Patient's question:
When experiencing menstrual cramps, I take medication, but the medication causes nausea, and the pain is so severe that I can't straighten up.Doctor's answer:
Hello, generally speaking, acupressure can help alleviate pain, but it is not very effective in treating primary dysmenorrhea. It is recommended to use acupuncture therapy, which is both effective and has no side effects. The method of acupuncture therapy is as follows:(1) Selection of Acupoints:
- Main Acupoints: Divided into 2 groups.
1. Chengjiang (GV26), Da Zhui (GV14);
2. Shiquanzhong (GV21), Ashi point.
- Complementary Acupoints: Chengshan (BL58), Sanjiao (BL22), Shen (BL23), Qihai (CV6).
- Location of Ashi point: Painful point in the lower abdomen.
(2) Treatment Method:
- Main acupoints are selected in one group each time. If the effect is not significant, complementary acupoints can be added or switched.
- Chengjiang (GV26): Use a 28-gauge 1-inch needle to obliquely insert 5 fen (about 0.5 cm) downward. After the patient feels the needle sensation, rapidly lift and thrust for about 30 minutes, followed by needle retention for 30 minutes. Perform needling every 10 minutes.
- Da Zhui (GV14): Insert the needle subcutaneously and slowly advance it deeper, allowing the needle sensation to spread downward toward the back. Retain the needle for 30 minutes.
- Shiquanzhong (GV21): Use a 28-gauge 1.5–2-inch needle to quickly insert subcutaneously. Align the needle tip with the lower part of the fifth lumbar spinous process, then obliquely insert and lift and thrust. The needle sensation should reach the uterus and radiate toward the perineum. After severe pain relief, continue lifting and thrusting for 5–10 minutes based on the condition, followed by needle retention for 30 minutes.
- Ashi point: Use a moxa roll for gentle moxibustion. The distance should be adjusted so that the local area feels warm without burning.
- Chengshan (BL58): Bilateral points are selected. Use a 6-inch filiform needle to quickly insert subcutaneously and slowly rotate the needle until a strong needle sensation is achieved. Retain the needle for 15–30 minutes.
- Other acupoints: Also use lift-and-thrust manipulation to extend the needle sensation to the lower abdomen. Retain the needle for 15 minutes.
- The above method is applied once daily, without a fixed course of treatment, and the duration is determined by the recovery.