Good morning readers,

Today we are going to talk about a frequent topic: menstrual cramps.

I have already written about this topic on other occasions, however, today we are going to use the Chinese Food Therapy approach. What shall we eat to avoid such uncomfortable pain, before, during, and after our periods?

First, before we get our food chart, we must first remember the types of cramps and its causes, according to Chinese Medicine.

1. Abdominal Cramping:

Abdominal cramping is usually marked by Liver imbalances that occur mainly previous to the period.

• There are 2 common Liver imbalances when we are talking about menstrual cramps, they are:

1. a) Qi Stagnation and/or Liver’s Blood:

Usually this menstruation has dark blood and clots and may, eventually be late. The cramping will worsen under pressure and/or massage and usually will go away as soon as the period ends. To be sure of the diagnosis, we just need to verify if the patient’s tongue sides are purplish.

This being the case, we need foods that give blood more movement and Liver energy, for this reason, it’s recommended that the patient eat neutral and lukewarm foods for the Wood element, such as: grapes, plums, dates, camomilla tea and even a glass of wine.

1. b) Yang Excess or Liver Heat:

Few days after Qi and Blood Stagnation, the Heat arises in the body, in an attempt of eliminating the stagnations. In such a case, period can come early, or blood comes out in a lively red, no clots and cramps shall happen previous or during period, in an acute manner, throbbing pain.

In order to be completely sure of the diagnosis, we check the patient’s tongue once again, this time observing if it’s redder on the sides when compared to the rest.

In this situation, we shall refresh Liver Heat and control Yang energy. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient eat cold and fresh foods for the Wood element, such as: lemon, yogurt, banana, blackberry, blueberry, etc…

2. Lumbar Cramping

Lumbar cramping is a direct result from a Kidneys Yin Deficiency. In such cases, pain may happen during or after the period, the blood might come out normal or in a scarce and dark manner.

The patient’s tongue coating might look a bit peeled, through the body but mostly on the root.

If this is the case, remembering that Yin energy comes from a cold nature, we shall recommend fresh and cold foods from the Water element, such as: tangerine, orange, asparagus, watermelon, etc. Sesame black tea is also a good option for treating this cramp type.

When should the patient start her treatment?

Aware of the cramps possibilities, the patient shall start consuming foods that avoid them, around 3 days prior to its usual begging. However, treatment may be done during all month without causing any health damage.

It’s always good to keep in mind that ideally the patient should know her cycle and take notes on a notebook or app, so that the treatment accuracy brings benefits.

You can find the complete chart here: https://www.facilitatingacupuncture.com/therapeutic-food-tables/

Hope that you liked it!

A very warm hug!

Profa. Fernanda Mara

Hello Readers!

Do you have patients that suffer from PMS? Or maybe you yourself is suffering from PMS? So this text will help treat everyone suffering from this matter.

The PMS, Premenstrual Syndrome is characterized by a number of symptoms that may even show up before the menstrual cycle, as headache, pain or swelling on the breast, leg pain, period migraines, irritability and other changes of mood. It is considered a pathology that may last until the age of 40 after its development on the woman’s life, until the menopause arrival.

In Chinese Medicine there are only 2 types of PMS, both completely treatable:

1. Liver’s Yang Ascendence:

On this PMS type the patient will present elevated irritability, breast pain and abdominal cramps that worsen due to heat or abdomen pressure. Menstruation might come early and big in volume. Further symptoms are related from heat, like thirst, desire for cold beverages, mental agitation, insomnia, etc. Typically on teens and young adults, characterized especially by hormone change.

We name this Primary PMS, once Yang’s ascendence is pure and it isn’t associated with any other organ imbalance.

Consuming aliments rich in heat essence for the Liver just as excess fat, alcohol, and cigarettes shall certainly worsen all the symptoms.

The treatment is based on  Liver’s Yang control and points as: LV2, LV8, GB20 and GB21 on body acupuncture as well the points Liver, Liver Yang and Womb will be extremely important in the auriculotherapy.

On Chinese food therapy, the patient must consume fresh and cold aliments for the Wood Element such as lemon, apples, mint, etc… The patient shall pick a least 1 aliment on the indicated charts and consume it 2x times a day. The treatment can be done every month or at least 10 days before the period beginning forecast.

2. Yin Deficiency leading to Liver’s Yang ascendance

On this PMS type there is a pre-existing Kidney’s Yin Energy Deficiency due to overworking without proper rest, overdoing of sexual activities, overdoing of physical activities or sedentary lifestyle, emotional stress and bad eating habits.

Such excesses are naturally made during life and accordingly this PMS type usually shows up in more mature women, after their 30’s. Symptoms include, cramps not only abdominal but also on lumbar, legs and may come together with weakness and cold sensation on the knees. Periods will come little in volume, maybe late, creating irregular cycles. In addition, the patient shall feel very tired, may have night sweats and heat on the palm of her hands and soles of her feet, especially during periods.

Some symptoms of emotional instability may be caused by Liver’s Yang elevation, but they aren’t as severe as in the previous pattern.

The treatment is made by toning Kidney’s Yin. The body points: KI3, KI6, CV4 are extremely important and on auriculotherapy we will use points Kidney and Uterus.

Patients must consume fresh and neutral aliments for Water Element, at least 1 from each indicated column on the chart, 2 to 3x times a day, the diet can be performed all month long or at least 10 days previous to the period set start date.

The complete alimentation charts can be found on the following link: https://www.facilitatingacupuncture.com/therapeutic-food-tables/

PMS is considered a pathology that can be cured. Due to this, the sooner we start the patient’s treatment, the faster there shall be results.

Hope you liked it!

Hugs!

Profa. Fernanda Mara