In TCM, menstruation of a healthy individual should be painless with minimal symptoms. According to Physician Tan Wen Jia of Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic at Eastpoint Mall and HarbourFront Centre, menstrual cramps can be caused by either an excess (实) or deficiency (虚) syndrome. Here, she shares some remedies to help ease these monthly discomforts so women can go about their day pain-free:
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Ingredients: 3-5 slices of ginger, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 250ml water
Directions: Bring the water to a boil and add ginger slices. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add brown sugar and gently stir to dissolve. Consume while it is hot. Have this tea twice a day prior to your period or anytime when there are menstrual cramps.
Ingredients: 2-3 slices of ginger, 3 red dates, 2 dried longans, 250ml water
Directions: Bring the water to a boil and add ginger, red dates and longans. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Sweeten with brown sugar as desired. Consume while it is hot. Have this tea twice a day prior to your period or anytime when there are menstrual cramps.
Di Ji: Four fingers below the angle of tibia, directly behind the shin bone. (How to find the angle of tibia: Feel for the rim of your shin bone on the inner side of your lower leg, run your finger along the shin bone upwards, until your finger comes to a stop before the bone bends inwards. This is the angle of tibia.)
San Yin Jiao: Four fingers above the inner ankle, directly behind the shin bone.
Xue Hai: With the knee bent, three fingers above the inner top corner of the knee cap in a 45 degrees angle.
Tai Chong: Between the first and second toe, in the depression before the bones meet.
Locate each acupoint and apply firm and steady pressure until a mild ache is felt. Massage for 3-5 minutes when there are menstrual cramps or 2-3 times a day.