At a glance
Period pain in the lower abdomen and lower back was relieved immediately when the needles were inserted.
Presentation
A 43-year-old patient had unbearable pain in her lower abdomen and lower back every time her period came.
Diagnosis
Qi stagnation in the Dai Mai. The Dai Mai is a horizontal meridian that circles the waist like a belt. It guides and supports the Qi of the uterus and lower burner, which makes it important in gynecology and reproductive health.
Treatment
Treatment used Master Tung’s three points [Mu Guan, Zhong Guan, Gu Guan] at the base of the palm:
- Mu Guan (Wood Gate) — on the Heart channel, about 0.5 cun distal to the pisiform bone
- Zhong Guan (Middle Gate) — on the Pericardium channel, about 0.5 cun distal to PC-7 (Daling) or the transverse wrist crease
- Gu Guan (Bone Gate) — closer to the Lung channel, 0.5 cun radial to Zhong Guan and 0.5 cun distal to the scaphoid bone
There are many ways to treat painful periods with acupuncture, depending on which meridians the Qi stagnation is in. The [Mu Guan, Zhong Guan, Gu Guan] combination can relieve period pain when many meridians and large areas are involved.
Result
All of the pain went away immediately after the three needles were inserted.
This reflects an individual patient experience, not clinical trial data.
Results vary from person to person depending on the condition, its severity, and how an individual responds to treatment. TCM and acupuncture are not a substitute for care from your physician or another regulated health professional. If you’re dealing with a serious or urgent symptom, please see a doctor first.