once the blockage was cleared, the pain is relieved.
Avoid Overusing Painkillers – Treat Root Cause of Period Cramps by Chinese Medicine(TCM)
Upon further evaluation of Ms. Lam’s constitution, it is identified that her work stress and anxiety exacerbated her condition. Additionally, the day before her severe period cramps, she had eaten a few large scroops of ice cream—which immediately worsened her period cramps the next day.
As someone who enjoys indulging in food, Ms. Lam frequently consumed raw, cold, and frozen foods without regular health maintenance by Chinese medicine. This habit led to an accumulation of coldness and dampness in her body, contributing to her period cramps(menstrual pain).
To truly alleviate dysmenorrhea, the root cause must be addressed—regulating her constitution and eliminating coldness and dampness. Pain is the body’s distress signal! Relying solely on painkillers masks the symptoms while allowing the underlying imbalance to worsen over time.
Follow-up Treatment Results:
After extra three months of targeted Chinese medicine(TCM) therapy, Ms. Lam’s period cramps problem is significantly improved. She no longer needed painkillers, experiencing only mild soreness during her periods. Additionally, she reported that her headache problem became less frequent, and her sleep quality improved as a result of the chinese medicine herbal treatment.
3 Best food to Relieve Period Cramps by Chinese Medicine(TCM) Practitioner’s Guide
Ginger Tea
Benefits:
- Warms the uterus and dispels cold, helping to relieve period pain caused by cold stagnation.
- Often prepared with a small amount of black or brown sugar for added blood-nourishing effects.
Dark Chocolate
Benefits:
- Modern research shows it contains magnesium and antioxidants, which help relax muscles and reduce cramps.
- Can be consumed in moderation during menstruation for comfort.
Leafy Greens (e.g. Spinach, Kale)
Benefits:
- Rich in iron (prevents anemia) and magnesium (reduces muscle cramps).
- Helps improve blood circulation and ease discomfort.
Tips by Chinese medicine(TCM) practitioner: Avoid cold/raw foods during your period to prevent worsening pain!
Chinese Medicine(TCM) Practitioner Explains: Causes of Period Cramps(Dysmenorrhea)
Dysmenorrhea (period cramps) can be classified into primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea, which differ in their underlying causes and symptoms.
Primary Dysmenorrhea(Period Cramps)
Causes:
- Most common in adolescents and young women, related to excessive prostaglandin (PG) secretion in the endometrium.
- Stress and anxiety can increase prostaglandin levels, triggering intense uterine contractions and pain.
- Cold exposure (e.g., frequent consumption of raw/cold foods) leads to cold-dampness accumulation, worsening cramps.
- Luteal phase deficiency or poor endometrial shedding forces the uterus muscle to contract harder, causing severe period cramps.
Symptoms:
- Period cramps(1–3 days before/during menstruation), mainly in the lower abdomen, sometimes radiating to the lower back.
- Typically not associated with other gynecological conditions.
Treatment:
- Chinese Medicine(TCM) approaches: Herbal medicine (e.g., warming formulas), acupuncture, moxibustion.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Avoid cold foods, manage stress, regular exercise.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea(Period Cramps)
Causes:
- Results from underlying conditions (endometriosis, adenomyosis, unterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease).
- These disorders cause structural abnormalities, leading to inflammation and pain.
Symptoms:
- More severe and prolonged period (may persist after menstruation).
- May accompanied by heavy bleeding, irregular menstrual cycles, or painful intercourse.
Treatment:
- Targets the root disorder: Chinese medicine herbs, acupuncture, or combined with surgery/Western medicine if needed.
In conclusion, Dysmenorrhea(period cramps) has diverse causes—consult a Chinese medicine(TCM) practitioner to know more about your body constitution and get personalized treatment. Addressing the root (not just pain relief) ensures long-term improvement.
