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Symptom family: Abnormal Menstrual Flow, Texture or Color
Did you mean? Dark Menstrual Clots
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.
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.
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.
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 |
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
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 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.
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause dark menstrual blood, such as Blood Stagnation or Liver Blood Stagnation
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause dark menstrual blood, such as Liver Qi Stagnation or Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause dark menstrual blood, such as Heat in the Blood or Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause dark menstrual blood, such as Cold in the Uterus
Learn moreFormula | 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 |
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation or Liver Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Shi Xiao San, with cattail pollen as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation or Liver Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation or Cold in the Uterus.
One such formula is Si Wu Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Liver Blood Stagnation or Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Liang Di Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Liang Di Tang | Heat in the Blood |
Di Gu Pi Yin | Heat in the Blood |
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Qing Jing San, with goji tree root-bark as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in the Blood.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Hai Tong Pi Tang, with erythrinae bark as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in Uterus Blood.
One such formula is Qing Re Gu Jing Tang, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in Uterus Blood.
One such formula is Huai Jiao Wan, with pagoda tree pods as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Heat in Uterus Blood.
One such formula is Gu Jing Wan, with tortoise plastron as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some dark menstrual blood-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
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.
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.
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.