Gua sha for Painful Periods: A Comprehensive Guide

Dysmenorrhea, commonly known as painful periods, is a prevalent issue that many women face. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique approach to managing this discomfort through a technique called Gua sha. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how Gua sha can help alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

Understanding Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is a medical condition characterized by severe menstrual cramps, which can be debilitating for some women. It often appears as a chronic problem that can last for several years, significantly impacting the quality of life.

Gua sha: An Alternative Treatment for Painful Periods

Gua sha is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. This ancient healing technique offers a unique approach to treating dysmenorrhea, focusing not just on the symptoms but also on the root cause of the problem.

How Does Gua sha Help with Painful Periods?

In my treatment center, I've seen firsthand how Gua sha can alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. I've incorporated the protocol of the Reproductive Center of Tianjin First Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, based on a study in 2006 by Xia Junbo and Shi Li. This protocol includes specific areas to apply Gua sha strokes, such as the abdomen, leg, back, hand, and foot.

Here are the places that I recommend to treat with Gua sha for dysmenorrhea relief:

On the abdomen:

• Scrape lightly downwards the area around and below the belly button.

• Note this includes Qihai (Ren 6) Guanyuan (Ren 4) Zhongji (Ren 3) Qixue (Kidney 13) but you don't need to know these with Gua sha.

On the leg:

• Scrape upwards on the inside of the leg (lateral to the tibia)

• Note that this includes Sanyinjiao (Spleen/Pancreas 6)

On the back:

• Scrape strongly downwards along the mid-lower back

• Note that this includes Sanjiaoshu (Bladder 22), Shenshu (Bladder 23) and Bladder Shu (Bladder 28)

On the hand:

• Scrape upwards in the base of the palm of the hand

On the foot:

• Scrape downwards in the mid-sole area and at the heel.

Procedure:

1. Apply lubrication on the selected areas, scrape firmly in the appropriate direction for 1 minute in each area.

2. Treatment is best achieved in the time before your next period. During your period avoid the abdominal area sequence.

3. Repeat the above treatment once every 3 days - 4 times is 1 course of treatment

4. Observe the effect after 4 courses of treatment

Gua sha for Dysmenorrhea: Case Studies and Insights

Over the years, I've seen many patients find relief from their menstrual pain through Gua sha. These case studies and insights serve as a testament to the potential of this ancient healing technique in treating modern health issues.

Gua sha is more than just a physical treatment; it's a holistic approach to health that can help manage and alleviate dysmenorrhea. If you're interested in learning more about Gua sha and its benefits for painful periods, consider joining one of my courses.

---

If you're ready to explore the potential of Gua sha, both personally and professionally, join us on this transformative journey of health and healing.

🌟 Come to the Komorebi Institute - we have Online Courses and Live Classes

🌟 Listen to my Podcast - There are 22 episodes to choose

🌟Read one of my Books - I wrote the Gua sha trilogy - Gua sha, Facial Gua sha and Holographic Gua sha

🌟Join the Instagram Family!