Why is anxiety common before and after menstruation?
Many women feel irritable, tense, or even have trouble sleeping before or during their period. This is actually a natural reaction to hormonal fluctuations in the body. Don't worry, with these five simple and gentle techniques below, you can help your body regain balance and make your period more comfortable.
Techique One: Warming the Uterus and Removing Cold — Drink a Cup of Red Date Ginger Tea
If you feel cold during your period or have a cold lower abdomen, this tea is very suitable for you. Take 3–4 slices of ginger (without peeling), 5–6 red dates (with seeds removed), add two bowls of water and boil for 15 minutes, then drink it while warm. Ginger helps to warm the uterus and dispel cold, while red dates nourish the blood and qi. Together, they promote blood circulation in the abdominal area, relieve uterine tension, and reduce anxiety. Drink one cup every morning for three consecutive days.
Techique Two: Nourishing Magnesium and Calming the Mind — Eat a handful of Almonds Daily
Feeling down or easily angry before your period? Try eating a small handful of almonds (about 10 pieces). Almonds are rich in magnesium and B vitamins, which help relax nerves and stabilize emotions. You can also use walnuts or cashews as alternatives. Be careful not to overeat, and have them as a snack in the afternoon. Magnesium is a natural "soother," helping to relieve muscle tension and anxiety.
Techique Three: Soothing the Liver and Regulating Qi — Massage the Taichong Acupoint
If you often feel chest tightness or anger, try pressing the Taichong acupoint on the top of your foot. The Taichong acupoint is located in the depression in front of the junction of the first and second toes. Press it with the tip of your thumb, applying enough pressure to feel some soreness. Each session lasts for 3 minutes, alternating both feet. This acupoint is the original point of the liver meridian, which helps to relieve stagnation and calm irritability. Do this once daily before and after your period.
Techique Four: Nourishing Qi and Blood — Boil a Bowl of Longan and Silver Ear Soup
After your period, do you often feel pale, dizzy, or weak? Soak half a silver ear, tear it into pieces, add 10 pieces of longan flesh and a small handful of goji berries, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for 40 minutes over low heat, and add a little bit of rock sugar if desired. Silver ear moistens the lungs and clears dryness, while longan and goji berries nourish the blood and calm the mind, improving fatigue and anxiety caused by insufficient blood and qi. Eat it 2–3 times per week.
Techique Five: Balancing Yin and Yang — Soak Your Feet Before Bed
Having trouble sleeping or feeling restless during your period? Soak your feet in warm water around 40°C before bedtime, adding a handful of mugwort or a few slices of ginger. Soak for 15 minutes until you break a slight sweat. Foot soaking helps to guide excess fire back to the lower part of the body, helping the body relax and improve sleep quality. Better sleep means more balanced hormones. It is recommended to start doing this one week before your period and do it every night.
Summary
These five simple techniques come from the gentle concept of traditional Chinese medicine: warming the uterus, nourishing blood and qi, soothing the liver, and balancing yin and yang. With regular daily adjustments, you will find that your period is no longer so difficult to endure. Remember to choose according to your own physical condition and stay relaxed, allowing your body to gradually return to its rhythm.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is for reference only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you experience severe discomfort, please consult a doctor promptly.