Rx: how to ease pain without chemical pills
Print Edition
WHEN their menstrual periods arrive, many Chinese women say their "big auntie" is visiting.
For some, it’s an uncomfortable, even painful, time of the month.
Those with serious pain are always advised to see a gynecologist. Those seeking some relief from the usual cramps may turn to traditional Chinese medicine instead of Western-style painkillers.
Dr Gong Li at the Yueyang Hospital, an affiliate of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, says adjusting your lifestyle can make the menstrual cycles easier.
Eating simple homemade herbal soup or using acupressure therapies can improve blood circulation and dissolve stasis — major factors in most menstrual pain.
TCM doctors advise all menstruating women to stay away from cold during their periods, including “cold” foods like ice cream, soft drinks, pears, bananas, white gourds and cucumbers.
It’s also best to avoid spicy foods like chillies, pepper, cinnamon and cloves.
Avoid cold rain and damp places.
Homemade motherwort soup or motherwort granules from traditional medicine pharmacies are recommended. Herbal teas like rose, saffron or ginger will also help.
Professional massage on acupuncture points like Taichong, Sanyinjiao, Xuehai, Baliao and the belly is also helpful in easing or even preventing pain.
It is advisable to seek such therapies about a week or two before the start of a period because it usually takes 3-5 times to complete a course of treatment.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
