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Pre Menstrual Tensionaccording to TCM

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Causes Icon 3 causes Herbal Formulas Icon 10 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 8 herbs

Symptom families: Reproductive Hormonal Disorders, Other Symptoms Associated with Menstruation, Anger and Hostility

Parent symptom: Premenstrual Syndrome

Did you mean? Pre Menstrual Irritability

Root Causes of Pre Menstrual Tension in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Pre menstrual tension according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Stasis
  • Heat
  • Liver
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 Pre Menstrual Tension

Common Symptoms: Depression Mood Swings Irregular Periods Menstrual Cramps Irritability Abdominal Pain Breast Engorgement Dark Menstrual Blood

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Pre-menstrual tension, Premenstrual tension, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian
Qi And Blood Stagnation Pre-menstrual tension, 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 Xiao Yao San | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Premenstrual tension, 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 Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
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 Pre Menstrual Tension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation Pre-menstrual tension, 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 Xiao Yao San | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu 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 Pre Menstrual Tension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Premenstrual tension, 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 Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
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 Pre Menstrual Tension

Common Symptoms: Hypochondriac Distention Upper Abdominal Distension Melancholia Depression Mood Swings Irregular Periods Globus Sensation Pre Menstrual Breast Distension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Pre-menstrual tension, Premenstrual tension, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Premenstrual tension, 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 Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Pre Menstrual Tension

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Stasis
  • Heat
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that clear liver-Heat
View More Types

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Xiao Yao San

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause pre menstrual tension, such as Liver Qi Stagnation or Qi And Blood Stagnation

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Pre Menstrual Tension Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wu Yao Tang Liver Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian Liver Qi Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Xiao Yao San

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause pre menstrual tension, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Pre Menstrual Tension Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xiao Yao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation

Top Formula for Heat:
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause pre menstrual tension, such as Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Learn more

Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen

These formulas are suitable for some pre menstrual tension-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation or Qi And 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.

All "formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen" recommended for pre menstrual tension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation

Formulas that promote Qi movement

These formulas are suitable for some pre menstrual tension-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.

One such formula is Wu Yao Tang, with lindera root as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for pre menstrual tension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wu Yao Tang Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation

Formulas that tonify Blood

These formulas are suitable for some pre menstrual tension-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.

One such formula is Tao Hong Si Wu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.

Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation

These formulas are suitable for some pre menstrual tension-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.

One such formula is Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.

Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some pre menstrual tension-causing patterns like Liver Qi Stagnation.

One such formula is Yi Guan Jian

Formulas that clear Liver-Heat

These formulas are suitable for some pre menstrual tension-causing patterns like Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire.

One such formula is Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, with mudan peony bark as a key herb.

Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind

Pre menstrual tension can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.

One such formula is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, with light wheat as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Pre Menstrual Tension

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pre menstrual tension, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Herbs that stabilize and bind
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that cool the blood
View More Categories

Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Pre menstrual tension can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.

One such herb is Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pre menstrual tension, like Tao Hong Si Wu Tang.

Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.

"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for pre menstrual tension

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Safflowers (Hong Hua) Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Yue Ju Wan

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Pre menstrual tension can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.

One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pre menstrual tension, like Xiao Yao San.

Herbs that regulate Qi

Pre menstrual tension can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.

One such herb is Lindera Roots (Wu Yao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pre menstrual tension, like Wu Yao Tang.

Herbs that stabilize and bind

Pre menstrual tension can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.

One such herb is Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pre menstrual tension, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.

Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Pre menstrual tension can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.

One such herb is Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pre menstrual tension, like Yue Ju Wan.

Herbs that cool the Blood

Pre menstrual tension can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.

One such herb is Mudan Peony Bark (Mu Dan Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pre menstrual tension, like Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San.