TCM Massage to Relieve Menstrual Pain
Abdominal pain before and after menstruation, accompanied by lower back pain, bloating, and breast tenderness—this is common among women: dysmenorrhea. Many unmarried women suffer greatly. TCM massage for dysmenorrhea is simple to perform and acts quickly—worth trying.
Here are several highly effective acupoints:
Shenshu (BL23): Located on the lower back, level with the navel, 1.5 cun lateral to the spine, one on each side;
Ashì points: The most painful spots on both sides of the waist;
Qihai (CV6): 1.5 cun directly below the navel;
Guanyuan (CV4): 3 cun directly below the navel;
Sanyinjiao (SP6): 3 cun above the inner ankle tip, posterior border of the tibia.
Another point: Yaoyangguan (find by intersecting the spinal column with the highest point of the hip bones). Massage each acupoint for several seconds.
Women with dysmenorrhea should lie flat. A family member stands nearby to assist with massage. Use pushing technique (using the palm root to push forward and backward) or kneading (rotating the palm root in circles), clockwise or counterclockwise, until warmth and soreness are felt. Begin treatment one week before menstruation, once daily. Continue for three months as one course.
Additionally, during menstruation, combine massage with warm compresses: Heat about 1 pound of coarse salt in an iron pan, place it in a cloth bag, and apply to the painful abdominal area—once daily.
Important note: Women with dysmenorrhea should keep warm during menstruation and avoid excessive fatigue.