Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the health of the menstrual cycle as a reflection of the overall health of the patient. Menstrual periods that are painful, excessively heavy, or very light, irregular, or preceded by mood swings, or breast tenderness are signs from our body letting us know that something is out of balance.
In contrast to Western Medicine, which understands our menstrual cycles as the result of changing hormones. TCM understands the menstrual cycle as the ebb and flow of qi, blood, yin and yang. In order for us to have a healthy symptom free menstrual cycle these 4 substances need to be plentiful, balanced, and unobstructed in their functions.
Deficiencies, imbalances, and or obstructions to these 4 essential substances will manifest as symptoms not only during the menstrual period, but throughout the rest of the body. By doing a careful health history and exam the TCM practitioner can uncover the underlying cause of your symptoms, and use a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and diet therapy to regulate your body, and relieve your symptoms.
Symptoms related to menstruation commonly treated include:
- PMS
- Heavy bleeding
- Irregular bleeding
- Early, late or irregular menstruation
- Pain before, or during menstruation
- Amenorrhea (no periods)
