The term ‘painful periods’ indicates menstrual pain that occurs before, during or after menstruation. The Liver, Penetrating Vessel and Directing Vessels are responsible for the physiology of menstruation. For normal period to occur, Blood must be abundant and move adequately. Proper movement of Blood relies on the free flow of Liver-Qi and of Qi of the Penetrating Vessel.
Emotional strain is a very important aetiological factor in painful periods. Anger, frustration, resentment, hatred: all may lead to Liver-Qi stagnation. In women, Liver-Qi stagnation causes Blood to stagnate in the Uterus leading to painful periods. In some cases, stagnant Liver-Qi may turn into Liver-Fire and this, in turn, may lead to Blood-Heat. Blood-Heat often combines with Damp-Heat in the Uterus.
Excessive exposure to cold and dampness, especially during the puberty years, may cause Cold to invade the Uterus. Cold contracts and causes stasis of the Blood in the Uterus and therefore painful periods. Women are prone to invasion of Cold in the Uterus during or soon after the period when the Uterus and Blood are in a relatively weakened state. During this time, women should take particular care not to be exposed to cold and dampness.
Physical overwork or a chronic illness leads to the deficiency of Qi and Blood, especially of the stomach and and Spleen. Deficiency of Blood leads to malnourishment of the Penetrating and Directing Vessels so that the Blood has no force to move properly thus causing stagnation and pain.
The central cause of Painful Periods is the disharmony of the Penetrating Vessel and Sea of Blood. Hence the main principle of treatment is to regulate the Qi, Blood of the Penetrating Vessel, soothing of the Liver and nourishment of the Blood. This is achieved by acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbs.