Scientist stumbles on cure for monthly cramps

A banner reading, "Congratulations to Bioengineering Institute of Fuzhou University for treatment of cramps" was hung on the building of the institute, Fuzhou Daily reported Thursday.

A banner reading, "Congratulations to Bioengineering Institute of Fuzhou University for treatment of cramps" was hung on the building of the institute on Sept 11. [Photo/fznews.com.cn]

The study was mainly carried out by Dr Guo Jingke, who has studied bioelectricity for six years.

Guo came up with the cure for monthly cramps, a small bottle of cream that has a sweet smell.

Guo said treating cramps was not his field of study, but he was prompted by a female junior colleague at the same lab, Wang.

"In June, Wang fainted due to cramps in the lab, which put us men at a loss. It occurred to me that the pain may be caused by imbalance of bioelectricity in the body. We then massaged Wang's ankles, where acupoint Sanyinjiao is, with a massage cream from our lab, and she recovered."

The massage cream can bring out redundant bioelectricity, relieving cramps unexpectedly, Guo said.

Wang said, "Every month I have a few painful days and may faint anytime during that period. I've tried all kinds of treatment, including Western medicine and Chinese medicine, but no use. After trying the massage cream a few times, my cramps almost disappeared."

This summer, many Internet users asked Wang for help, and they got better after Wang did the massage with the cream for them.

Guo said he has arranged for a company to produce samples.

"Maybe some will think I'm not doing my own business, but the result adds a nice change from our boring academic life," Guo said, with a smile.

A massage was done while applying the cream on the ankle on Sept 11. [Photo/fznews.com.cn]