🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Menstrual pain arises from multiple factors, mainly organic, hormonal, and psychological causes. Primary dysmenorrhea is common among unmarried young women—most begin experiencing pain shortly after menarche or within months thereafter. Each menstrual cycle brings lower abdominal pain, dark or clotted menstrual blood. Mild cases may be relieved by hot water bag application. Severe cases involve excruciating pain, cold sweats, pale lips, cold extremities, dizziness, and even fainting. Consequently, women with severe menstrual pain often feel intense fear and anxiety before each period. Chronic suffering leads to blood loss, resulting in anemia, pallor, weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and increased susceptibility to other illnesses, compromising overall health. Temporary relief from painkillers only addresses symptoms, not root causes. In fact, massage therapy often proves more effective than medication and carries no side effects. Below is a recommended massage protocol for menstrual pain: first massage the back and waist, then the abdomen, followed by the lower limbs. Apply blood-activating topical agents (such as medicated oils or wines) before beginning:1. Use fingers or palm roots to knead the back and waist from thoracic vertebra 11 to lumbar vertebra 2, along with surrounding muscles and acupoints such as Zhongshu, Xuanshu, Mingmen, Jiaji, Pishu, Weishu, Sanjiao Shu, Shenshu, and Zhi Shi.2. Lightly punch tender areas on the back and waist with fists.3. Gently press and rub abdominal muscles at pain sites and acupoints including Shenshu, Qihai, Guanyuan, Tian Shu, Wai Ling, and Da Ju.4. Pinch and press acupoints on the lower limbs: Yinbao, Xuehai, Sanyinjiao, and Taichong.Effectiveness: Abdominal pain usually begins to subside after 5 minutes of back and waist massage. Continuing for another 20 minutes on back, waist, and abdomen can eliminate pain entirely. Perform once daily for 3–5 consecutive days. Those with prior history should start massaging two days before menstruation. For sustained results, repeat every 2–3 days. Consistency is essential for ideal outcomes. Home massage requires accurate acupoint location—consult the book *Illustrated Guide to Massage Therapy for Pain Conditions*. During treatment, patients should focus on self-care: stay warm during menstruation, avoid rain exposure, refrain from raw/cold foods; maintain emotional stability and mental well-being; eat balanced meals; live regularly with proper rest and work-life balance; engage in moderate exercise—but avoid heavy labor or intense activity. Adhering to these guidelines helps reduce menstrual pain episodes. By Chen Jian