Maintaining Healthy Menstrual Cycle with Our Recovery & Chinese Medicine

Although some women may have it easier than others, around 80% of women experience period pain at some point. Cramps are not the only thing that affects women when it comes to their menstrual cycle – an irregular period, heavy flow and excessive blood clots are also some examples of menstrual problems.

Maintaining a Healthy Menstrual Cycle with Kinaesthetic Optimum Recovery Enhancement

While most women are mindful to take good care of themselves during pregnancy and their confinement period, many tend to overlook the importance of a healthy monthly menstrual cycle.

What is a menstrual cycle?

A regular menstrual cycle comprises four phases: Mentrual flow – descending flow of energy and blood expels old blood in order for new blood to regenerate. Post-menses – a vacuum occurs in the conception and governing vessels that needs to be renourished by new blood and essence. This can be achieved through strengthening digestive and kidney functions. The new blood prepares the uterus for implantation and pregnancy. Ovulation – kidney function increases and stimulates the ovaries for ovulation. Pre-menstrual – kidney yang energy facilitates the implantation of the blastocyst (fertilised egg). Where there is no implantation, the yang energy will peak and decline and menstruation starts again. Typically, an average menstrual cycle lasts between 28 to 35 days. Menstrual cycles begin during puberty when the female is between twelve and fifteen years of age – although some girls as young as ten or even eight have their first period then – and end after menopause which occurs between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five.

Menstrual cycles are the vital component in a female reproductive system that make pregnancy possible, as the cycle enables the production and maturation of oocytes (ovum) and the preparation of uterus for implantation. Deviations from the above phases may result in irregular menstruation, scanty or excessive menstrual bleeding, menstrual cramps, or growth of cysts and fibroids. From a TCM point of view, weekly treatment sessions can help women maintain regular menstrual cycles. The term 针灸 refers to the use of heat and moxibustion patches to stimulate the flow of energy and blood via acupoints located on meridians – the paths through which qi flows– that connect the body and organs.

How does treatment help regulate menstrual cycles?

There are three ways that our treatments can help maintain a healthy menstrual cycle:

1. Improve circulation – it can activate the energy gateways to remove qi stagnation or blockages in the body’s meridians. This stimulates energy and blood supply that improves circulation.

2. Strengthen body and eliminate pathogens – energy levels and the body’s immune system are strengthened, while the pathogens that create internal disharmony are eliminated.

3. Regulate yin yang harmony – where there is yin yang harmony, good health will follow.

Besides going for treatments, patients should also abstain from cold food and drinks, exercise regularly and sleep early to maintain menstrual wellness.

Lifestyle changes

Research has shown that period pain symptoms can be eased by modifying lifestyle. So try the following:

• First and foremost, stop or cut down smoking. Smoking is thought to increase the incidence of period pain by reducing the supply of oxygen to the pelvic area.

• Reduce your alcohol consumption.

• Eat high fibre foods and plenty of salads and vegetables.

• Daily vitamin E supplements have been shown to help.

• If you eat red meat make sure it is lean. Eat more chicken and fish.

• Cut down on sugary foods, chocolate, cakes and biscuits.

• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet to avoid water retention.

• Choose pure fruit juices or mineral water rather than sugary drinks.

• Take a supplement containing gamma linolenic acid (GLA) such as evening primrose oil or starflower oil or vitamin B6. Both help maintain hormonal balance.

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