{"id":7035,"date":"2022-05-19T20:02:45","date_gmt":"2022-05-19T19:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=condition&#038;p=7035"},"modified":"2025-07-22T18:27:25","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T17:27:25","slug":"menstrual-health-traditional-chinese-medicine-perspective","status":"publish","type":"condition","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/condition\/menstrual-health-traditional-chinese-medicine-perspective\/","title":{"rendered":"Menstrual health: A traditional Chinese medicine perspective"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>A woman\u2019s cycle is a window into the state of her physical and emotional being. We explore the menstrual health from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-9d20464 ugb-4bd421b ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-accordion--open ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"true\"><style>.ugb-4bd421b .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">Understanding menstrual disorders<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<p>In the west, we are accustomed to thinking that maladies surrounding menstruation \u2013 &nbsp;pain, heavy bleeding, premenstrual tension (PMT) and headaches, to name but a few &#8211; are part and parcel of the female experience. Symptoms can range from the mildly annoying to utterly debilitating, impacting all areas of one\u2019s life. Thankfully, TCM takes a different view and teaches us that, while incredibly common, these conditions are not found in a harmonious bodily landscape and need not be silently endured.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-a2bc58e ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-accordion--open ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"true\"><style>.ugb-a2bc58e .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">How is menstrual health understood in TCM?<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" src=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Menstrual health: A traditional Chinese Medicine perspective\" class=\"wp-image-7038\" style=\"width:484px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled-1300x866.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In TCM, the nature of a woman\u2019s menstrual flow and cycle is a window in to the state of her physical and emotional being. A menstrual complaint, therefore, gives us valuable insight in to where balance has been lost and how best to bring it back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>TCM holds that menstruation &#8211; <em>tian gui<\/em> or \u2018heavenly water\u2019 \u2013 is present when the <em>ren<\/em> (Conception) and <em>chong<\/em> (Penetrating) channels fill with <em>qi<\/em> and blood, respectively, and derives from <em>jing &#8211;<\/em> our core, inherited essencethat governs reproduction and growth. <em>Jing<\/em> forms the substance of a woman\u2019s eggs and is involved, with the heart, in ovarian function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The mind-body connection inherent to TCM philosophy is clearly illustrated in menstrual physiology, where the heart houses the <em>shen<\/em> (spirit\/ mind, including the hypothalamus and pituitary glands), governs the blood and is connected to the uterus\/ ovaries via a channel called the <em>bao mai<\/em> (Uterus vessel). There is, therefore, a direct correlation between TCM heart function in ovulation and the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. As such, Chinese medicine readily appreciates how emotional strain can be a direct cause of menstrual dysfunction (1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">The cycle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Menstrual cycles are governed by an intricate dance and interplay of hormones. In TCM, like the waxing and waning of the moon,&nbsp; a woman\u2019s cycle follows the ebb and flow of <em>yin<\/em> and <em>yang<\/em> energy throughout her cycle where the follicular phase (day 1-14) pertains to <em>yin <\/em>and luteal phase (day 14-28) to <em>yang<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The follicular phase is marked by the onset of menstruation as a result of a sharp drop in oestrogen and progesterone. In TCM, menstruation occurs when <em>yang<\/em> (reflected in progesterone levels) has reached its maximum and switches to <em>yin. <\/em>We then see follicular development as the pituitary gland stimulates follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutinising hormone (LH). In TCM, this process relies and draws on our <em>jing. <\/em>The growing follicles, nourished by <em>yin<\/em> and blood, then secrete oestrogen. Increasing oestrogen levels reflect the growth of <em>yin<\/em> and blood and can be observed, to a degree, in the presence, quantity and quality of cervical mucus leading up to ovulation. If <em>yin<\/em> rises sufficiently, it will trigger the transformation to <em>yang. <\/em>This transition is reflected in rising progesterone (and, therefore, <em>yang<\/em>) levels and an LH surge. Under the influence of LH, the empty follicle &#8211; having released its egg &#8211; secretes progesterone and this maintains the uterine lining (endometrium) until menstruation or conception (1,2).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-fb87bdd ugb-58e400e ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-58e400e .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">Understanding the root of menstrual health<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<p>Main disruptors of menstrual health in TCM are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"652\" src=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/25171928\/Woman-with-intestinal-inflammatory-disease.jpg\" alt=\"Woman with intestinal inflammatory disease\" class=\"wp-image-11074\" style=\"width:592px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/25171928\/Woman-with-intestinal-inflammatory-disease.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/25171928\/Woman-with-intestinal-inflammatory-disease-600x391.jpg 600w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/25171928\/Woman-with-intestinal-inflammatory-disease-768x501.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Qi stagnation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A very common and readily treatable clinical presentation, <em>qi<\/em> stagnation (in particular of liver and heart <em>qi<\/em>) impedes the natural flow of <em>qi<\/em> and blood in women\u2019s cycles, particularly at ovulation and in the lead up to menstruation. It manifests with premenstrual tension with marked breast and abdominal distension, moodiness, depression and irritability. Where stagnant <em>qi<\/em> has become errant and invaded the digestion, there may also be diarrhea before the period. Menstrual blood will be darker than the fresh red colour we would expect in a healthy cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ovulatory issues are common here as it relies on the smooth flow of heart and liver <em>qi<\/em> and cycles will be irregular, delayed or even absent. There will often be pain (worse just before and during the period) that is aggravated by pressure (a sign that the pain is due to a condition of excess rather than deficiency). The flow itself might stop and start, reflecting the lack of smooth <em>qi <\/em>flow in the body. This constraint is also displayed in a wiry radial pulse; taught under the fingers, like a guitar string. This pattern is typically brought on by emotional strain but can also result from a history oral contraceptive use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Blood stagnation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If left untreated, <em>qi<\/em> stagnation can lead to Blood stasis. Here, pain will be more significant, fixed and stabbing in nature and relieved with the passing of clots (a hallmark feature of blood stasis). As with <em>qi<\/em> stagnation, it will be worse for pressure and blood will be very, usually with clots. Periods can be both light (the blood is simply not flowing) or long and heavy as the body attempts to flush out stagnant blood and clots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cycle will be irregular or even absent and there may be spotting in between. The tongue will be purple with distended veins underneath and, again, the pulse will be wiry. We see blood stagnation in conditions such as amenorrhea, endometriosis, fibroids, tumors and PMT, where mental restlessness is pronounced. Aside from <em>qi<\/em> stagnation, blood stagnation can also stem from cold in the uterus, obstruction from phlegm-damp and <em>qi<\/em> deficiency, where there is simply not enough energy to guide the blood out. It is a common presentation after childbirth and surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Heat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Heat may arise if <em>qi<\/em> and, or, blood stagnation continues or from a deficiency of <em>yin <\/em>and manifests with short cycles as heat can trigger early ovulation. Heat also results in the reckless movement of blood, so we will typically see heavy periods with fresh, bright red blood. However, where heat has injured the fluids, menstrual blood may be thick and dry and where it stems from <em>yin<\/em> deficiency, it will be scanty. Depending on the source of the heat, we might also see accompanying symptoms such as intense irritability, headaches with red eyes, nosebleeds (liver <em>qi<\/em> stagnation with liver fire or <em>yang<\/em> rising), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/condition\/insomnia\/\">insomnia<\/a>, anxiety, palpitations, mouth ulcers, red tongue tip (heart <em>qi<\/em> stagnation with heart fire) or reflux, acne and mucus in the blood (phlegm-damp).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Yin<\/em> deficiency is a common cause of heat, especially in women over 35 years, and the primary cause of amenorrhea. <em>Yin<\/em> deficiency signs in the absence of heat might include long cycles (weak <em>yin<\/em>, reflected in oestrogen levels, is slow to nourish developing follicles and, therefore, ovulation is delayed), vaginal dryness, dry skin and hair, insomnia, hot palms and soles, a red, cracked, dry tongue and a weak, \u2018floating\u2019 (at the surface) pulse. Where <em>yin<\/em> deficiency has generated deficient heat, we may also see scanty yellow urine, red lips, nightsweats and a strong libido. As with <em>yin<\/em> deficiency, the tongue is red and cracked but here it will also have a thin yellow coat. The pulse is still weak and at the surface but the heat has made it rapid. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heat may come from a variety of sources, both internal and external, excess and deficient. Common sources include overwork, lack of rest, excessive heating food and drink and prolonged emotional turmoil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Cold<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In TCM, a warm womb is of great importance and necessary for healthy menstruation and fertility. However, cold is a very common clinical pattern with menstrual disorders and can emerge from either excess or deficient sources. Cycles are generally late, often with pain that is relieved with warmth. Blood will be red with small, dark clots in excess cases or pale in deficient ones. The tongue will be pale and the pulse slow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cold food and drink as well as exposure to cold (cold environments, swimming or wearing tops that expose the midriff) can lead to cold in the uterus and these are to be avoided during menstruation. Cold can also enter the uterus via the leg channels if we walk barefoot on cold surfaces or expose our legs to cold. It is also vitally important to keep warm after childbirth to prevent cold invading the uterus and we often suggest treatment with warming, blood invigorating herbs and moxibustion over the lower abdomen and lower back in the post-partum to chase out lingering cold, a technique&nbsp; known as \u2018mother warming\u2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the case of <em>yang <\/em>deficiency, we will see issues in the luteal phase, notably low progesterone, which can result in spotting before the period. This will be accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea and low back pain at the onset of menses, late or no ovulation, oedema, low libido, cold hands feet and abdomen, a pale, wet tongue and a slow pulse. Hypothyroidism is a classic example of a <em>yang<\/em> deficient condition that can impact menstruation and endometriosis often has its roots in weak <em>yang<\/em>. <em>Yang<\/em> deficiency can come about from constitutional weakness, overwork, inadequate rest, chronic illness, <em>yin<\/em> deficiency (<em>yin<\/em> and <em>yang<\/em> are mutually-engendering) or external cold invasion that is left untreated. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/21112401\/older-woman-stretching-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Older woman stretching\" class=\"wp-image-9503\" style=\"width:611px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/21112401\/older-woman-stretching-scaled.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/21112401\/older-woman-stretching-scaled.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/21112401\/older-woman-stretching-scaled.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/21112401\/older-woman-stretching-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/21112401\/older-woman-stretching-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Phlegm-Damp<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A diet of excessive damp foods (e.g. greasy, sweetened, dairy) and\/ or improper metabolism and circulation of fluids can lead to phlegm-damp. This has a tendency to sink and settle in the lower part of the body, disrupting menstrual function, resulting in absent, irregular and long cycles. Here we will have symptoms such as mucus in the menstrual blood, thick, copious discharge, oedema, a feeling of heaviness, weight gain, acne, sinus issues, a phlegmy cough and might see conditions such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/condition\/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos\/\">polycystic ovarian syndrome<\/a> (PCOS) and thrush. The tongue will be swollen with a thick coat, the pulse full and \u2018slippery\u2019 under the fingers.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\"><em>Qi <\/em>deficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spleen <em>qi <\/em>is said to hold the blood. Where <em>qi<\/em> is weak, there will be early periods, long flows, bleeding in between and heavy periods. Blood will be brown, pale and watery. It will often be accompanied by symptoms such as easy bruising, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/condition\/fatigue-tcm-perspective\/\">tiredness<\/a>, poor appetite, loose bowels, a pale tongue and weak pulse. As <em>qi<\/em> engenders blood, it often goes hand in hand with blood deficiency. It can arise from excessive worry or mental taxation, poor diet and inadequate rest. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Blood deficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to <em>qi<\/em> deficiency, blood may be deficient as a result of short cycles (and, therefore, frequent menstruation), heavy periods, blood loss from trauma or childbirth or a poor diet. The period may be late or even absent and light. The blood will be pale and dilute, the tongue pale and the pulse thin. Accompanying signs and symptoms may include anaemia, pallor, dizziness, dry skin and nails and insomnia (especially getting to sleep). &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\"><em>Jing<\/em> deficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At the extreme end of <em>jing<\/em> deficiency, we might see delayed puberty, primary amenorrhea (periods have not started by age 15) and even underdeveloped uterus and ovaries. Milder forms of <em>jing<\/em> weakness will manifest with conditions such as irregular periods, early <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/condition\/menopause\/\">menopause<\/a> and fertility issues. This type of deficiency may be inherited (especially in the youngest of many children or offspring from older parents) or due to lifestyle factors \u2013 living large, using recreational drugs or overworking without adequate rest. It can also result from many pregnancies close together and simply aging as our stores of essence deplete naturally over time and with each menstrual cycle (1-4).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-727094a ugb-ce6acf9 ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-ce6acf9 .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">Signs and symptoms<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Premenstrual tension (PMT)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amenorrhea (absent periods)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Menorrhagia (heavy periods, prolonged periods)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oligomenorrhea (light or irregular periods)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Metrorrhagia (irregular bleeding, bleeding between periods)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Symptoms surrounding menstruation include: <\/strong>Breast distension, headaches, bowel changes, muscular aches, fever, blood noses\/ blood in sputum, acne, dizziness, nausea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-eeddbb9 ugb-db99bd3 ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-db99bd3 .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">Herbal solutions<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<p>TCM herbal therapy for menstrual health typically takes a few cycles to have a real impact but you should start to see some improvements after the first month. There are a great many TCM herbs and formulas to promote menstrual health depending on the presenting signs and symptoms and it is common to use different herbs and formula modifications for each stage of the cycle. The following are examples of common herbs used at each of these phases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/rehmannia\/\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124403\/Rehmannia-glutinosa-rehmannia-plant-flower-field-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)\" class=\"wp-image-6252\" style=\"width:584px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124403\/Rehmannia-glutinosa-rehmannia-plant-flower-field-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124403\/Rehmannia-glutinosa-rehmannia-plant-flower-field-scaled-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124403\/Rehmannia-glutinosa-rehmannia-plant-flower-field-scaled-1300x867.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124403\/Rehmannia-glutinosa-rehmannia-plant-flower-field-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124403\/Rehmannia-glutinosa-rehmannia-plant-flower-field-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124403\/Rehmannia-glutinosa-rehmannia-plant-flower-field-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rehmannia (<em>Rehmannia glutinosa<\/em>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Menstruation: Herbs that invigorate blood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Chuan xiong<\/em> (<em>Ligisticum chuanxiong, <\/em>Szechuan lovage root), <em>tao ren<\/em> (<em>Prunus persica<\/em>, peach kernel) and<em> hong hua <\/em>(<em>Carthamus tinctorius, <\/em>safflower flower) are all brilliant blood-invigorators and a popular choice at this stage in the cycle when we want to promote a smooth and complete discharge of blood. Pungent, and, therefore, moving herbs, <em>chuan xiong<\/em> is the gentler of the three, used to revitalise blood. <em>hong hua<\/em> and <em>tao ren<\/em>, in particular, can strongly dispel blood stasis. They are often used together during menstruation in cases of blood stagnation or when regulating the cycle and are found in the most popular formula for this purpose<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Tao Hong Si Wu Tang<\/em> (Four Substance Decoction with Safflower and Peach Pit), an extrapolation of the classic blood tonic formula, <em>Si Wu Tang<\/em> (Four Substances Decoction: <em>shu di <\/em>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/rehmannia\/\">Rehmannia<\/a>),<em> bai shao <\/em>(<a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/bai-shao\/\" data-type=\"herb\" data-id=\"7060\">white Peony root<\/a>),<em> dang gui <\/em>(Chinese angelica root)<em>, chuan xiong<\/em>). This is a wonderful formula for this time of the month as it both nourishes and invigorates blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where blood stagnation is pronounced, such as in cases of endometriosis, stronger blood stasis breaking herbs such as <em>san leng<\/em> (<em>Sparganium stoloniferum<\/em>, bur-reed rhizome) and <em>e zhu<\/em> (<em>Curcuma zedoaria<\/em>, zedoaria) may be added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In cases where pain is significant, <em>yan hu suo<\/em> (<em>Cordyalis yanhusuo<\/em>, Cordyalis rhizome), a blood-invigorator with great analgesic effect, is often used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Herbs that stop bleeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For heavy periods, <em>san qi<\/em><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong>(or<em> tian qi<\/em>, <em>Panax notoginseng, <\/em>Notoginseng root) is a fantastic choice as it both stops bleeding and invigorates blood, meaning that it can arrest heavy bleeding without creating stagnation. It also has analgesic properties, making it an invaluable herb for menstrual complaints, in particular, those from blood stagnation with heavy, long and painful flows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/cinnamon\/\"><img width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/21125532\/cinnamon-crushed-sticks-powder-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon sticks (Cinnamomum spp)\" class=\"wp-image-3229\" style=\"width:573px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/21125532\/cinnamon-crushed-sticks-powder-scaled.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/21125532\/cinnamon-crushed-sticks-powder-scaled.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/21125532\/cinnamon-crushed-sticks-powder-scaled.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/21125532\/cinnamon-crushed-sticks-powder-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/21125532\/cinnamon-crushed-sticks-powder-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/21125532\/cinnamon-crushed-sticks-powder-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/21125532\/cinnamon-crushed-sticks-powder-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cinnamon sticks (<em>Cinnamomum<\/em> spp.) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">After menstruation: Herbs that nourish yin and blood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After menstruation, we help to rebuild <em>yin <\/em>and blood, particularly in individuals where these are deficient. For this, we often use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Gui Shao Di Huang Tang<\/em> (Angelica Paeonia and Rehmannia Decoction)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A variation on the classic <em>yin<\/em> tonic formula <em>Liu Wei Di Huang Tang<\/em> (Six Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia: <em>shu di<\/em>, <em>shan zhu yu<\/em> (Cornus), <em>shan yao<\/em> (Wild yam), <em>fu ling<\/em> (Poria), mu dan pi (Peony tree), <em>ze xie<\/em> (Alisma)), where chief blood tonics <em>dang gui<\/em> and <em>bai shao<\/em> have been added, making it especially useful for this stage of the cycle.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Ovulation: Herbs that regulate the <em>qi<\/em> and calm the spirit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Smooth <em>qi<\/em> flow is especially important mid-cycle to support the release of the egg and herbs that regulate heart and liver <em>qi<\/em> and benefit the spirit are thus employed. <em>Chai hu<\/em> (<em>Bupleurum chinense<\/em>, Bupleurum) and <em>yuan zhi<\/em> (<em>Polygala tenuifolia<\/em>, polygala) are common choices. <em>Chai hu<\/em> is a bitter, pungent, cool herb and a primary herb for soothing liver <em>qi<\/em>. <em>Yuan zhi<\/em> enters the heart and is used in cases of <em>shen<\/em> disturbance with palpitations, anxiety and insomnia.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">After ovulation: Herbs that tonify the yang<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In this <em>yang<\/em> phase of the cycle, it is important to support the <em>yang<\/em> energy where it is weak and in these cases we will use herbs such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/cinnamon\/\"><em>rou gui<\/em><\/a> (<em>Cinnamomum cassia, <\/em>cinnamon bark), a chief medicinal in classic <em>yang<\/em> tonic formula, <em>You Gui Wan<\/em><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong>(Restore the Right [Kidney] Pill), to strongly warm <em>yang,<\/em> disperse cold, alleviate pain and support the luteal phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Herbs that regulate the <em>qi<\/em> and clear heat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As at ovulation, before the period is a crucial time to ease constraint and spread liver <em>qi, <\/em>particularly where there is PMT. <em>Chai hu<\/em> is again an excellent herb for this and a chief herb in <em>Xiao Yao San<\/em>, one of the most popular TCM formulas and the go-to formula for PMT. <em>Xiao Yao San <\/em>translates as\u2018Free and Easy Wanderer\u2019 or \u2018Rambling Powder\u2019 for its ability to smooth the flow of our energy and moods. Alongside<em> chai hu <\/em>are <em>dang gui, bai shao, bai zhu<\/em> (white Atractylodes), <em>fu ling<strong>,<\/strong><\/em> <em>bo he<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/mint\/\">mint<\/a>), <em>wei jiang<\/em> (roasted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/ginger\/\">ginger<\/a>), and <em>zhi<\/em> <em>gan cao<\/em> (honey-fried <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/licorice\/\">licorice<\/a> root). This combination regulates <em>qi<\/em>, strengthens the digestion and tonifies blood. Where there is <em>qi<\/em> contraint with heat, as there so often is at this time of the month, we may use the modification, <em>Jia Wei Xiao Yao San<\/em>. Bitter and cold, <em>mu dan pi<\/em> and <em>zhi zi<\/em><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong><em>(Gardenia jasminoides,<\/em> Gardenia) are added to the original formula to quell liver fire (1-6).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-956b204 ugb-98be77d ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-98be77d .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">Holistic solutions<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">TCM tips for menstrual health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep the lower belly, lower back, legs and feet warm and avoid cold food and drink during menstruation. Opt instead for warm, well-cooked, nourishing foods such as soups, stews and congees (a Chines rice\/porridge dish).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rest and avoid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/condition\/stress-and-relaxation\/\">stress<\/a> and emotional upset as much as possible while menstruating and around ovulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid intercourse and inverted yoga poses while bleeding to promote the downward flow of blood and to avoid creating blood stagnation in the uterus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tonify blood after the period with TCM blood foods: beef, lamb, bone marrow, liver, bone broth (chicken\/ beef &#8211; aim for a cup a day), eggs, sardines, oysters, mussels, dark leafy greens, beetroot, kelp, shiitake mushroom, parsley, avocado, nettle tea, raspberry leaf, almonds, molasses, dried apricot and fig.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Relieve <em>qi<\/em> stagnation before the period with gentle exercise, relaxation techniques and sex.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid heating food and drink where there are heat signs, especially pre-menses. These include spices (think chilli, pepper, garlic, cinnamon etc), red meat (especially lamb), fried foods, sugar, caffeine and alcohol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Qi gong<\/em> and yoga have specific exercises and postures to enhance menstrual health. Seek a knowledgeable practitioner to incorporate these in to your routine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-5d9c0c9 ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-5d9c0c9 .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">References<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lyttleton J. <em>Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine<\/em>. 2<sup>nd<\/sup> ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 2013.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maciocia G. <em>Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Chinese Medicine<\/em>. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 1998.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clavey S. Clinical discussions, 2009-2011.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clavey S. Gynaecology Down Under (presentation recording). TCM Congress, Rothenburg; 2012. Sourced: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.naturmed.de\/en\/product\/gynecology-from-down-under-online-video-clavey-s\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.naturmed.de\/en\/product\/gynecology-from-down-under-online-video-clavey-s\/ <\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bensky D, Gamble A. <em>Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. <\/em>2nd ed. Washington: Eastland Press; 1993.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barolet R, Bensky D. <em>Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies. <\/em>Washington: Eastland Press Inc.; 1990.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7038,"parent":0,"menu_order":-250,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"93113bd1-033b-4448-afce-f731dbde1ee6","beyondwords_preview_token":"d033a71f-2603-440a-8783-1aeb68ce3b46","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[373,812,802,803,376,281],"conditions":[698],"writer":[],"class_list":["post-7035","condition","type-condition","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-chinese-medicine","tag-cycle","tag-menstrual-cycle","tag-menstrual-health","tag-tcm","tag-traditional","conditions-reproductive-system"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled.jpg",2048,1365,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled-600x600.jpg",600,600,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled-1000x667.jpg",1000,667,true],"large":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled-1300x866.jpg",580,386,true],"banner_image":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled-1600x800.jpg",1600,800,true],"gform-image-choice-sm":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled.jpg",300,200,false],"gform-image-choice-md":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled.jpg",400,267,false],"gform-image-choice-lg":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/21124016\/menstrual-health-period-woman-TCM-scaled.jpg",600,400,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>A woman\u2019s cycle is a window into the state of her physical and emotional being. We explore the menstrual health from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective. Understanding menstrual disorders In the west, we are accustomed to thinking that maladies surrounding menstruation \u2013 &nbsp;pain, heavy bleeding, premenstrual tension (PMT) and headaches, to name but a few &#8211; are part and parcel of the female experience. Symptoms can range from the mildly annoying to utterly debilitating, impacting all areas of one\u2019s life. Thankfully, TCM takes a different view and teaches us that, while incredibly common, these conditions are not found in a&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"","author_info_v2":{"name":"Jessika Thiele","url":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/author\/jessikat\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/condition\/7035","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/condition"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/condition"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/condition\/7035\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7038"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7035"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7035"},{"taxonomy":"conditions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/conditions?post=7035"},{"taxonomy":"writer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/writer?post=7035"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}