Irregular Periodsaccording to TCM

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What is Irregular Periods?

Irregular periods refer to variations in the menstrual cycle that deviate from the norm, manifesting as unpredictable timing, volume, or duration of menstrual bleeding. This condition encompasses a wide range of menstrual irregularities, including but not limited to, oligomenorrhea (infrequent menstruation), chaotic or unpredictable menstrual cycles, and menstrual cycles that vary significantly in length from one period to the next. Such irregularities can be a source of discomfort and concern, impacting an individual’s daily life and potentially indicating underlying health issues.

How does TCM view Irregular Periods?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets irregular periods as a sign of imbalance within the body's internal systems. Unlike Western medicine, which often targets the symptoms, TCM seeks to identify and correct the underlying disharmonies causing these menstrual irregularities, focusing on restoring balance to the body’s Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang.

This holistic approach emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony to effectively tailor the treatment to the individual, aiming to harmonize the body's natural rhythms and functions.

Root Causes of Irregular Periods in TCM

In TCM, irregular periods are often attributed to several key patterns of disharmony, such as Blood Stagnation, Qi Stagnation etc. Blood Stagnation can lead to menstrual cramps and dark menstrual clots, reflecting an obstruction in blood flow.

Qi Stagnation, particularly of the Liver Qi, manifests through symptoms such as emotional disturbances, hypochondriac pain, and irregular menstrual cycles. Identifying these patterns allows TCM practitioners to address the root cause of menstrual irregularities, underscoring the personalized nature of TCM diagnostics and treatment.

Explore below more details about what might cause Irregular periods according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Deficiency
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 Irregular Periods

Common Symptoms: Menstrual Cramps Amenorrhea Abdominal Masses Dark Menstrual Clots Dark Menstrual Blood Abdominal Pain Infertility Purple Lips

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation Hesitant periods, oligomenorrhea, 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 | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Liver Blood Stagnation Irregular menstruation, 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 Xiao Yao San | Shi Xiao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Qi And Blood Stagnation Irregular menstruation, 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, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Guo Qi Yin | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Dan Shen Yin
Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation Irregular menstruation, Lack of appetite, Weak limbs, Lower back pain, Abdominal distention, Irregular periods, Red and white vaginal discharge, Infertility... see more Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus Irregular menstruation, Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Abdominal pain, Prolonged lochia, Uterine fibroids, Endometriosis, Infertility... see more Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels Irregular menstruation, 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
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation Irregular menstruation, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor constitution, Irregular periods, Amenorrhea, Lower abdominal pain... see more Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Si Wu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Irregular Periods

To address the complexity of irregular periods, TCM employs a variety of herbal formulas. For Blood Stasis, Tao Hong Si Wu Tang is recommended to invigorate blood flow and alleviate menstrual discomfort.

In cases of Liver Qi Stagnation, Xiao Yao San helps to harmonize the Liver Qi, relieving emotional tension and regulating menstrual cycles. These formulas exemplify TCM’s nuanced approach, aiming not only to alleviate symptoms but also to correct the underlying imbalances contributing to menstrual irregularities.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address irregular periods, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Irregular Periods Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus, Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Xiao Yao San Liver Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Si Wu Tang Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang Blood and Qi Deficiency with Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin 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
Dan Shen Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation

Acupoints for Irregular Periods

Acupuncture is another cornerstone of TCM treatment for irregular periods, with specific acupoints targeted to rebalance the body's energy flow. Dahe KID-12 and Sanyinjiao SP-6 are among the key points selected to nourish Kidney Yin and fortify the Spleen, respectively, addressing fundamental imbalances that can lead to menstrual irregularities.

These acupoints reflect TCM’s strategic approach, highlighting the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and the importance of restoring harmony to ensure menstrual health.

Explore below some acupoints used to address irregular periods, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Kidney Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Liver Channel
Rangu KID-2

Rangu KID-2

Anterior and inferior to the medial malleolus tip, in the depression on the lower border of the navicular bone, at the border of the 'red and white' skin.

Taixi KID-3

Taixi KID-3

In the depression between the medial malleolus tip and Achilles tendon (Calcaneal tendon), level with the tip of the medial malleolus.

Shuiquan KID-5

Shuiquan KID-5

1 cun directly below Taixi KID-3, in the depression over the joint space between the talus and calcaneus.

Zhaohai KID-6

Zhaohai KID-6

Approximately 1 cun below the medial malleolus tip, over the joint space between the talus and the calcaneus.

Jiaoxin KID-8

Jiaoxin KID-8

2 cun above Taixi KID-3, 0.5 cun anterior to Fuliu KID-7, posterior to the medial border of tibia.

Dahe KID-12

Dahe KID-12

4 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Qixue KID-13

Qixue KID-13

3 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Siman KID-14

Siman KID-14

2 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Zhongzhu KID-15

Zhongzhu KID-15

1 cun below the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

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