A study conducted by Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has determined that the use of moxibustion at specific days during a woman’s menstrual cycle can decrease pain associated with menstruation. Dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation is a big problem for many women. This study used moxibustion, an accessory modality of TCM, to treat the pain associated with menstruation. The study and its systematic review showed moxibustion treatments were more effective at relieving pain only when the moxibustion began prior to the onset of actual menstruation. This is also the theory behind Traditional Chinese Medicine, that it should be used as preventive care. The efficacy of using moxibustion during the premenstrual time period holds great promise for those who are debilitated by dysmenorrhea (BUT, please note caution & alternative below*).
Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is experienced by more than half the menstruating women in the world. It is one of the most commonly encountered gynecologic disorders and for those suffering from severe dysmenorrhea, it can mean they are incapacitated for up to three days or more every month. The main cause of dysmenorrhea is increased or abnormal uterine prostanoid production and release, which then gives rise to abnormal uterine contractions and pain. The treatment of dysmenorrhea usually involves some sort of pain medication and rest, but there are alternatives.
TCM is a medical system that incorporates numerous methods for treating disease and illness. One of the tools found in the toolbox of the Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner is known as moxibustion or simply “moxa”. Mugwort is the herb that gets to over 800 degrees F without combusting… thus, providing an infrared light & heat without a flame. However, *like cigarettes, incense, and any burning second-hand smoke, inhaling the smoke is taxing to the lungs and should ONLY be used outdoors with a breeze and keeping others upwind. Better yet, your Acupuncture Physician will likely have the ability to use TDP Lamps (Infrared + Minerals) or infrared lamps (not available in ancient China) along with mugwort/moxa herbal tincture. Used with acupuncture, we see similar, if not identical or superior results.
Moxibustion is used to help people with cold or stagnant conditions. Infrared with mugwort can expel cold and warm the body more efficiently, which creates a smooth flow of energy and blood. Moxa can be used to treat dysmenorrhea because it stimulates the flow and release of the hormones that cause uterine contractions. By stimulating the release of these hormones, the body can then expel them which leads to decreased pain. Moxa is also great for women who suffer from fibroids, which is a stagnation and buildup of blood in the uterus. The warmth from the burning mugwort actually increases blood flow and this can help decrease the size of the fibroids over time.
As with acupuncture, only a licensed practitioner should be called upon for treatments such as moxibustion. If you believe Moxa may be helpful with your dysmenorrhea, contact us to learn more.
SOURCE: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2016/6706901/ edited/modified by Dr. N. Hiller
