Dysmenorrhea refers to the severe pain or cramping in the lower abdomen that some women experience during menstruation or just before the onset of their period. This condition is caused by intense contractions and spasms of the uterine smooth muscle. Initially, there may be symptoms such as bloating, tightness, cold sensitivity, heaviness, and dull pain in the lower abdomen, followed by paroxysmal, severe pain in the lower abdomen, and in severe cases, it may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and chills.
Moxibustion is a traditional method used to alleviate dysmenorrhea, primarily for cases where there are no organic lesions in the female reproductive organs. Before treatment, it is crucial to make a clear diagnosis and then adjust the therapy according to the specific symptoms. Accurate selection of the main and auxiliary acupoints along the meridians is essential before applying moxibustion.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course.
(If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. Moxibustion for dysmenorrhea works by using the unique aroma of mugwort leaves and the stimulation of warmth to adjust the body's internal functions, aiming to relieve reflexive uterine muscle spasms, promote blood circulation, unblock meridians, and alleviate pain. This is in line with the traditional Chinese medical principle that "pain indicates blockage, and the lack of pain indicates smooth flow."
2. The optimal time for moxibustion treatment is generally seven days before the onset of menstruation, and it is recommended to stop moxibustion during the menstrual period.