Women’s Kampo Therapy

A survey of 2,000 full-time working women aged 18 to 49 across the country revealed that approximately half of them experienced a decline in work performance due to PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or menstrual-related symptoms:

• Work performance dropped to less than half of usual: 45%
• Work performance remained between usual and about 60%: 55%

Furthermore, among those who reported irregular menstruation or abnormal bleeding related to their menstrual cycle, the following actions were taken:

• Did nothing: 44.6%
• Visited a hospital: 33%
• Took over-the-counter medication: 23.1%

1. Cold Sensitivity

Approximately 70% of Japanese women are said to suffer from cold sensitivity, which may affect various parts of the body, such as the whole body, hands and feet, or the lower body. Even if you think you don’t have cold sensitivity, symptoms like weight gain, swelling, skin irritation, irritability, etc., might indicate hidden cold sensitivity. This condition can lead to various discomforts, including stiff shoulders, headaches, constipation, and menstrual pain.

• Daily Coping Methods
  To improve cold sensitivity, it’s important to revise lifestyle habits, such as:
  • Consuming foods that warm the body
  • Establishing moderate exercise habits
  • Avoiding stress accumulation
  • Taking time to soak in a warm bath
  • Using warming items
• Medication Treatment Options
  The causes of cold sensitivity may sometimes include hidden issues such as anemia, thyroid dysfunction, or reduced secretion of female hormones.
• Kampo Therapy Approach
  In Kampo medicine, cold sensitivity is considered a treatable condition, believed to result from an imbalance of “Qi,” “Blood,” and “Water.” This may involve:
  • Qi: Qi deficiency
  • Blood: Blood stasis, Blood deficiency
  • Water: Water toxin

When multiple factors overlap, cold sensitivity may arise.

• Prescription Examples
  • Kamishoyosan
  • Juzentaihoto (hands and feet)
  • Onkeito
  • Keishibukuryogan
  • Ninjin’eiyoto (hands and feet)