Interview with Dr Li Rui | Focusing on TCM Regulation for Gynecological Issues
Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) is a common health issue faced by many women. It often involves lower abdominal pain, lower back soreness, weak legs, and breast tenderness before or during menstruation. In some cases, it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mood swings, and insomnia, which significantly impact quality of life and reproductive health.
Dr Li Rui, a senior physician at the Shanghai Chinese Medical Centre, holds a Master’s degree in TCM Gynecology and a Bachelor’s degree in Western Medicine. With over 30 years of clinical experience, she specializes in using syndrome differentiation to combine herbal medicine with acupuncture to treat dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and other women’s health issues. She emphasizes: "Many women believe that taking painkillers is enough for dysmenorrhea and ignore treatment. Over time, this may lead to serious complications such as ovarian chocolate cysts, uterine fibroids, menstrual disorders, and even infertility."
How Does TCM View Dysmenorrhea?
Dr Li Rui points out that dysmenorrhea is often caused by poor circulation of Qi and Blood or malnourishment of the uterus. TCM identifies two main reasons for pain: "Pain due to malnourishment" and "Pain due to blockage." There are five common clinical types:
1. Kidney Qi Deficiency: Often due to congenital weakness, accompanied by back soreness, aversion to cold, and scanty, dark menstrual blood. Treatment involves tonifying the Kidneys and warming the uterus.
2. Qi and Blood Deficiency: Common in those with weak constitutions after childbirth or long-term illness. Symptoms include persistent dull pain, fatigue, and a pale complexion.
3. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis: Intense abdominal bloating and pain before or during the period with blood clots. The formula "Gexia Zhuyu Tang" is often effective here.
4. Cold-Damp Stagnation: Cold pain in the lower abdomen that dislikes pressure, accompanied by excessive leucorrhea. It is best treated by warming the meridians and dispelling cold, often enhanced by acupuncture.
5. Damp-Heat Accumulation: Accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth, abdominal bloating, and thick, odorous yellow discharge. Treatment focuses on clearing heat and draining dampness.
Two Typical Case Studies
● Case Study 1: A 36-year-old Woman
Dr Li Rui shared a case of a 36-year-old Singaporean woman who suffered from years of painful and irregular periods, excessive discharge, back soreness, insomnia, and mood swings. After five years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive, she sought TCM help. After Dr Li Rui used herbal medicine and acupuncture to soothe the Liver, tonify the Kidneys, and nourish the blood, her pain improved significantly. After six months of continued regulation, she conceived naturally and gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
● Case Study 2: A 24-year-old Woman
Suffering from dysmenorrhea for over 10 years, she experienced breast tenderness, thick yellow discharge, and excessive body heat before her periods, leading to gradual weight gain. She relied on painkillers every month until her mother encouraged her to see Dr Li Rui. Diagnosed with "Damp-Heat" type dysmenorrhea, she began herbal and acupuncture treatment. After one course of treatment, her symptoms improved markedly, and she even lost weight. She remarked: "I used to think this was normal since many women have it. Now I realize these chronic issues should be treated early."
Dr Li Rui emphasizes that TCM treatment aims to address both the symptoms and the root cause—not just relieving pain, but balancing the organs and fundamentally improving the constitution.
Dr Li Rui’s Advice:
• Keep warm during menstruation and avoid cold/raw foods.
• Rest well before your period and avoid staying up late or emotional stress.
• Consider herbal teas or dietary therapy, such as Red Date and Longan tea.
• Keep a regular menstrual log to assist in professional diagnosis.
While common, dysmenorrhea should not be ignored. TCM offers a safe, effective, and gentle natural therapy through acupuncture and herbal medicine. Dr Li Rui emphasizes: "Women's health issues require holistic regulation; the earlier the treatment, the better."
