Stress and The Menstrual Cycle in Chinese Medicine with Maddy Walker
Written by Dr. Maddy Walker (BHSc. Acupuncture) from Thrive Acupuncture and Wellness
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that practices the art of inserting small, stainless steel needles into numerous sections of the body to treat a condition. Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2,500 years and utilizes the body’s own healing mechanisms to facilitate therapeutic treatment.
In Chinese Medicine, we look at treating the body’s physiological imbalances by regulating what we call “Qi”. Qi can be understood as the body’s vital energy that nourishes our organs and regulates systematic pathways such as the female reproductive system. Blood, bodily fluids, and our mind are all forms of our body’s Qi and therefore, also need to be balanced so that our body can function at optimal health. As a holistic medicine, we look at the individual’s physical, emotional, and mental state so that conditions such as painful periods are treated on all levels of health.
How does stress affect period quality in Chinese Medicine theory?
In Chinese Medicine, organs are viewed as a physical-mental-emotional integrated whole. This means that emotions can be a cause of disease and affect our body’s internal organs and their functions. Different organs are affected by different emotions. When you are experiencing emotions such as stress, depression, irritability and anger, the Liver takes most of the impact.
These emotions put our Liver into panic and can cause stagnation of our Liver’s Qi and Blood, which in turn causes blockages within the pathways (known as meridians) that are linked to the Liver. The Liver meridian runs along the inside of the leg, up to the external genital region and along the lower abdomen, finishing at the throat. Therefore, when stress is heightened, it can cause stagnation through this pathway which may result in pain in areas like the lower abdomen.
According to Chinese Medicine, the Liver is also responsible for storing blood for the Uterus for menstruation. If we are stressed, our Liver is directly injured, which means the quality of the blood that the Liver is storing for our Uterus is poor. This can cause blood clots, painful periods, cramps, PMS and an irregular cycle. The Liver is also in control of our muscles and tendons. So, when the Liver is in stress, this can cause a lack of nourishment to our muscles which may result in cramps and pain.
How is this topic viewed from a western medicine point of view?
Western medicine can recognize the connection between emotions and the physical body from a nervous system point of view. Emotional stress can trigger our sympathetic nervous system in our body known as “Fight or flight”. This causes stress chemicals in the body to be released which affects many different organs. These stress chemicals can cause inflammation in the body which can be related to painful conditions, including endometriosis and pelvic pain.
How does acupuncture help?
Acupuncture can reduce stress by resetting the patient’s nervous system back into parasympathetic (known as “rest and digest”), which decreases the amount of stress chemicals sent out by the body. Acupuncture reduces inflammation and promotes blood flow to designated areas. This can help lessen the level of pain during a period, reduce cramping and decrease blood clots. From a Chinese Medicine understanding, acupuncture regulates the organs affected by emotional stress and clears the associated meridians of obstruction, resulting in better quality periods.
Tips for reducing stress for better periods according to Chinese Medicine.
Expressing your emotions and not repressing them (this can be journaling if you do not want to talk)
Ensure you are physically active every day
Staying clear of foods that cause congestion and inflammation
Including blood nourishing foods in your diet such as root vegetables and green leafy vegetables that are cooked and eaten warm
Reducing alcohol intake
Meditation
Increasing creative activities such as painting or gardening
Socializing with people that make you feel happy
Spending time outdoors in nature
Contact Info
Email: maddy@thriveacupuncture.com.au
Instagram: dr_maddy_acupuncture
Facebook: @DrMaddyAcupuncture
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