Primary Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common female health disorders, it affects more than half of reproductive-age women.
Primary Dysmenorrhea Symptoms
Primary dysmenorrhea is the cramping pain that comes before or during the menstrual period. It can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea and dizziness.
The study
A Quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of using shiatsu therapy at the CV6 - “Sea of Qi” point (Qi means Energy) in relieving primary dysmenorrhea. The study was conducted at the College of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University in the academic year 2015-2016 by Hanan F Abbas Soliman, Eman A Soliman El-Hosary.
The severity of pain and the associated symptoms was decreased in the shiatsu group compared to the non-shiatsu group, with a highly statistically significant difference found between groups after using the shiatsu massage therapy at the “Sea of energy” point.
The study results
Concluded that using shiatsu therapy at the CV 6 - “Sea of Qi” point was effective for relieving primary dysmenorrhea pain and the associated symptoms for women. The study recommended considering shiatsu therapy as one of the effective therapeutic options for women suffering from period pain derived from primary dysmenorrhea.
How to do self-shiatsu on CV6 -"Sea of Qi" point
Where the “Sea of Qi” point is.
Location: on your belly, in the midline between the navel and the pubic bone, two fingers widths under the navel.
How to DIY shiatsu on CV6 “Sea of Qi” in 7 easy steps *
Lie down on a yoga mat or your bed.
Find a comfortable position
Put your left hand on your chest close to the heart area and the right one on the CV 6 “Sea of Qi” point.
Take a few deep breaths to relax your body and belly.
Then locate the CV6 point (two fingers widths under the navel, in the midline) and press gently with your index finger.
Press it gently for a few breaths, if it is painful rub it gently with circular movements using your fingers.
After a few minutes place your right hand still on CV6 returning to the starting position, and before getting up lie for a while on your favourite side.
My suggestion is to stimulate this point every day twice a day for a whole month.
Remember you must feel comfortable for the whole duration of the exercise. Don't do it during pregnancy.
Other uses of Sea of Qi - CV6 point
CV6 is also used to Tonifies Qi and Yang, Regulates Qi, Resolves dampness. So it might be good in case of Qi deficiency, chronic disease, cold and pain in the abdomen, Menstrual problems, Vaginal discharge, diarrhoea; constipation; or oedema.
While having regular shiatsu sessions is a good way to enhance your self-healing nature, doing self-shiatsu between sessions is a good way to enhance the effect of the treatments received.
The research link:
*Important: If you feel uncomfortable doing the exercise or if you find it painful, please stop it immediately. Please note that the instructions provided in this blog are general and cannot substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Please consult with your physician before beginning any exercise programme. You should understand that when participating in any form of exercise there’s the possibility of physical injury. If you use this video/blog, you agree that you do so at your own risk and agree to release and discharge Barbara Medda from any claims that may arise.