Menstrual Cycle Harmony: 7 Unique Insights from Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the menstrual cycle is seen as a reflection of a woman’s overall health and balance. Unlike traditional medicine, which often focuses on symptom management, TCM seeks to address the root cause of menstrual irregularities and discomfort by restoring harmony within the body.

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Understanding the Menstrual Cycle in TCM

In TCM, the menstrual cycle is closely tied to the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, governed by the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney Chinese systems. A smooth and pain-free period indicates balanced and free-flowing Qi and blood movement, while issues such as painful cramps, irregular cycles, or heavy bleeding indicates there may be an imbalance.

In terms of TCM, a healthy menstrual cycle is one that is regular, bleeds for a set period of days, pain-free, flows consistently, without blood clots, is not a brown colour and is symptom-free.

A typical menstrual cycle can be:

Regular

Arriving regularly every 28 to 32 days with no bleeding or spotting in between cycles.

Average length of a menstrual cycle

Bleeding goes for 5 to 8 days which is the average length of the menstrual cycle

Amount

30 to 80mls (1/3 of a cup)

No flooding of your pad or tampon or needing to change your pad or tampon less than every two hours or get up overnight needing to change.

Pain-free

Ideally no sharp pains, aches, cramping or a heavy, dragging feeling down your legs. Mild or slight discomfort may occur.

Free-flow

At the start of your period a continuous flow until it is time to stop. Flow is continuous (like turning on a tap). 

Blood-clot free

Ideally no blood clots. Small blood clots are classed as less than a 5c piece and anything bigger is classed as large blood clots. 

Colour

Starts pink or red, changes to red, then finishes red or pink.

Symptoms

Before your period you feel like nothing has changed. No change in mood, energy, food cravings, breast pain, temperature or bloating. 

What does TCM have to say about these menstrual symptoms?

It gives Chinese medical practitioners an insight into your health. There are many reasons that your menstrual cycle may be less than ideal. These reasons include, but are not limited to:

• Over-worked or exercising excessively.
• Eating too many hot, spicy foods, raw or ‘cold’ foods, greasy foods or dairy.
• An irregular eating pattern or not eating enough nourishing foods
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Have a chronic illness
• Experienced chronic bleeding or having lost a lot of blood (haemorrhage)
• Exposed to an environment that is overly damp or cold
• Going through an emotional upset or stress.
• Given birth to lots of children or breast-feeding
• On a contraceptive pill or other fertility device
• Experienced trauma
• Abdominal surgery, general surgery or post-partum

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Insights from Medicine

Medical research has increasingly recognised the benefits of Chinese medicine for menstrual health. Studies have shown that acupuncture may effectively reduce menstrual pain and regulate hormonal imbalances in some women, by influencing the nervous system and promoting blood circulation. Herbal medicine has also been found to support some hormones and the menstrual cycle and reduce their inflammation. Moreover, the emphasis on diet and lifestyle adjustments in TCM aligns with modern recommendations for managing stress and supporting overall reproductive health.

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Common Period Symptoms Imbalances and Their Causes

1. Liver Qi Stagnation: Often linked to stress and emotional tension, this may cause symptoms like PMS, breast tenderness, and irritability.
2. Blood Deficiency: Common in those with poor diet or overexertion, this may lead to light or absent periods and fatigue.
3. Cold in the Uterus: Associated with exposure to cold and damp environments or consuming cold or raw foods, may result in painful cramps and dark menstrual blood.
4. Spleen Qi Deficiency: Related to poor digestion and overwork, this may caus heavy or prolonged bleeding.

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Chinese Medicine treatments for Menstrual Health

1. Acupuncture: Helps to regulate Qi and blood flow, alleviate pain, and reduce stress.
2. Herbal Medicine: Customised formulas address specific imbalances, such as warming herbs for cold conditions or blood-nourishing herbs for deficiency.
3. Dietary Therapy: Encourages warm, nutrient-dense foods, such as soups and stews, while avoiding cold and raw foods during menstruation.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments: Stress management techniques like Tai Chi or Qi Gong and adequate rest support hormonal balance.

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Tips for a Balanced Menstrual Cycle

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in iron and nutrients.
• Practice regular, gentle exercise.
• Get sufficient rest
• Manage stress levels.
• Avoid excessive cold exposure and consume warming foods, especially during your period.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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By addressing the root causes of menstrual discomfort and supporting the body’s natural rhythms, Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach towards more healthy menstrual cycle. Whether through acupuncture, herbal medicine, or mindful lifestyle choices, TCM may help some women experience more balanced and pain-free cycles.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how acupuncture can help you achieve greater well-being.