Menstrual Crampsaccording to TCM

What is Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramps, medically termed as dysmenorrhea, are painful sensations experienced in the lower abdomen before or during menstrual periods. These cramps are characterized by a throbbing or cramping pain, ranging from mild to severe, and can sometimes extend to the lower back and thighs. For some women, menstrual cramps are merely a monthly discomfort, while for others, they can be debilitating, affecting daily activities. Understanding the nature and severity of menstrual cramps is crucial for effective management and treatment.

How Does TCM View Menstrual Cramps?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets menstrual cramps as an indication of disharmony within the body's internal systems. Contrasting with the more symptom-focused approach of Western medicine, TCM views these cramps as a manifestation of imbalances in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood, particularly involving the Liver and Uterus.

TCM emphasizes diagnosing and treating the specific pattern of disharmony causing the cramps, thereby addressing both the symptoms and their underlying causes. This holistic approach considers the entire individual, including emotional and physical health.

Root Causes of Menstrual Cramps in TCM

In TCM, menstrual cramps can result from various patterns of disharmony. One common cause is Blood Stagnation, where the flow of Blood is obstructed, leading to painful menstruation. This condition is often characterized by symptoms like fixed stabbing pain, dark menstrual blood with clots, and mood swings.

Another cause is Qi Stagnation, typically resulting from emotional stress, which can manifest as cramps accompanied by chest distension and irritability. These patterns reflect the importance of the smooth flow of Qi and Blood in preventing and alleviating menstrual cramps.

Another key cause of menstrual cramps in TCM is the presence of Cold in the Uterus. This occurs when cold energy disrupts the reproductive system, causing blood vessel constriction and hampering Qi and Blood flow. Symptoms include cramps alleviated by heat, delayed periods with dark clots, and a preference for warmth.

Explore below more details about what might cause Menstrual cramps according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
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 Menstrual Cramps

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

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain, 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, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Xiao Yao San | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Dan Shen Yin | Shi Xiao San | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin
Blood Stagnation Painful period, Premenstrual pain, 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 | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Si Wu Tang | 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 | Shi Xiao San
Liver Blood Stagnation Painful period, 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 | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Shi Xiao San
Pericardium Blood Stagnation Painful period, Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus Painful period, 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 Painful period, 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 Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold Painful period, Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, Primary dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis... see more Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Menstrual Cramps

To treat menstrual cramps, TCM practitioners often prescribe specific herbal formulas based on the diagnosed pattern of disharmony. For Blood Stagnation, a formula like Tao Hong Si Wu Tang, which includes Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), is used to invigorate Blood and alleviate pain.

In cases of Qi Stagnation, Xiao Yao San, containing Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), can be effective in harmonizing Liver-Spleen and promoting the flow of Qi. These treatments aim to correct the underlying imbalances causing menstrual cramps, providing a holistic approach to menstrual health.

For patterns evolving Cold in the Uterus, formulas such as Wen Jing Tang, containing the warm herb Gui Zhi, is recommended.

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

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

All Formulas Recommended for Menstrual Cramps Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold... see more
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus, Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels... see more
Xiao Yao San Qi And Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Qi And Blood Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation, Pericardium Blood Stagnation
Si Wu Tang 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
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

Acupoints for Menstrual Cramps

In addition to herbal formulas, TCM also utilizes acupuncture for menstrual cramp relief. Specific acupoints, such as Baihuanshu BL-30, Ciliao BL-32, and Sanyinjiao SP-6, are targeted to regulate menstruation, invigorate Blood, and alleviate pain.

The selection of acupoints is tailored to the individual's specific disharmony pattern, ensuring a personalized treatment that addresses both the symptoms and root causes of menstrual cramps. This integrative approach is a hallmark of TCM, focusing on restoring the body's natural balance and promoting overall well-being.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Kidney Channel
  • Stomach Channel
Qihaishu BL-24

Qihaishu BL-24

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd lumber vertebra (L3).

Baihuanshu BL-30

Baihuanshu BL-30

At the level of the 4th posterior sacral foramen, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.

Shangliao BL-31

Shangliao BL-31

In the 1st posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.

Ciliao BL-32

Ciliao BL-32

In the 2nd posterior sacral foramen, about midway between the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) and the midline.

Xialiao BL-34

Xialiao BL-34

In the 4th posterior sacral foramen, between the posterior superior iliac spine and the midline.

Added to Cart