What should I do about long-term menstrual cramps?

Patient's question:

Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: Although I have given birth, I still experience severe pain every time I have my period, accompanied by vomiting, sweating, general weakness, pale complexion, and even occasional episodes of temporary blindness. The pain is usually the worst on the first day, sometimes on the second, but it subsides after a while, leaving me feeling as though I've been through a serious illness. This might be due to my lean physique. Determined to find a solution, I started seeking treatment at Shanghai United Hospital's Traditional Chinese Medicine department in May 2005. The doctor prescribed herbal medicine every other visit, followed by over-the-counter Chinese herbal formulas. It has been six months now, during which there have been times when the medication provided relief, and other times when it had no effect, and the pain remained severe. Most

Doctor's answer:

Hello, Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that menstrual pain is often caused by poor blood and Qi circulation or Qi and blood deficiency. Clinically, common symptoms include Qi stagnation and blood stasis, cold congelation in the uterus, Qi and blood deficiency, and damp-heat accumulation in the lower abdomen. Dietary therapy can play a good role in prevention and treatment.
For menstrual pain patients, it is advisable to follow a light and easily digestible diet 3-5 days before the onset of menstruation. They should consume easily digestible foods and avoid overeating. In particular, they should avoid cold foods, as they can stimulate uterine and fallopian tube contractions, thereby triggering or worsening menstrual pain. Once menstruation begins, they should avoid all cold, difficult-to-digest, and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, raw scallions, raw garlic, pepper, and strong alcohol. During this period, patients can moderately consume sour foods like pickles or vinegar, as sour foods can help alleviate pain. Additionally, menstrual pain patients should maintain regular bowel movements before or after menstruation. They should eat more honey, bananas, celery, sweet potatoes, etc., as constipation can trigger menstrual pain and increase discomfort.
Some people believe that moderate consumption of red wine can help menstrual pain patients relax their mood, relieve liver stagnation, and promote Qi and blood flow. Red wine has a pungent and sweet, warm nature. The pungent flavor can dispel and promote, making it effective for menstrual pain caused by cold and damp congelation by dispelling cold and dampness, invigorating blood circulation, and promoting menstruation. The sweet and moistening properties can nourish and soothe, providing warming, blood-nourishing, and pain-relieving effects for menstrual pain caused by Qi and blood deficiency.
Menstrual pain patients should maintain a varied diet and avoid excessive consumption of any single food. They should regularly eat vegetables and fruits that regulate Qi and promote blood circulation, such as chrysanthemum greens, orchid root, coriander, carrots, oranges, (foshou), and ginger. Those with weak constitutions and Qi and blood deficiency should frequently consume foods that replenish Qi, blood, and liver.