Autonomic and Menstrual Symptom Modulation with Meridian Exercise: A Case Report

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common menstrual disorder characterized by cyclic pelvic pain in the absence
of identifiable pelvic pathology, often associated with systemic and emotional symptoms.
Case Description: A 22-year-old female with a two-year history of cyclic lower abdominal pain during menstruation was
clinically diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea based on symptom history and regular menstrual cycles. Secondary
causes were excluded through the absence of gynecological abnormalities, prior pelvic pathology, or associated clinical
red flags. Baseline assessment included the WaLIDD score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Menstrual Distress
Questionnaire (MDQ).
Intervention: A structured meridian exercise program comprising gentle movements, stretching, and controlled breathing
was administered over 12 weeks (three menstrual cycles), without pharmacological or lifestyle modifications.
Results: Post-intervention outcomes demonstrated reductions in pain intensity (VAS: 8→4), dysmenorrhea severity
(WaLIDD: 7→4), and menstrual distress across all phases of the cycle.
Conclusion: Meridian exercise may serve as a feasible non-pharmacological intervention for primary dysmenorrhea.
Further research using larger samples and objective autonomic measures is recommended.
Keywords:Primary dysmenorrhea; menstrual pain; meridian exercise; autonomic modulation; non-pharmacological
intervention, case report