ARE PAINFUL PERIODS RUINING YOUR LIFE?

Painful periods aka dysmenorrhea are actually very common (notice I said common, not normal). In one study 84.1% of participants reported experiencing menstrual pain. 43.1% of participants reported having painful periods every time and 41% having pain during some of their periods. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are a few different diagnoses for painful periods which means acupuncture is a great way to help alleviate menstruation pain. I personally think it is a great disservice that we are told from a young age that period pain is a normal part of having a period and being a woman. I can’t stress enough that this is just NOT true. You DO NOT have to live with period pain and actually what that pain is telling you is something is wrong. That something in TCM is an obstruction or even an insufficient flow of Qi (energy) and Blood to the uterus. For the ovaries and uterus to be balanced in TCM the Liver, Kidney’s and Spleen meridians need to be in balance. What we see a lot especially in Western society is high stress, anxiety, lack of exercise, over-consumption of cold and raw foods and drinks all of which can help lead to Qi stagnation, Blood stagnation, and Blood deficiency. 

I love helping to empower women to find the tools to help alleviate period pain. Some of my recommendations are yin yoga poses, acupuncture points for acupressure, supplements and Chinese Food Cures. Below you will find my food and supplement recommendations that help to support the body. 

CHINESE FOOD CURES

One thing you can do on your own is to change the way you eat. Below you will find some food recommendations that can be helpful, so….

If your periods are heavy with painful cramping and your period blood is bright red or dark red with clots and you are more prone to constipation and thirst these are the best foods to consume.

• Millet

• Flax

• Carrots

• Spinach

• Chard

• Kale 

• Parsley juice

• Spirulina

**Try to avoid foods such as red meats, eggs, and sugary foods.

If your periods are more scanty with purplish dark colour, clots, and you are more prone to bloating, fatigue, and feeling cold (cold body) then you should consume these foods.

• Squash

• Gluten-free oats

• Black beans

• Papaya

• Basil

• Dill

• Caraway seeds

**Try to avoid foods that are cold and raw such as salads, raw vegetables, raw fish, ice cream, cold drinks (don’t add ice to your drinks and make sure they are warm or room temperature). 

SUPPLEMENTS

Supplements can be a way to help support your system. Use as needed and be sure to check with your doctor if you taking any prescription drugs before starting any new supplements.

• Magnesium - 200 mg/day for cramps, bloating and sweet cravings

• Vitamin B6 - 60 mg/day for cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings

• Turmeric - 1 capsule/day for cramps and bloating

• Rhodiola - 200 mg/day for hormone regulation and anxieity

• Omega 3 - 2000 mg/day for cramping

• Calcium - 1200 mg/day for emotions

• Vitamin E - 400 mg/day for breast tenderness

BONUS TIPS

• AVOID caffeine, coffee, alcohol, salt, sugary and process foods - preferably 7-10 prior to your period

• Use castor oils packs by applying them to your lower abdomen. This helps to improve circulation and reduce period cramping.

• Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad to your lower abdomen or take a hot bath to help reduce period cramps.

If you have any questions or want to make an appointment (in-person or online) DM or email me at kelli@elementswellnesscentre.com.

KT