Can Acupuncture Be Performed on the Navel During Menstruation?

Menstruation is a special period for women. Generally, during menstruation, women need to pay attention to their living habits. Although moxibustion can help women relieve some gynecological diseases, such as dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and scanty menstruation, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using moxibustion on the navel during menstruation. This is because women's bodies are relatively weak and their immunity is relatively poor during this period, and blind use may potentially damage their health.

It is generally recommended not to use moxibustion on the navel during menstruation. This is because mugwort, the herb used in moxibustion, can help promote blood circulation and dispel blood stasis. Using it during menstruation may lead to prolonged menstrual bleeding. Additionally, it is also not advisable to soak your feet in mugwort water during menstruation as it may have the opposite effect. If you wish to regulate menstrual issues or relieve dysmenorrhea, it is recommended to use mugwort regularly during non-menstrual periods to help dispel coldness and dampness from the body. However, it is important to note that the use of mugwort should be moderate and not be used daily. Additionally, dietary restrictions are also crucial during menstruation, and it is recommended to minimize the consumption of cold-natured foods.

Whether moxibustion can be used during menstruation mainly depends on individual physical conditions. Moxibustion has the effects of warming the meridians, dispelling cold, promoting blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis. If a woman has scanty menstrual flow or suffers from cold in the lower abdomen, cold-induced blood stasis, or qi stagnation and blood stasis, moxibustion can be appropriately used during menstruation to help regulate these symptoms. However, if menstrual flow is heavy, it is generally advisable to avoid moxibustion during menstruation to prevent excessive bleeding and the occurrence of blood deficiency symptoms. For some women with heavier menstrual flow, moxibustion may further promote blood circulation and resolve blood stasis, potentially leading to increased menstrual flow. On the other hand, for women with lighter menstrual flow, moxibustion during menstruation can help promote blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, and expel obstructions in the body, thereby achieving the goal of treating the underlying condition.