HK Girls Grew Up Hearing About Periods (Chinese Medicine view)


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6 Things Hong Kong Girls Grew Up Hearing About Periods (Explained by Traditional Chinese Medicine)

If you grew up in Hong Kong, chances are you've heard at least one of these from your mum or grandmother:

"Don't drink iced water on your period!"

"Keep your tummy warm!"

"Drink some chicken soup after your period!"

These pieces of advice have been passed down through generations, but where do they come from? Many are rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which views menstruation as a time when the body requires extra care and nourishment.

Here are six common period myths—or perhaps, traditions—and what they mean from a TCM perspective.

1. "Don't eat cold or cooling foods during your period."

In TCM, Cold is believed to constrict the channels and slow the circulation of Qi and Blood. During menstruation, this may contribute to menstrual cramps, Blood stagnation, or the passage of clots in some individuals.

People who already have a Cold constitution may also notice symptoms such as cold hands and feet, fatigue, loose stools, or worsening period pain after consuming excessive cold or cooling foods.

Examples of foods traditionally considered cooling include salads, sashimi, watermelon, green tea, iced drinks, and ice cream. During menstruation, many TCM practitioners recommend choosing warm, freshly cooked meals instead.

2. "Use a warm pad on your tummy if you have cramps."

One of the most common pieces of advice is to place a heat pack over the lower abdomen.

In TCM, the uterus is believed to prefer warmth and dislike Cold. Cold may obstruct the movement of Qi and Blood, leading to cramping or sharp menstrual pain. People whose symptoms improve with warmth or who tend to feel cold easily are often considered to have a Cold pattern.

Applying gentle warmth through a heat pack, warm baths, ginger tea, or simply keeping the abdomen warm may help promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood.

3. "Try to sleep before 11 pm."

According to the TCM Body Clock, the Liver and Gallbladder systems are most active between 11 pm and 3 am. This period is traditionally associated with nourishing Blood, regulating Liver Qi, and supporting the body's recovery.

Because the Liver plays an important role in storing Blood and regulating menstruation in TCM, consistently staying up late is thought to contribute to symptoms such as PMS, irritability, breast tenderness, headaches, fatigue, or menstrual discomfort in some people.

4. "Don't expose your tummy or legs during your period."

Many Hong Kong girls were told not to wear crop tops, shorts, or short skirts while menstruating.

In TCM, menstruation is considered a time when the body may be more susceptible to external Cold. Prolonged exposure to cold environments, particularly around the abdomen and lower back, is believed to interfere with the circulation of Qi and Blood, potentially contributing to cramps, fatigue, or feelings of discomfort.

Whether or not you follow this advice, keeping warm may simply feel more comfortable if you tend to experience painful periods.

5. "Drink nourishing soups after your period."

Rather than during menstruation itself, TCM places great emphasis on the week after your period.

Because menstruation consumes Qi and Blood, the post-menstrual phase is considered the ideal time to nourish Blood and replenish the body's reserves in preparation for ovulation and the next menstrual cycle.

People who feel tired, dizzy, pale, or weak after their period may be showing signs of Blood deficiency according to TCM.

Traditional foods used during this stage include chicken soup, pork soup, black chicken soup, red dates, goji berries, black sesame, longan, spinach, and other iron-rich foods.

6. "Don't skip meals—and try not to catch a cold."

In TCM, the Spleen is responsible for transforming food into Qi and Blood. Eating regular, nourishing meals helps provide the body with the resources it needs to recover during and after menstruation.

At the same time, menstruation is viewed as a period when Qi and Blood are being consumed and replenished, so the body may be considered more vulnerable to external pathogens. People who are already fatigued, stressed, sleep-deprived, or recovering from illness may therefore feel more susceptible to colds during this time.

Final Thoughts

Many of these sayings have been passed down for generations and remain deeply rooted in Chinese culture. While modern scientific evidence does not support every traditional belief, many of these practices—such as prioritising rest, eating regular nutritious meals, and staying warm if it helps relieve discomfort—may still contribute to overall wellbeing.

From a TCM perspective, menstrual care is never one-size-fits-all. Treatment and dietary advice should always be tailored to an individual's body constitution and pattern diagnosis through a comprehensive consultation, including symptoms, tongue observation, and pulse diagnosis.