Reduced cost burden with 'health insurance herbal medicine'… Will herbal medicine for menstrual pain be effective?

Menstrual pain manifests itself in a variety of ways. It can include abdominal, lower back, and pelvic pain, as well as fatigue, headaches, breast tenderness, acne, and constipation. Additionally, some people may experience anxiety, depression, or difficulty concentrating. If pain relievers fail to manage the pain, traditional Korean medicine may be considered. Notably, since April, herbal remedies (herbal remedies) for menstrual pain have been covered by health insurance, reducing the financial burden.

Menstrual pain is mostly caused by uterine contractions. It is known that pain occurs when high pressure is generated within the uterus during uterine contractions, which in turn reduces blood flow. In Oriental medicine, the cause is diagnosed by comprehensively examining the pain pattern, menstrual history, and overall condition. It is broadly categorized into 'bultong-jeoktong' (pain due to blockage) and 'bulyeong-jeoktong' (pain due to deficiency) based on deficiency. Bultong-jeoktong is further divided into 'qi and blood erosion' and 'cold and damp body' and 'bulyeong-jeoktong' is treated by 'qi and blood deficiency' and 'liver and body deficiency'.

Those with the Qi-Blood-Fat constitution experience discomfort and pain in the breasts and sides before menstruation, as if they are swollen, and their menstrual discharge is often dark red or lumpy. This applies to individuals with high levels of stress and mental and physical tension. Those with the Cold-Damp-Resistance constitution are prone to cold and often experience back pain along with menstrual cramps. Warming the abdomen and body tends to alleviate the pain. These individuals also experience cold limbs, a pale complexion, and light, dark menstrual discharge.

Those with weak qi and blood flow often experience a dull pain in the lower abdomen during menstruation, sometimes as a sinking pain. Pressing on the abdomen feels comfortable, and rubbing it alleviates the pain. They often experience fatigue and dizziness. Those with weak qi and blood flow often experience numbness and pain in the lower back, dizziness, and tinnitus.

Therefore, traditional Korean medicine treatments for menstrual pain include herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, and pharmacopuncture, tailored to each individual's symptoms and physical condition. Depending on the cause, traditional Korean medicine prescribes medications that remove blood stasis or invigorate qi and blood. Acupuncture primarily relieves pain by removing blood stasis, dissolving stagnant energy, and promoting blood circulation. Moxibustion replenishes yang energy, improves cold symptoms, and enhances the body's tonic effects. Furthermore, combining it with aromatherapy, which uses light waves to stimulate cells and stimulate metabolism, can maximize the benefits.

In particular, the burden on patients regarding herbal medicine for menstrual pain has been reduced since April, when the National Health Insurance Service implemented a system covering herbal medicine prescriptions. This pilot project covers one of six conditions: menstrual pain, allergic rhinitis, facial paralysis, lumbar disc herniation, functional dyspepsia, and sequelae of cerebrovascular disease, with health insurance coverage for up to 20 days. Depending on the hospital, herbal medicine prescriptions can be taken with a patient co-payment of 30-40%.

A healthy lifestyle can help alleviate menstrual cramps. Regularly engage in light exercise and maintain adequate sleep. Avoid cold foods and prolonged exposure to damp or cold environments. Reducing fluid and salt intake is also important to prevent swelling. Wear clothing that is well-ventilated and keeps you warm, rather than tight pants or short skirts.