Dark Menstrual Bloodaccording to TCM

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.

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  • By Organ
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 | Yu Lin Zhu | 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

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

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
Yu Lin Zhu 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

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.

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