Threatened Miscarriageaccording to TCM
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Symptom family: Pregnancy Issues
What is Threatened Miscarriage?
Threatened miscarriage, also known as impending miscarriage or potential pregnancy loss, is a condition where there are signs that a miscarriage may occur, but the pregnancy is still viable. This condition is characterized by vaginal bleeding, sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain, during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.
While bleeding does not always lead to miscarriage, it is a cause for concern and warrants immediate medical attention. The diagnosis and management of threatened miscarriage are crucial to ensure the best possible outcome for both the mother and the fetus.
How Does TCM View Threatened Miscarriage?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views threatened miscarriage through a lens that differs significantly from Western medicine. In TCM, this condition is seen as a manifestation of underlying imbalances in the body's energy systems, specifically related to the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood.
TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptoms to provide effective treatment. It considers both the physical and emotional well-being of the mother, aiming to restore balance and support the pregnancy.
Causes of Threatened Miscarriage According to TCM
In TCM, threatened miscarriage is often attributed to various patterns of disharmony. One common cause is Qi And Blood Stagnation, where the flow of vital energy and nutrients is impeded, potentially affecting the stability of the pregnancy. Another potential cause is Cold in the Uterus, a condition where a deficiency of warmth or an excess of coldness in the uterus can lead to symptoms that threaten the viability of the pregnancy. These examples illustrate the TCM approach of looking beyond the symptoms to understand and address the root causes of conditions like threatened miscarriage.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Threatened Miscarriage
To address threatened miscarriage, TCM practitioners may recommend specific formulas and herbs based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For conditions involving Qi And Blood Stagnation, formulas like "Wen Jing Tang," which includes Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi), may be prescribed. This formula is designed to invigorate blood and dispel stagnation. In cases of Cold in the Uterus, warming and invigorating formulas are chosen to restore the necessary balance. The selection of herbs and formulas in TCM is tailored to the individual's specific needs and pattern of disharmony, with the goal of supporting the pregnancy and promoting overall well-being.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address threatened miscarriage, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Threatened miscarriage can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Wen Jing Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for threatened miscarriage
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Wen Jing Tang | Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) |
| Xuan Fu Hua Tang | Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) |
| Dang Gui Shao Yao San | White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) |
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
Threatened miscarriage can be treated by these formulas if it is due to an imbalance where yin deficiency leads to a false heat syndrome.
One such formula is Qing Re Gu Jing Tang, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
Acupoints for Threatened Miscarriage
Acupuncture is another modality used in TCM to treat conditions like threatened miscarriage. One significant acupoint is "Jianjing GB-21," located midway between Dazhui DU-14 and the lateral extremity of the acromion at the highest point of the shoulder. Stimulating this point is believed to remove obstructions from the channel, promote lactation, and help descend Qi, thereby supporting the pregnancy. The use of specific acupoints is based on the individual's unique pattern of disharmony and is aimed at restoring balance within the body's energy system.
See more details below about Jianjing GB-21, an acupoint used to address threatened miscarriage.
- By Meridian
- Gall Bladder Channel
Jianjing GB-21
Midway between Dazhui DU-14 and the lateral extremity of the acromion, at the highest point of the shoulder.
TCM Herbs for Threatened Miscarriage
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address threatened miscarriage, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that cool the blood
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Threatened miscarriage can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Amomum Fruit Skins (Sha Ren Ke), which is directly recommended for threatened miscarriage.
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Threatened miscarriage can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Japanese Teasel Roots (Xu Duan), which is directly recommended for threatened miscarriage.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Threatened miscarriage can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for threatened miscarriage, like Wen Jing Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Threatened miscarriage can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for threatened miscarriage, like Wen Jing Tang.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Threatened miscarriage can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for threatened miscarriage, like Xuan Fu Hua Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Threatened miscarriage can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for threatened miscarriage, like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Threatened miscarriage can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for threatened miscarriage, like Qing Re Gu Jing Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Threatened miscarriage 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 Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for threatened miscarriage, like Qing Re Gu Jing Tang.