How Moxibustion Relieves Abdominal Pain During Menstruation

Many women experience abdominal pain during menstruation that can feel torturous. Symptoms include mild abdominal cramps, back pain, and, in severe cases, individuals may turn pale, break out in a cold sweat, and need painkillers just to tolerate the pain. This intense discomfort often leads people to wonder: Why does menstruation cause such pain? How does dysmenorrhea really occur?

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological problems, referring to pain and bloating in the lower abdomen that occurs before, during, or after menstruation. It may also be accompanied by back pain or other discomfort. From the perspective of Chinese medicine, dysmenorrhea is caused by two main factors: one is the blockage of qi and blood flow in the uterus, leading to pain; the other is insufficient qi and blood to nourish the uterus, also causing pain. Simply put, dysmenorrhea is caused by a lack of qi and blood deficiency or poor circulation of these vital energies, which can result in abdominal pain during menstruation.

Low temperature affects normal menstruation

Modern medical research has found that when the body temperature is maintained between 36.5 and 37 degrees Celsius, the body’s nerve and endocrine systems function optimally. If the body gets cold, temperature sensors in the skin immediately transmit this information to the thermoregulation center in the brain. The thermoregulation center reduces heat loss by constricting blood vessels and increases metabolism to generate more heat.

The nerve center that regulates the production of female hormones is located in the same area of the brain, meaning that changes in body temperature directly affect hormone levels. This is why, when a woman’s body is cold, she not only feels cold but may also experience issues like irregular menstruation and abnormal ovulation. Many medical experts believe that cold temperatures are a major cause of various gynecological diseases.

How Moxibustion Relieves Abdominal Pain During Menstruation

According to the theories and methods of Chinese medicine, specific acupuncture points are often selected for moxibustion treatment. Commonly used points include Guanyuan (CV 4), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), and  Geshu (BL 17). The treatment involves using a warm moxibustion box to perform ginger moxibustion over slices of ginger, with the procedure repeated every other day. In the week before menstruation, the treatment is adjusted to once a day and continued until menstruation begins, at which point it is discontinued. This treatment should be continued for three consecutive menstrual cycles to see the full benefits.

Some may ask: why three cycles? This is because, in Chinese medicine, women’s health relies on the balance of qi and blood. When qi flows, blood flows; when qi is cold, blood stagnates, which leads to pain. Dysmenorrhea is often a combination of deficiency and stagnation, requiring both tonification of qi and blood and the elimination of blood stasis to restore normal menstruation. This is not something that can be resolved in one or two treatments, especially if the dysmenorrhea has been present for many years, and complete improvement may take time. Three cycles of treatment can help the body gradually restore the balance of qi and blood.

Acupuncture Point Location Description:

• Guanyuan (CV 4): Located along the front midline of the body, approximately three finger widths below the navel.
• Mingmen (GV 4): Located on the back, just below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra.
• Yaoyangguan (GV 3): Located on the back, just below the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra.
• Geshu (BL 17): Located on the back, just below the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra, approximately 1.5 inches to the side.

Moxibustion Method:

Moxibustion is applied at each point for about 15 minutes, using a temperature that is warm but comfortable. If menstrual flow is light, moxibustion can be performed during menstruation. If the flow is heavy, it is recommended to wait a few days before applying moxibustion. You can also perform moxibustion regularly when not menstruating, 3 to 5 times a week, until symptoms improve.

Pain is the Body’s Alarm Signal

“Pain is the body’s way of reminding us that it needs help. Like an alarm, it signals that our body’s natural ability to cope is insufficient and that we require external support. If we rely solely on painkillers, the pain, such as abdominal pain during menstruation, may subside temporarily, but it can increase the burden on the liver and kidneys over time. It’s like hearing an alarm and simply turning off the power, ignoring the underlying issue. This only masks the problem without addressing the root cause.”

I hope this article helps more women understand how moxibustion can relieve menstrual cramps and abdominal pain during menstruation through natural methods. By doing so, they can reduce or eliminate the pain and enjoy life in a healthier, happier way!