Research Update – Moxibustion and Dysmenorrhea
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.
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.
Moxibustion is a technique that involves the
burning of mugwort, known as moxa, which is an herb that facilitates healing.
The purpose of moxibustion is to stimulate the flow of blood and energy
throughout the body. Moxibustion creates a pleasant heating sensation that
penetrates deeply into the skin, but does not create a scar or any pain. To
perform moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a stick of moxa and holds
it close to the acupuncture point for several minutes until the area turns red.
There are also adhesive cones of moxa that can be applied to the skin. These
are then lit and allowed to burn until the fire reaches the base, which is when
they are removed to prevent scars.
Moxibustion is used to help people with cold or
stagnant conditions. Burning moxa is believed to expel cold and warm the body,
which creates a smooth flow of energy and blood. Moxibustion 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. Moxibustion 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 moxibustion may be helpful with your dysmenorrhea, be sure to discuss
it with your acupuncturist.
New York Sports Acupuncture
Dr. Bishara Wilson, DACM, L.Ac.
888.375.544
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