Restore Balance to
Period Cramps
Many women experience period cramps at some point, yet many still suffer in silence, believing pain is simply part of being a woman. We hear you, and it doesn’t have to be this way.
Understanding what causes these cramps and how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can relieve them naturally is the first step to restoring comfort and balance.
Period cramps, or medically known as dysmenorrhoea, are lower abdominal pains that occur before or during menstruation. They happen when the uterus contracts to shed its lining, and while mild cramps are normal, severe or persistent pain may suggest an underlying imbalance.
During menstruation, your uterus contracts to shed its lining. These contractions are triggered by hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Higher levels of prostaglandins lead to stronger contractions, which temporarily reduce blood flow to the uterus. The intensity of your cramps often correlates with prostaglandin levels. Women with severe menstrual pain typically have higher concentrations of these compounds in their menstrual fluid.
Pain is considered abnormal if it:
Western perspective
The primary culprit behind menstrual cramps is prostaglandin production. Fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone affect prostaglandin production. When these levels are unbalanced, contractions become stronger and more painful.
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can disrupt hormone balance. Lack of rest, irregular meals, or cold foods can reduce circulation and make cramps worse.
In some cases, painful periods are linked to medical conditions such as endometriosis. If your cramps have worsened over time or began suddenly after years of manageable periods, further investigation is essential.
TCM PERSPECTIVE
Stress disrupts energy flow.
In TCM, the Liver system is responsible for the smooth movement of Qi (energy) throughout the body. Emotional stress, frustration, or prolonged tension can cause this energy to become stuck or stagnant. This stagnation causes the uterus to contract irregularly, leading to cramps, breast tenderness, or mood swings.
Poor circulation causes pain.
Exposure to cold, whether environmental or dietary, can slow circulation and cause blood to move sluggishly through the uterus. In TCM terms, this is called Blood stasis. You might pass dark clots during menstruation, feel cold easily, or notice your period blood appears darker than usual.
Body lacks energy to move blood smoothly.
Some women experience cramping because their body simply doesn’t have enough energy for the uterus to function well. As our Spleen is responsible for transforming food into energy and blood, a weak spleen usually means that our body and reproductive organs would not be well nourished. Ladies suffering from this condition typically experience dull pain during menstruation, only feeling better after sufficient rest.
Herbal Medicine for Circulation and Pain Relief
Our TCM pills and syrup are formulated to match your specific pattern of imbalance. Traditional herbs work through multiple pathways to reduce pain and regulate cycles.
Acupuncture for Regulating Hormones and Reducing Inflammation
Our acupuncture sessions target specific points that influence hormonal regulation, reduce uterine muscle tension, and activate the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms.
Regular acupuncture treatment has been shown to reduce prostaglandin levels, improve blood flow to the uterus, and modulate the nervous system’s pain response. Many women notice their cramps become less severe within 2-3 treatment cycles.
Moxibustion for Cold-type Cramps
Our moxibustion sessions involves burning dried mugwort herb near specific acupuncture points to warm the body and improve circulation. This technique is especially effective for women whose cramps improve with heat and worsen with cold.
Womb Care Therapy (Deep Heat Needless Therapy) to Warm the Womb
For period cramps that feel better with heat, our womb care therapy offers a deeply soothing solution. This treatment is rooted in the same principle as moxibustion, using gentle, therapeutic warmth to dispel cold and stagnation in the uterus. Instead of burning mugwort, we apply a medicated herbal paste to your lower abdomen and use a specialised device to create a penetrating warmth that improves circulation, relaxes uterine muscles, and eases cramping from the inside out.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
TCM works best alongside supportive habits:
If you experience any of the above symptoms for a prolonged period, or if affects your daily life, consult a qualified practitioner. At Wo.men Matters, we believe that TCM works best as an integrated approach for many women.
Lab tests, together with ultrasound scan, can help to determine conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis and structural abnormalities. With a clear understanding of the issue at hand, TCM treatment can address the root imbalances that contribute to your condition.
Your first TCM consultation at Wo.men Matters typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes, allowing you to be fully heard.
This includes
Current symptoms, menstrual history, medications, past treatments, lifestyle factors
Your energy levels, digestion, sleep, temperature preferences, emotional state
Pulse diagnosis, tongue examination, and abdominal palpation if required
Prostaglandin levels peak at the start of menstruation, causing stronger uterine contractions. From a TCM perspective, this is when blood needs to start flowing, so any obstruction from stagnation or cold is most noticeable. As hormone levels drop, pain usually subsides after the first 24–48 hours.
Some women experience worse cramping at night because lying down can change blood flow patterns and your pain threshold naturally lowers when you’re tired. At night, with fewer distractions, discomfort can feel more noticeable.
Yes, hydration supports circulation and reduces bloating. However, from a TCM perspective, room temperature or warm water is preferable to cold water during menstruation, as cold can slow circulation and worsen cramping.
If period cramps are affecting your comfort or daily life, natural support is available.
At Wo.men Matters, our TCM physicians combine herbal medicine, acupuncture, womb care therapy, and lifestyle guidance to help women achieve balanced cycles and lasting relief.
Book a consultation to begin your journey with us towards pain-free periods and hormonal balance.
