Amenorrheaaccording to TCM

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What is Amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea, a term that might not frequently headline health sections, still concerns a significant number of women worldwide. It describes a condition where an individual misses one or more menstrual periods. Women typically experience this absence of menstruation in two forms: primary, where menstruation never begins by the age of 15 or secondary, where periods that were previously regular cease for three months or longer. The condition encompasses various experiences from delayed to completely missed periods, impacting not just physical health but often emotional well-being.

How does TCM view Amenorrhea?

From the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), amenorrhea isn't just an isolated symptom; it's a signal of deeper imbalances within the body's energy systems. TCM delves into the harmony of Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang, seeing amenorrhea as a result of disharmony among these elements.

The TCM approach prioritizes understanding the individual's unique pattern of disharmony—be it a Deficiency in Blood, a Stagnation of Qi, or an imbalance in Yin and Yang—to tailor a treatment that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Root Causes of Amenorrhea in TCM

In the realm of TCM, the causes of amenorrhea stretch beyond a simple medical diagnosis, encompassing a range of patterns tied to the body's natural balance. Qi and Blood Deficiency, for instance, points to a lack of the vital energies necessary for the menstrual cycle, often manifesting as general weakness, fatigue, and pale complexion.

On the other end, Blood Stagnation, characterized by fixed, stabbing pain and a dark complexion, suggests a stagnation blocking the menstrual flow. These patterns highlight the intricate interplay of the body's internal dynamics that TCM seeks to rebalance.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Blood Stasis
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Amenorrhea

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Insomnia Scanty Menstruation Depression Blurry Vision Skin Dryness Palpitations Poor Memory

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency absence of menstruation, amenorrhoea, no menstruation, no periods, absence of periods, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Reluctance to speak, Lack of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Gui Pi Tang
Blood Deficiency Amenorrhea, delayed periods, late periods, Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory, Insomnia... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang | Gui Pi Tang | Si Wu Tang | Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang | Da Bu Yuan Jian
Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency Amenorrhea, Palpitations, Dizziness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Poor memory, Anxiety, Easily startled, Dull pale complexion, Pale lips, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Tingling of limbs, Limb numbness, Scanty menstruation, Muscle cramps, Muscle weakness, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Withered and brittle nails... see more Gui Pi Tang | Sheng Yu Tang | Zhen Zhu Mu Wan | Suan Zao Ren Tang
Liver Blood Deficiency Amenorrhea, Blurry vision, Dull pale complexion, Scanty menstruation, Limb numbness, Pale lips, Muscle weakness, Dizziness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Eye floaters, Night blindness, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Vivid dreaming... see more Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Pericardium Blood Deficiency Amenorrhea, Chest distension, Chest stiffness, Chest pain, Palpitations, Insomnia, Poor memory... see more Shen Qi Si Wu Tang
Spleen Blood Deficiency Amenorrhea, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Pale face, Weak limbs, Diarrhea, Depression, Emaciation, Scanty menstruation, Insomnia, Slight abdominal distension after eating... see more Gui Pi Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency No period, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency Amenorrhea, absence of menstruation, amenorrhoea, no menstruation, no periods, absence of periods, No menstruation by 18, Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression, Low energy, Chills, Dark face, Dry mouth... see more Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | He Che Da Zao Wan
Blood Deficiency and Stagnation Amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Lackluster complexion and nails, Muscle tension, Insomnia, Palpitations, Poor constitution, Irregular periods, Lower abdominal pain, Muscle contractions... see more Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Si Wu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Amenorrhea

The rich tapestry of TCM treatments for amenorrhea weaves together various herbs and formulas, each selected to resonate with the individual's specific pattern of disharmony. For Qi and Blood Deficiency, formulas like Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang, enriched with Ginseng, invigorate and nourish Qi and Blood, aiming to restore the body's foundational energy.

In contrast, for conditions of Blood Stagnation, treatments such as Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, incorporating Szechuan Lovage Roots, focus on invigorating Blood and dispelling stasis, clearing the pathways for menstrual flow. These treatments exemplify TCM's nuanced approach to restoring harmony and health.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Blood Stasis

All Formulas Recommended for Amenorrhea Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Si Wu Tang Blood Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency, Blood Deficiency and Stagnation, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency... see more
Gui Pi Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency, Blood Deficiency, Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency, Spleen Blood Deficiency... see more
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency, Blood Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency
Bu Gan Tang Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency... see more
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency, Blood Deficiency
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
He Che Da Zao Wan Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan Liver Blood Deficiency
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Blood Deficiency and Stagnation
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang Qi and Blood Deficiency
Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang Blood Deficiency
Da Bu Yuan Jian Blood Deficiency
Sheng Yu Tang Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency
Zhen Zhu Mu Wan Liver and Heart Blood Deficiency
Shen Qi Si Wu Tang Pericardium Blood Deficiency
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency

Acupoints for Amenorrhea

In addition to herbal remedies, TCM employs acupuncture, targeting specific acupoints to correct imbalances underlying amenorrhea. Points along the Kidney Channel, such as Jiaoxin KID-8 and Zhaohai KID-6, are often selected to nourish Kidney Yin and invigorate the Blood, reflecting the channel's crucial role in reproductive health.

Meanwhile, acupoints on the Liver Channel, like Ququan LIV-8, address the Liver's role in storing Blood and ensuring the smooth flow of Qi across the body. This strategic selection of acupoints, alongside herbal treatments, embodies TCM's holistic approach to healing, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the body's systems in achieving wellness.

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

  • By Meridian
  • Kidney Channel
  • Directing Vessel
  • Stomach Channel
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.

Qixue KID-13

Qixue KID-13

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

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