K.M., a 20-year-old student, had been suffering from severe period pain since her teenage years. During her menstrual cycle, she would experience symptoms of nausea, feeling cold, and would need to lie in bed covered with a quilt for comfort. Painkillers and the application of a hot water bottle provided some relief. She also noticed that her hands and feet felt cold, and her face and lips appeared pale. Upon examination, her tongue exhibited a white coating, and her pulse felt deep and weak.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, these symptoms indicated a deficiency of kidney Yang energy. To address her condition, I employed a treatment plan involving acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Two weeks prior to her next expected period, we focused on strengthening her Yang energy and improving blood circulation. As a result, when her period arrived, the pain was significantly reduced, allowing her to carry on with her normal activities. We continued the treatment for eight sessions, during which time she experienced no further period pain. Additionally, she noticed that her hands and feet became warmer, and she felt more energetic overall.
It is worth noting that acupuncture and herbal medicine have proven to be highly effective in treating period pain. Furthermore, they are beneficial in addressing irregular periods, heavy periods, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Through a holistic approach, TCM aims to restore balance and promote overall reproductive health.