[Easy for Middle Schoolers] The Period Manual | Overcome Acne, Cramps, and Irritability with "Yakuzen" (Medicinal Cooking)!

"My stomach hurts when my period comes..." "I feel irritable for no reason" "I get acne." Do you feel like your monthly period is a bit of a hassle?

Actually, your period is your "body's report card." The color of the blood, the rhythm, and the presence or absence of pain tell you about your current physical and mental state.

In this article, we will introduce "Yakuzen" (medicinal cooking) methods using the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to help you identify your type and care for yourself with ingredients you can buy at the supermarket.

1. What is a "normal period" anyway?

First, let's learn what is considered "normal" by the textbook. If your experience is significantly different from this, it might be a sign that your body is sending an SOS.

• Cycle (rhythm): Around 28 days (plus or minus about 7 days is okay).

• Duration: About 3 to 7 days.

• Volume: Heavier on the 2nd and 3rd days, then gradually decreases.

• Color: Starts light, becomes a deeper red, and then lightens again at the end.

• Point: A healthy state is one without large, thick clots, without severe pain, and feeling refreshed once the period ends.

2. Why do these problems happen? (Body Type Diagnosis)

In TCM, menstrual problems are mainly considered to be caused by "lack of energy," "coldness," and "stress (poor circulation)." Which type are you closest to?

① "Coldness/Lack of Energy" Type

This is a state where your body is cold and you lack the power to move your blood.

• ✅ Severe menstrual pain (feels better when warmed up)

• ✅ Periods tend to be late

• ✅ Cold hands and feet, sensitive to cold

• ✅ Easily tired, pale complexion

② "Stress/Irritability" Type

This is a state where the flow of "Qi (energy)" in the body is poor due to stress, causing congestion in various places.

• ✅ Breasts or underarms feel swollen and painful before your period

• ✅ Feeling irritable, short-tempered, or emotionally unstable

• ✅ Period pain feels like a "bloated" sensation in the abdomen

• ✅ Blood clots are mixed in with your period

③ "Heat/Overheat" Type

This is a state where heat is trapped in the body, or you feel flushed due to a lack of moisture.

• ✅ Period arrives earlier than scheduled

• ✅ Prone to acne

• ✅ Thirsty, craving cold drinks

• ✅ Tendency toward constipation

3. Start Today! "Super Yakuzen" Care

Even though it's called "Yakuzen," you don't need to take difficult herbal medicines. You can balance your body with ingredients you can buy at the supermarket.

🍳 For those with abdominal pain or who feel cold (Cold Type)

Let's warm your body from the core and improve blood circulation.

• Recommended ingredients:

  • Garlic chives, shrimp, chicken(Stamina ingredients that warm the body)

  • Brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon(Relieves pain)

• Simple Recipe:

  • Garlic Chive and Egg Soup: A Chinese-style soup with garlic chives and eggs.

  • Ginger Hot Milk: Warm milk with a little ginger and brown sugar.

🍊 For those who feel irritable or have breast tenderness (Stress type)

Fragrant vegetables and fruits improve the flow of 'qi' and help you relax.

• Recommended Ingredients:

  • Citrus fruits like mandarin oranges(The peel is also fragrant and great)

  • Celery, tomatoes(Cool down the heat from irritability)

  • Jasmine tea(The ultimate relaxing tea)

• Simple Recipe:

  • Tomato and Celery Salad: Use your favorite dressing.

  • Jasmine Tea: You can buy this at a convenience store! Drinking it before your period helps ease breast tenderness.

💧 For those concerned about swelling and acne (Detox)

Your body has accumulated excess water and heat (waste). Let's help flush it out.

• Recommended Ingredients:

  • Job's tears, bean sprouts, cucumber(expels excess water and heat)

  • Nori, kelp(dissolves stubborn lumps)

• Simple Recipes:

  • Bean Sprout Namul: Microwave it and season with sesame oil and salt.

  • Seaweed Soup: Just tear up some seaweed and add it to your usual soup.

4. Follow these three rules during your period!

During your period, your body is doing a deep clean. It is important not to push yourself too hard.

1. Don't eat cold things 🍦 Ice cream and drinks with ice cool down your uterus and cause "congestion (pain)." Try to avoid them, especially during your period.

2. Don't stay up late 😴 Blood (nutrients) is created while you sleep at night. Just putting your phone away and going to bed early will make your next period easier.

3. Don't force yourself to diet 🍚 You lose blood during your period. Make sure to eat plenty of meat, fish, and rice to replenish the "building blocks of blood."

Summary

You don't have to give up and think that period discomfort is "just your constitution." Small choices like "I'll have chive soup today because it's cold" or "I'll eat a mandarin orange because I'm feeling irritable" will protect your body in the future.

For starters, try putting one ingredient that suits your physical condition into your shopping basket next time you go to the store!

Kobe Kampo Institute (Ashiya Yakuzen)
"AI x Yakuzen Constitution Check Course"