Cramps, Cravings & Chinese Medicine: A Modern Guide

Have you been told that those painful periods are "just part of being a woman”? Maybe your doctor even pulled the "everything looks normal" card while you're curled up in the fetal position with a hot water bottle. As someone who's spent 15 years as a board-certified Oriental medicine practitioner (fancy title, I know), I'm here to spill some tea, literally and figuratively, about periods.

The "Everything's Fine" Myth

Here's the thing: when your body's sending you monthly SOS signals through cramps, mood swings, or irregular cycles, it's not just being dramatic. It's like your body's version of a check engine light. And unlike what you might have heard, you actually don't have to just deal with it.

The Blood Flow Chronicles

Here’s a basic principle: blood flow should be smooth, even, and consistent. But let’s get specific. That iced coffee addiction? Yep, those refreshing, cold caffeinated drinks might be making your cramps worse. Cold causes vasoconstriction (tightening of your blood vessels), which can exacerbate period pain.  (I know, I'm  offended about the iced coffee too.)

Meet Heat, Your New Best Friend

Heat works wonders when you are suffering because it’s a vasodilator. Translation: it relaxes and opens up your blood vessels, improving circulation and easing cramps. Here’s how to embrace heat therapy:

• Swap iced drinks for warm herbal tea—ginger tea, in particular, can be as effective as ibuprofen, according to studies.
• Don’t underestimate your heating pad—it really does help.
• Try a warm foot soak—amp it up with ginger or mugwort, which have been used for centuries in Asia for cramps and heavy cycles.

My personal favorite is the Tibetan Foot Soak. You can get it here. 

Food as Medicine 

Lately, all you hear about is protein this and protein that, but let’s not forget the unsung heroes of hormone health: starchy roots. These are rich in prebiotic fibers and hormonal precursors like DHEA from Dioscorea Mountain Yam, giving your body the building blocks it needs to create and metabolize hormones.

And then there’s Shan Yao, a superstar yam you rarely hear about in the West.  Imagine if a sweet potato decided to become a superhero. It's basically the Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) of root vegetables for your hormones. (It has other uses like lube too, but we’re keeping this PG today).

Keep Sweet Cravings Under Control

When PMS has you raiding the candy aisle, try these tricks:

• Bitter melon- (sounds scary, works wonders!) Try cooking a little as a condiment and eat with your steamed veggies.
• Cooked greens- (contain alkaloids that can control sweet cravings!)
• Mushrooms-  Either edible varieties or the medicinal ones like Poria in Chorus (great for bloating AND clear skin- we love a multitasker!)

Get Chorus here.

The PMDD Squad

If you're dealing with PMDD and you've already tried:

• Moving your body (Low intensity exercise can work wonders for blood & fluid movement and mood.)
• Eating healthy
• Dialing in sleep hygiene and getting anywhere from 7-9 hours a night.

Then let me introduce you to Xiaoyao San, the most popular mood and menstrual supporting tea in Asia. Unlike some herbal remedies that taste like feet, this one's actually pretty yummy!

Get it as a tea here or as a supplement here.

Want to Learn More?

Got PCOS? Endometriosis? Trying to make a baby? Dealing with perimenopause? Chinese Medicine is excellent for all of this. Because every woman has a unique health history we recommend setting up a consult to get the best plan of care. You can also join our free online community where we talk about many of the conditions TCM treats well and you can chat with others on the same journey.

Remember: Your period doesn't have to be your monthly nemesis. With a little ancient wisdom (and maybe some superhero root vegetables), you can show those hormone troubles who's boss!

Disclaimer: Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen or supplement.