Jumpstart Your Menstrual Cycle: How to Naturally Induce Period with Chinese Medicine
Though most women have a menstrual cycle that lasts anywhere from 21 to 35 days, that is not always the case for some women. In fact, about 14-25% of women experience erratic periods. Though a missing period can sometimes mean pregnancy, in situations when that is not the case, there may be other factors at play that are interrupting your normal cycle.
Western medicine believes factors such as stress and hormones may play a role in causing a delayed period. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), however, finds that this delay is often caused by some sort of imbalance in the body. Rather than just treating symptoms, TCM practitioners will aim to understand the cause of this imbalance in an effort to bring regularity back to your menstrual cycle.
If you sometimes experience menstrual irregularities and are looking for natural ways to induce period, read on.
Traditional Chinese Medicine’s View on Delayed Periods
According to TCM, an erratic period is an indication that there is some sort of imbalance in the body.
The liver has the important job of regulating the menstrual cycle since part of its role is to regulate the flow of both blood and Qi. When liver Qi is stagnant, this may result in a delayed period. This stagnation may be accompanied by menstrual pain and breast tenderness. If there is an excess of liver Qi, this can lead to liver heat if left untreated. This imbalance is often brought on by chronic stress and negative emotions.
The kidneys also play an important role in bringing regularity to the menstrual cycle. A delayed period may mean that kidney yang is deficient. Kidney yang deficiency may lead to both stagnation and coldness.
In addition to the above causes of a delayed period, there are other factors that may be at fault. Not only is stress is a well-known factor in causing menstrual irregularity, but hormonal issues such polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, and thyroid problems are also known causes of an erratic period.
Some women may experience irregularity from taking hormonal birth control while others may have a delayed period due to weight loss or gain or overexercising.
How to Naturally Induce Period with Chinese Medicinal Herbs
Those looking for a natural way to induce period will find that there are a number of herbs that offer both natural and drug-free. These include:
Dong Quai: Used in TCM for centuries, Dong Quai helps to restore balance to the menstrual cycle. It helps to reduce clotting while providing needed nourishment to the blood and the liver. Dong Quai may also help to induce period thanks to its ability to improve circulation.
Cinnamon: Known by the scientific name of cinnamomi ramulas, concoctions that contain cinnamon have been shown to nourish the blood while giving a needed boost to blood flow. Try adding cinnamon to hot tea or sprinkle it onto a baked sweet potato.
Ginger: Not only does ginger help to reduce inflammation, but it can also help to improve the flow of blood by relaxing the blood vessels. A review in 2015, suggested that the anti-inflammatory properties in Ginger may have used to address menstrual pain. Sip on ginger tea or grate some fresh ginger root to add seasoning to a variety of dishes.
Natural Ways to Induce Period
Besides the above herbal options, other natural ways to induce period include:
Acupuncture: One of the many benefits of the ancient practice of acupuncture is its ability to induce period. A study out of the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the University of Göteborg in Sweden demonstrated that women who have multiple acupuncture treatments will ovulate more frequently. This is in part due to acupuncture’s ability to improve blood flow to the ovaries.
Food to induce period: A healthy, nutrient-dense diet is not only great for overall health, but it may even be the answer to how to naturally induce period. Those looking for food to induce period should include such foods as fruits, vegetables, fish, and poultry to help to influence menstrual flow.
Stress reduction: High levels of stress have been shown to lead to menstrual irregularities. To manage stress, be sure to get plenty of exercise as this will help to lower stress levels by stimulating the release the feel-good hormones known as endorphins.
Regular exercise will also help to lower estrogen levels which helps to prevent the thickening of the uterine walls. Other helpful stress management tips include the practice of tai chi, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Lifestyle changes: In addition to adding fruits, vegetables, and fish, making a lifestyle change to avoid processed foods, sugar, and alcohol may also help to eliminate menstrual irregularities. Diets that are high in sugar while also being low in fiber and antioxidants have been shown to promote inflammation.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai or Angelica sinensis has been used for centuries in Chinese Medicine. It is rich in compounds with anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating effects, and the dong quai pills can be added to your daily routine for its many health benefits. Often coined as “women’s fertility herb” or “female ginseng” this powerful herb is used to balance female hormones and menstrual cycle. It is also a great herb for male infertility, Dong Quai also has mild sedative properties for calming and relaxing the mind and body.
Conclusion
When a delayed period is not due to pregnancy, it may be an indication that there is some sort of imbalance in the body. Practitioners of TCM aim to bring the body back into proper balance and good health.
There are a number of Chinese medicinal herbs, such as cinnamon and Dong Quai, which may help to induce period by reduce inflammation, improving blood flow, and regulating the menstrual cycle.
Acupuncture will also help to restore balance by encouraging more frequent ovulation. To bring regularity back to your menstrual cycle, it is important to get plenty of exercise to reduce stress levels while also eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol, sugar, and processed foods.
To learn more about how to naturally induce period with Chinese medicine, speak to a TCM practitioner about your options. Here at GinSen we offer free consultation, fill in our free consultation form here.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
