Why Is Period Pain So Severe? A Traditional Eastern Medicine Perspective
Updated: Oct 15
When period pain is severe, it is natural to wonder what is causing it.
Hormonal changes and prostaglandins are important factors in menstrual pain.
Traditional Eastern Medicine also considers cold, circulation and a person's overall condition.
In this article, we look at common causes of period pain, the Traditional Eastern Medicine perspective, and simple ways to care for yourself.
What Causes Severe Period Pain?
One of the main factors behind period cramps is prostaglandins. These substances cause the uterus to contract during menstruation.
Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with stronger uterine contractions and more painful cramps.
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) can also cause physical and emotional changes before your period, including:
Bloating
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Mood changes
How Does Traditional Eastern Medicine View Period Pain?
Traditional Eastern Medicine looks at menstrual health in relation to blood circulation throughout the body.
From this perspective, cold is thought to affect blood circulation and contribute to menstrual discomfort.
Symptoms such as sharp pain, pain in one particular area and menstrual clots are also considered when looking at a person's condition.
These are traditional ways of understanding the body, rather than medical diagnoses. These symptoms alone do not establish the cause of period pain.
A person's general health, how often they feel cold, their sleep and their eating habits are also taken into account.
Everyday Ways to Care for Yourself
Keeping warm is a simple way to care for yourself during your period.
You could try:
Keeping your lower abdomen, feet and ankles warm
Having warm drinks
Taking a warm bath or foot bath
Doing gentle stretches or light movement
Eating balanced meals and maintaining regular eating habits
Heat, such as a heat pad or warm bath, can help relieve menstrual cramps.
Kampo Herbal Steam Therapy can be another way to warm the pelvic area.
I also offer this treatment at The Core Wellness Clinic, using carefully selected Kampo herbs with a focus on women's health.
Summary
Period pain can have different causes.
Alongside understanding the physical factors involved, Traditional Eastern Medicine considers cold, circulation and a person's overall condition.
If pain or discomfort continues to affect your daily life, or you're unsure what might help, you're welcome to get in touch.
At The Core Wellness Clinic, treatments are tailored to your body and individual needs.
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