Women's Menstrual Disorders

Chinese medicine has always emphasized that it is important for women to take extra care during their periods and after childbirth. All the precautions that apply to the post-partum phase also apply, to a lesser degree, to each period time. During the period the Uterus is in a vulnerable state because it is open; moreover, the loss of blood induces a state of relative Blood deficiency and therefore any etiological factor at this time easily influences Blood causing a deficiency or stagnation.

Any cramping or pain at all is abnormal. Women do not have to live with monthly pain or PMS symptoms. A woman's body desires to be in harmony with the natural cycles of her blood flow and responds well to acupuncture treatments for this issue.

The main factors that cause menstrual disorders are:

• exterior pathogenic factors
• emotional stress
• diet
• excessive physical work/exercise
• overwork
• pregnancy and childbirth
• excessive/insufficient sexual activity
• surgery and hysterectomy
• the contraceptive pill and hormone IUDs

Some women experience relief of symptoms after just a few treatments, but traditionally a woman will receive treatment through 3 menstrual cycles before her body begins to be balanced and flowing smoothly.