Points for a Pain-Free Period

Sorry to burst your hot water bottle bubble, but Acupuncture is even better at treating menstrual cramps…

Growing up I had the worst cramps. I dreaded my period each month, but I accepted cramps as a “normal” part of womanhood, as did my sisters and many of my friends. It wasn't until an acupuncturist explained to me that cramps, pain and discomfort during my period wasn’t “normal”….that cramps were a message from my body telling me that I was out of balance, hormonally and energetically. She explained that a healthy and balanced body should have a relatively comfortable period, cramp free. This news shocked me. Even more shocking was that after 3 months of getting regular acupuncture treatments and taking Chinese herbs, my cramps were totally gone. Inspired, I decided to earn my degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and to focus on treating women's health conditions with Acupuncture. Now, I get to be the one to inform other women that they don't have to be in pain!

First, let’s talk a little about how this all works...

The menstrual cycle is a delicate process that is easily disrupted by stress, overwork, fatigue, and diet. A woman’s cycle involves a number of hormones working in harmony, and if one hormone is out of balance, it creates a cascade of imbalance that can result in cramps, pain, and symptoms of PMS.

In TCM terms, there are meridians (energy pathways) that flow to the female reproductive organs. For the ovaries and uterus to be in balance, the kidneys, liver and spleen meridians must also be in balance. Additionally, for natural hormonal transitions to occur throughout the menstrual cycle, our energy (Qi) and blood need to circulate smoothly. When Qi and blood circulation is sluggish or obstructed, our hormone transitions become disrupted, causing significant discomfort. Acupuncture encourages the smooth flow of Qi and healthy blood circulation. It also stimulates the body’s own healing process and natural production of hormones, helping to restore health and harmony to the entire reproductive system.

In addition to getting regular acupuncture treatment and taking Chinese herbs when prescribed, here are some suggestions to make your period a more comfortable, less dreaded time of the month…

1.     Get regular cardio exercise, especially during the week before your period. This moves Qi and blood and smooths hormonal transitions.

2.     Avoid alcohol, coffee, salt and processed foods, especially during the week before your period. This reduces inflammation.

3.     Eat plenty of vegetables, particularly cruciferous vegetables and dark leafy greens. Prioritize unsaturated fats such as olive oil and whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal. This ensures healthy hormone production.

4.     Apply castor oil packs to your low abdomen before and during your period to improve blood circulation and reduce cramping in the area.

5.     Take the following vitamins, as needed: Magnesium 200mg/day for cramps, bloating and sweet cravings, Vitamin B6 60mg/day for cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings, Turmeric 1 capsule/day for cramps and bloating, Rhodiola 200mg/day for hormone regulation and anxiety, Fish Oil/Omega 3 2000mg/day for cramps, Calcium 1200mg/day for weepiness, Vitamin E 400mg/day for breast tenderness

Interested in learning more?  Contact us and ask about booking a free consultation.

Chinese Herbal Soup Recipe for Building Immunity, Qi, & Blood

With the impending snowstorm and cold weather, it is important to build up your immunity to fight pathogens. Here is a Traditional Chicken Soup Recipe from one of my favorite professors at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine! Jeremy Pulsifer shared this recipe every semester with his Biological Aspects of Physics class because he knows how valuable it is to have strong Qi and blood.

Traditionally, herbs have been used in cooking for both their healing properties and for flavor enhancement. The food we eat should clear and energize the body and allow the spirit to flourish. This delicious Chinese herb soup will boost your immune system, support your lungs, and nourish your blood and Qi, your "life force". You will feel revitalized.

The herbs are tonifying and safe and help prevent common seasonal illnesses, such as colds and the flu.

1 Whole chicken, preferably organic

1 Packet of soup herbs (Astragalus Huang Qi, Ginseng Dang Shen, Reishi Mushroom Ling Zhi, Chinese Yam Shan Yao, Pear, Longan Fruit Long Yan Rou, Goji Berries Gou Qi Zi, & Honey fried Licorice Zhi Gan Cao)

Vegetables, your choice

After rinsing the chicken, place it in a large pot with the Chinese herbs. Fill the pot with cold water, allowing for two inches of water above the top of the chicken. Bring the water to a boil. Then put a lid on the pot, turn down the heat to allow a slow simmer, and continue cooking for about an hour. When the chicken is done, remove it from the broth and let it cool. (The meat will probably fall easily from the bones.) Add your favorite soup vegetables to the pot and continue cooking until the vegetables are done. Debone the chicken and return it to the soup.

Eat it in good health.

Dosage: Enjoy one bowl of soup daily, this recipe will last one person about one week.

This recipe is traditionally made as a chicken soup but it is still effective when the chicken is eliminated and only vegetables and the herbs are used.

The herb that looks like a tongue depressor should be removed as it has a woody texture and would not be pleasant to eat.

If any of these herbs are difficult to find, you can omit some of them. Otherwise, you can come in to the office and request them from us.

Originally published January 21, 2016.