Ovulation Pain: Recommended Ingredients from Japanese and Chinese Medicine

Ovulation Day brings significant changes to the body, including hormonal fluctuations and an increase in body temperature. This can result in feelings of discomfort or, conversely, an unusually good mood, making it often unstable.

Experiencing pain during ovulation is common and not necessarily a sign of illness. However, pain can be a signal from your body that needs attention. It’s important to take care of yourself by focusing on your diet and incorporating necessary changes.

Factors from Traditional Chinese Medicine:

１・Poor Circulation of Blood and 気（Vitality)

Pain, including headaches, often results from poor circulation. When blood flow is restricted, it tries to rush through, leading to pressure and pain in the surrounding blood vessels. Improving blood circulation is crucial for maintaining health, so try to be mindful of it regularly.

Symptoms like feeling mentally unsettled, irritable, bloated abdomen or chest, or excessive gas may indicate stagnant 気（vitality). Signs of poor blood circulation include heaviness, fatigue, persistent shoulder pain, varicose veins, dry skin, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and pain.

Additionally, conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids are also focused on the issue of poor blood circulation in Traditional Chinese Medicine. If you have concerns, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional and consider incorporating self-care through diet while undergoing treatment

2. 気（vitality) and Blood Deficiency

For women, menstruation causes blood loss every month. Blood carries serotonin, a hormone that helps stabilize mood, so its loss during menstruation can lead to emotional fluctuations. Blood and 気 (including adrenaline and serotonin, which stabilize mood) are interconnected, meaning that a deficiency in blood will also result in a deficiency in 気. Additionally, 気 is thought to generate blood, as both are closely related.

Signs of blood deficiency include increased hair loss, palpitations, blurred vision, dizziness, and light-headedness. Signs of 気 deficiency include a lack of motivation, decreased digestive ability, loss of appetite, fatigue, and disinterest in enjoyable activities.

Maintaining adequate levels of both blood and 気 is essential, so if you’re feeling persistently unwell, it’s important to address these deficiencies.

3. Kidney Deficiency

When the kidneys are fatigued, it can lead to feelings of emptiness or fear. Since the reproductive organs produce eggs, a tired kidney can make it difficult to create and ovulate healthy eggs. This can result in pain if the body tries to force the process.

If you experience palpitations on the day of ovulation, kidney deficiency may be a contributing factor. Other symptoms to watch for include lower back pain, coldness in the lower body, swelling, and irregular menstrual cycles. If you notice these signs, it might be worthwhile to focus on kidney care.

A loss of interest in sexual matters or feeling somewhat empty about yourself can also be related to kidney deficiency. When the vital energy that should be filling your body is depleted, it can lead to a lack of vitality even if you’re not physically ill. However, addressing this with proper care can yield positive results.

Unlike traditional medicine, dietary changes can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle and are beneficial for maintaining overall health. It’s never too late to start, and it’s also not too early for young people to begin focusing on their kidney health. The kidneys are crucial for youth and growth, so take good care of them.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are considered to include the reproductive organs as part of their group. While not strictly accurate, it’s helpful to think of the reproductive organs as belonging to the ‘kidney group.’

Foods that nourish the kidneys are typically black in color. Recommended foods for this purpose are listed in the following article.

For those with the most C’s

Other Considerations:

Are you compressing your abdomen with your usual posture or clothing? Prolonged compression can lead to poor blood flow. If tight underwear or jeans are making your abdomen or waist uncomfortable, consider loosening them a bit.
Are your muscles too tight? When exercising, try to avoid unnecessary tension and focus on your breathing. If you’re standing for long periods and feeling tense, work on releasing any excess tension. Excessive muscle development in women can sometimes lead to irregular periods, and in some cases, even cause periods to stop. Aim for moderate exercise and avoid overworking your body.
Are you exposing yourself to cold? Are you wearing clothes that leave your abdomen or lower back exposed? Cold temperatures can cause muscle stiffness and poor blood circulation. Eating cold foods regularly can also contribute to internal coldness, so be mindful of this.
Are you overheating? While warming up can be beneficial, avoid sleeping with things like heated belts or thick socks if they make you too warm. The body will try to cool itself down if it becomes too hot. While temporary warming can help relax your body, excessive heating can lead to its own problems. Be cautious not to over-rely on heat packs or warm clothing.
Are you staying hydrated? The kidneys manage water in the body. Blood flow and hydration are related, and dehydration can impair circulation. While it’s easy to feel thirsty in the summer, you might not notice it as much in autumn and winter, leading to potential dryness. It’s important to drink “water” rather than juice or tea. Room temperature water, lukewarm water, or hot water are preferable over very cold water. Ensure you stay well-hydrated.
If you’re experiencing any discomfort, don’t hesitate to consult with a gynecologist. Getting a thorough examination and understanding your health condition is crucial. Paying attention to your body is very important.

Actually, it’s normal not to experience menstrual pain or ovulation pain. However, women have been working hard for a long time. Even when there are no physical issues, pain can sometimes persist. It’s important to occasionally take the time to gently care for your inner ‘feminine self.’

There is a growing recognition of women’s struggles, and more people are acknowledging that ‘women should be allowed to rest more.’ Despite labeling oneself as ‘lazy,’ women often push themselves to maintain a perfect household and face societal pressures to perform. Modern women find themselves in a particularly challenging position, balancing personal and professional demands.

While striving and working hard is admirable, remember that ‘too much of anything is as bad as not enough.’ It’s important to seek help where you can. Allow yourself to experience a more relaxed, feminine pace of life, and savor those moments of calm. Constantly pushing forward without rest can lead to burnout and physical exhaustion.

Although finding time can be difficult, try to incorporate moments of relaxation, like a simple tea break, into your day. There’s no need to fast-forward through life. Embrace the slower moments and let yourself enjoy them.