Dark Menstrual Bloodaccording to TCM

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What is Dark Menstrual Blood?

Dark menstrual blood is characterized by a darker than usual appearance of menstrual flow, often bordering on blackish or very deep red. This symptom can present in various forms, from blackish menstrual blood to darkened menstrual flow. Understanding this condition is crucial as it can be indicative of underlying health issues or changes in the body’s natural processes.

How does TCM View Dark Menstrual Blood?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dark menstrual blood is seen as an indicator of internal imbalances. TCM does not just treat symptoms in isolation but looks at the body holistically. It is believed that the color and nature of menstrual blood can reveal much about a woman's health status.

TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying specific patterns of disharmony, as different causes may lead to the symptom of dark menstrual blood. Treatment is then tailored to these underlying patterns, ensuring a more holistic and effective approach.

Root Causes of Dark Menstrual Blood in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to dark menstrual blood. One significant cause is Heat, particularly Heat in the Blood, which manifests in symptoms like feeling hot, skin eruptions, and thirst. Another common cause is Blood Stagnation, where the blood does not flow freely, leading to symptoms like menstrual cramps and dark menstrual clots.

Liver Qi Stagnation, characterized by emotional symptoms like depression and physical symptoms like hypochondriac distention, can also result in dark menstrual blood. Additionally, Cold patterns, especially Cold in the Uterus, may lead to this condition, often accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea and generalized fatigue.

Explore below more details about what might cause Dark menstrual blood according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Liver
  • Uterus
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Menstrual Blood

Common Symptoms: Abdominal Masses Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Clots Irregular Periods Purple Lips Purple Nails Amenorrhea Abdominal Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation Dark colored blood, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Si Wu Tang | Zhu Yu Zhi Xue Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Liver Blood Stagnation Dark colored blood, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more Shi Xiao San | Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Qi And Blood Stagnation Dark colored blood, Dark menstrual blood, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Dan Shen Yin | Si Wu Tang | Xiao Yao San | Wen Jing Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Jin Ling Zi San | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels Dark colored blood, Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Lower abdominal pain, Umbilical pain, Breast engorgement, Breast pain... see more Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Menstrual Blood

Common Symptoms: Depression Mood Swings Irregular Periods Pre Menstrual Tension Menstrual Cramps Irritability Abdominal Pain Breast Engorgement

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Dark colored blood, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San | Wu Yao Tang
Qi And Blood Stagnation Dark colored blood, Dark menstrual blood, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Dan Shen Yin | Si Wu Tang | Xiao Yao San | Wen Jing Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Jin Ling Zi San | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Dark menstrual blood, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Menstrual Blood

Common Symptoms: Feeling Of Heat Thirst Excessive Menstruation Flushed Face Constipation Anxiety Insomnia Restlessness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in the Blood Dark colored blood, Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more Qing Jing San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Liang Di Tang | Di Gu Pi Yin | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Heat in Uterus Blood Dark colored blood, Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face, Anger, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation... see more Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Huai Jiao Wan | Gu Jing Wan
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Dark menstrual blood, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold in the Uterus Dark colored blood, Diarrhea, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge... see more Si Wu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Da Ying Jian | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Menstrual Blood

Common Symptoms: Irregular Periods Menstrual Cramps Abdominal Pain Hypochondriac Distention Upper Abdominal Distension Melancholia Depression Mood Swings

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Dark colored blood, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San | Wu Yao Tang
Liver Blood Stagnation Dark colored blood, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more Shi Xiao San | Xiao Yao San | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Dark menstrual blood, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Uterus

In TCM the Uterus (or "Bao Gong") is not just a reproductive organ but a vital system closely linked to Kidney energy, responsible for menstrual health, fertility, and pregnancy. It's also connected to the Heart and Liver, reflecting the importance of emotional and blood health in reproductive wellness. In TCM, the Uterus is seen as a reservoir of Blood and Qi, crucial for reproductive health and general vitality. When the Uterus malfunctions or is imbalanced, it can lead to menstrual irregularities, infertility, miscarriages, or menopausal symptoms. Additionally, there might be symptoms like lower abdominal pain or emotional disturbances such as mood swings, often linked to Liver Qi stagnation. These manifestations highlight the TCM perspective that the health of the Uterus is intertwined with the overall balance of energy and blood in the body, as well as emotional well-being.... see more

Uterus Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Menstrual Blood

Common Symptoms: Excessive Menstruation Sudden Period Before Schedule Sticky Menstrual Blood Thirst Flushed Face Anger Anxiety Dark Urine

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in Uterus Blood Dark colored blood, Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Thirst, Flushed face, Anger, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation... see more Qing Re Gu Jing Tang | Huai Jiao Wan | Gu Jing Wan
Cold in the Uterus Dark colored blood, Diarrhea, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge... see more Si Wu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Da Ying Jian | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Dark Menstrual Blood

TCM offers various herbal formulas to treat dark menstrual blood, depending on the underlying cause. For Heat patterns, Qing Jing San, which cools the blood, is often recommended. For Blood Stagnation, formulas like Tao Hong Si Wu Tang, which invigorate the Blood, are used.

Liver Qi Stagnation is typically addressed with Xiao Yao San, a formula that harmonizes the liver and spleen. When dealing with Cold patterns, Si Wu Tang, which tonifies the blood, can be effective. These herbal treatments aim to address the root causes of the symptom, restoring balance to the body.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dark menstrual blood, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that clear blood-Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
  • Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
  • Formulas that stop bleeding
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
  • Formulas that regulate blood

All Formulas Recommended for Dark Menstrual Blood Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Shi Xiao San Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Si Wu Tang Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Di Dang Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Blood Stagnation
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang Blood Stagnation
Hai Tong Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang Blood Stagnation
Zhu Yu Zhi Xue Tang Blood Stagnation
Jin Ling Zi San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Dark Menstrual Blood Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Qi And Blood Stagnation
Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Wu Yao Tang Liver Qi Stagnation
Jin Ling Zi San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

All Formulas Recommended for Dark Menstrual Blood Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Heat in the Blood, Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Qing Jing San Heat in the Blood
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Heat in the Blood
Liang Di Tang Heat in the Blood
Di Gu Pi Yin Heat in the Blood
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang Heat in Uterus Blood
Huai Jiao Wan Heat in Uterus Blood
Gu Jing Wan Heat in Uterus Blood
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

All Formulas Recommended for Dark Menstrual Blood Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang Cold in the Uterus
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Cold in the Uterus
Wen Jing Tang Cold in the Uterus
Da Ying Jian Cold in the Uterus

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for dark menstrual blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Shi Xiao San Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Cold in the Uterus, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Cold in the Uterus, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Blood Stagnation
Di Dang Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Blood Stagnation
Zhu Yu Zhi Xue Tang Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

All "formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen" recommended for dark menstrual blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Heat in the Blood, Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for dark menstrual blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Si Wu Tang Blood Stagnation, Cold in the Uterus, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Da Ying Jian Cold in the Uterus
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for dark menstrual blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wu Yao Tang Liver Qi Stagnation
Jin Ling Zi San Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for dark menstrual blood

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liang Di Tang Heat in the Blood
Di Gu Pi Yin Heat in the Blood

Acupoints for Dark Menstrual Blood

In TCM, specific acupoints are also used to treat dark menstrual blood. Wushu GB-27, located on the lateral side of the abdomen, helps regulate the Girdle Vessel and the Lower Burner.

Sanyinjiao SP-6, found above the medial malleolus on the tibia, is used for its multiple benefits, including resolving dampness, tonifying the spleen, and regulating menstruation. These acupoints are chosen based on their ability to address the underlying disharmonies associated with dark menstrual blood, offering a non-invasive complement to herbal treatments.

Explore below some acupoints used to address dark menstrual blood, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Spleen Channel
Wushu GB-27

Wushu GB-27

In the lateral side of the abdomen, in the front of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), 3 cun below the level of the umbilicus.

Sanyinjiao SP-6

Sanyinjiao SP-6

3 cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia, on the line drawn from the medial malleolus to Yinlingquan SP-9.