Patient's question:
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: I gave birth to my daughter via cesarean section five years ago. Two years ago, I started experiencing menstrual pain (I also had it before pregnancy, but it's worse now), and each period lasts about 10 days. During the secretory phase of my cycle, I often feel a bad odor. When I went to the hospital for a check-up, the doctor said there was nothing wrong, just that my uterus is retroverted. Please ask if there are any good methods to treat menstrual pain.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 congealing in the uterus, Qi and blood deficiency, and damp-heat accumulation in the lower abdomen. Dietary therapy can play a significant 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. Easily digestible foods should be consumed, and overeating should be avoided, especially cold foods, as they can stimulate uterine and fallopian tube contractions, thereby inducing or exacerbating menstrual pain. Once menstruation begins, it is even more important to avoid all cold, indigestible, 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 pickled vegetables or vinegar, as sour foods can help alleviate pain. Additionally, menstrual pain patients should maintain regular bowel movements before or after menstruation, as constipation can trigger menstrual pain and increase discomfort.
Some people believe that drinking a small amount of wine can help menstrual pain patients relax their mood, relieve liver stagnation, and promote Qi flow. Wine has a pungent and sweet, warm nature. The pungent property disperses and promotes, making it effective for menstrual pain caused by cold and damp stagnation by dispelling cold, removing dampness, activating blood circulation, and promoting menstruation. The sweet property nourishes and soothes, which is beneficial for menstrual pain caused by Qi and blood deficiency by warming the Yang, nourishing blood, and relieving pain.
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 roots, coriander, carrots, oranges, (foshou - fragrant orange), and ginger. Those with weak constitutions and Qi and blood deficiency should frequently consume foods that replenish Qi and blood.