Acupressure can be easily used to reduce menstrual cramps and symptoms of PMS. Menstrual cramps are mostly related to qi stagnation, that is, when qi is not flowing freely in the body. This is most often caused by stress, worry, overwork, or sometimes people can be prone to stagnation.
Chinese medicine tradition states “ When there is movement there is no pain, when qi stops there is pain.” Qi must always circulate through the body to be healthy. Acupressure relieves pain by moving qi in a channel. You can massage these points to relieve the pain and cramping. But, you can also rub them daily to help prevent cramping as well as improve your ability to produce qi.
Spleen 6
Spleen 6 (Sp 6) is a very important point to reduce menstrual cramps, regulate the menstrual cycle, treat pain, and improve energy. This is because the point strongly moves the qi and blood. It also helps to produce qi. So stimulating this point will help improve digestion, energy, and reduce pain and can be used to prevent or treat acute cramps.
Sp 6 is located on the inside of your calf. The point is on the center line of your leg. Place your hand on the top of the inner ankle bone. The point is the same distance as the width of you 4 fingers put together.
Caution: Because Sp 6 strongly moves the qi, it should not be used during pregnancy.
Acupressure vs. Acupuncture
Acupressure and acupuncture share the same theory. But acupuncture has a stronger effect because it is more powerful to move stagnated qi and can treat imbalances deeper in the body. Acupressure is very practical, because you can do it for yourself. Women who experience severe cramps and PMS may require acupuncture.
Acupuncture and acupressure work well in combination, I often tell my patients to massage these points in addition to the acupuncture treatment. Overtime, the effects of both acupuncture and acupressure are cumulative and can lead to long lasting results.
Combining acupressure points
Rub this point in combination with Stomach 36 on a daily basis to help to reduce cramps and improve digestion.
