Health Resources

Regulating Qi and Blood from the Root to Navigate Your Monthly "Trial" with Ease

Dysmenorrhea (period pain) is one of the most common gynecological issues for modern women. It manifests as lower abdominal pain, dull aching, or cramping before, during, or after menstruation. Severe cases may be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, cold hands and feet, or low mood, significantly affecting work and daily life. While Western medicine often uses painkillers or hormonal treatments for relief, these may not address the root cause and can carry long-term side effects.

The TCM Perspective on Dysmenorrhea

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dysmenorrhea is categorized as "menstrual abdominal pain." The primary causes include:

  1. Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress and overwork lead to Qi stagnation and blood stasis. When menstrual blood does not flow smoothly, stasis causes pain.
  2. Cold Accumulation in the Uterus: A constitution of "deficiency-cold," exposure to cold during menstruation, or excessive consumption of cold foods can lead to "Cold Uterus" and blood stasis, causing sharp cramps and cold limbs.
  3. Qi and Blood Deficiency: Weakness from chronic illness or congenital Kidney essence deficiency results in a lack of nourishment for the "Chong" and "Ren" meridians, causing dull pain and fatigue.
  4. Damp-Heat Obstruction: Damp-heat pathogens accumulate in the pelvic region, causing congestion of Qi and blood. As the TCM saying goes, "Where there is obstruction, there is pain."

Common TCM Patterns and Symptoms

  1. Cold Accumulation and Blood Stasis: Cold pain in the lower abdomen that feels better with a heat pack; dark menstrual blood with clots; cold hands and feet.
  2. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis: Abdominal bloating and breast tenderness before the period; irritability; menstrual blood with clots.
  3. Qi and Blood Weakness: Dull, lingering pain; fatigue; heart palpitations; pale complexion.
  4. Damp-Heat Downpour: Burning pain in the abdomen; heavy menstrual flow of dark color and heavy odor; often accompanied by increased vaginal discharge.

Treatment requires "Syndrome Differentiation"—customizing a plan based on the individual's constitution and medical history.

TCM Treatment Methods for Dysmenorrhea

  1. Herbal Medicine: Utilizing herbs such as Angelica (Dang Gui), Sichuan Lovage (Chuan Xiong), Cinnamon, Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao), and White Peony Root to harmonize blood and warm the meridians.
  2. Acupuncture: Stimulating points like Guanyuan, Sanyinjiao, and Qihai to regulate Qi and blood flow in the "Chong" and "Ren" meridians. This is particularly effective for Cold-type or Qi-stagnation-type pain.
  3. TDP Heat Therapy: Warming the meridians to dispel cold, ideal for women with a "Cold Uterus" constitution.
  4. Dietary Therapy: Incorporating wellness teas like Red Date & Longan tea, Ginger & Date soup, or Motherwort boiled eggs to tonify blood and warm the channels.
  5. Emotional Regulation: Managing stress and mood swings that impact the menstrual cycle.

Daily Prevention and Relief

  • Avoid cold drinks and "cooling" foods during menstruation; keep the abdomen warm.
  • Maintain emotional stability and avoid extreme stress or anger.
  • Establish a regular routine; avoid overwork and late nights.
  • Soak feet in warm water daily to promote blood circulation.
  • Engage in gentle exercise like yoga or brisk walking to improve Qi and blood flow.

In Singapore, factors like the humid climate, constant air-conditioning, frequent cold drinks, and high-pressure lifestyles often lead to blood stasis and internal damp-cold, causing primary or secondary dysmenorrhea.

Period pain is not just a monthly discomfort—it can be a health warning sign. It may be linked to conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, chocolate cysts, or infertility. TCM emphasizes "preventive treatment" by regulating the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney functions to achieve long-term relief.

Dr Li Rui: Over 30 Years of Clinical Experience in Women’s Wellness

Dr Li Rui graduated from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences with a Master’s degree in TCM and a Bachelor’s degree in Western Medicine. With over 30 years of experience, she studied under the renowned Chinese gynecologist Professor Li Guangrong. Dr Li Rui specializes in using herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietetics to treat period pain, irregular cycles, PCOS, and postpartum recovery. She focuses on treating both the symptoms and the root cause to restore Yin-Yang balance and reproductive health.

If you suffer from chronic period pain, we welcome you to book an appointment with Dr Li Rui at our Yishun clinic for a professional constitution assessment and a personalized treatment plan.