Blocked Menstruationaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Amenorrhea and Delayed Menstruation

Did you mean? Amenorrhea

What is Blocked Menstruation?

Blocked menstruation refers to a condition where a woman experiences an absence or significant delay in her menstrual cycle. Unlike normal variations in cycle lengths, blocked menstruation can indicate underlying health issues or imbalances. It's distinct from amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation for several months or longer, but the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in lay discussions. This condition can stem from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, significant weight loss or gain, and certain medical conditions.

How does TCM view Blocked Menstruation?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), blocked menstruation is seen through a lens vastly different from Western medicine. It's often attributed to imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. TCM believes that for menstruation to occur smoothly, the Blood must flow freely and the Qi must be balanced.

Thus, any disruption in these energies can lead to blocked menstruation. Diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it guides the treatment plan, including the selection of acupuncture points, herbs, and dietary adjustments.

Root Causes of Blocked Menstruation in TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that could lead to blocked menstruation, with Yin Deficiency and Blood Deficiency being among the primary causes. Yin Deficiency, which might manifest as Lung, Kidney, Liver or Heart Yin Deficiency, leads to insufficient cooling and moistening of the body, affecting the menstrual cycle. Symptoms may include a hoarse voice, night sweats, and a sensation of heat.

Blood Deficiency, on the other hand, implies a lack of the nourishing and moisturizing aspect of Blood, leading to symptoms like dizziness, pale face, and generalized fatigue. Treatment focuses on nourishing Yin and Blood to restore menstrual flow.

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

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

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Blocked Menstruation

Common Symptoms: Dry Mouth Dry Throat Night Sweats Hot Palms And Soles Insomnia Amenorrhea Generalized Fatigue Flushed Cheekbones

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Lung Yin Deficiency blocked menstruation, blocked periods, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Heart Yin Deficiency blocked menstruation, blocked periods, Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria, Neurasthenia... see more Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency blocked menstruation, blocked periods, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more He Che Da Zao Wan | Tiao Gan Tang | Gui Shao Di Huang Tang | Zuo Gui Yin | Si Wu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Blocked Menstruation

To address blocked menstruation, TCM practitioners might recommend a variety of formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony. For Yin Deficiency, formulas like Bai He Gu Jin Tang, which nourishes Lung Yin, and Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan for Heart Yin Deficiency, are commonly used.

In cases of Blood Deficiency, Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang and Dang Gui Di Huang Yin can help replenish Qi and nourish Blood, respectively. These treatments aim to re-balance the body's energies, promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, and consequently restore regular menstruation.

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

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

All Formulas Recommended for Blocked Menstruation Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
He Che Da Zao Wan Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Bai He Gu Jin Tang Lung Yin Deficiency
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Heart Yin Deficiency
Tiao Gan Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Zuo Gui Yin Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Si Wu Tang Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency

TCM Herbs for Blocked Menstruation

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address blocked menstruation, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood

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