Health & Wellness Tips - Learn to relieve Menstrual Cramps with TCM

Is it that time of the month again? Learn to relieve Menstrual Cramps with TCM.
3 common types of Menstrual Cramps, which type are you?
Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis: 

• Distention pain in lower abdomen during or before menstruation
• Distending pain on breasts before menstruation
• Easily irritated
• Low menstrual flow
• Unsmooth menstrual cycle
• Presence of blood clots

Yang deficiency and internal cold: 

• Cold pain in lower abdomen during or after menstruation
• Relief after applying heat compress
• Low menstrual flow and light in colour
• Weak back and knees
• Cold hands and feet

Qi and Blood deficiency: 

• Dull pain in lower abdomen during menstruation
• Low menstrual flow, light coloured and thin texture
• Lethargic
• Poor complexion
• Poor appetite
• Diarrhea

Self help guide for Menstrual Cramps
DIY Acupressure: 
(Massage lightly with thumb for 3-5 mins)

• Tai Chong point (LIV3): On the top of the foot, in the depression between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones meeting point
• San Yin Jiao point (SP6): 4 fingers width above the tip of the inner ankle
• Xue Hai point (SP10): Around 3 fingers width above the inner side of the patella

(Apply Warm Compress for 10-15 mins)

• Qi Hai point (REN6): Around 2 fingers width below the umbilicus
• Guan Yuan point (REN4): Around 4 fingers width below the umbilicus

DIY Herbal Tea: Brown Sugar Ginger Tea

• Suitable for cold or deficiency type menstrual cramps
• Ingredients: Brown Sugar 30g, Aged ginger 15g (portion 2:1)
• Brown sugar: 
  • Tonify Qi and blood
  • Promote blood circulation and remove blood clot
  • Warm the meridian and disperse cold
  • Relieve menstrual pain
• Aged ginger: 
  • Tonify the middle and disperse cold
  • Relieve menstrual pain
  • Improve deficiency and cold constitution
• Preparation: Cut 15g of ginger into strips/slices, add into 250ml of water, mix in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Boil for 10 mins. Enjoy while warm.
• Drink 4-5 times weekly
• TIPS: Add 2-3 washed dried longans to further strengthen Qi and Blood 
• *Not suitable for individuals with heaty symptoms, warm and dampness body constitution, or with heavy menstrual flow