TCM Gynecological Issues Treatment Theory

Chinese Medicine Theory is used to understand and treat a broad range of gynecological issues. Below you will find a brief outline of the theories which relate to gynecological issues and their contributing factors.

• TCM Physiology of Menstruation:
• 26-32 days between periods is normal so long as it remains consistent.
• 4-6 days of bleeding is considered normal.
• Phases of menstruation:
• Menstrual Phase - 5 days - Blood should be moving during this phase, health depends on the smooth flow of LV Qi and Blood.
• Second Phase - approx. 7 days - Blood and Yin are relatively empty and the GV and CV are relatively depleted.
• Mid-cycle (ovulation) - Blood and Yin are stronger and the GV and CV are filling up.
• Premenstrual Phase - approx. 7 days - Yang Qi rises and LV Qi moves in preparation for the period.
• Generally, you can tonify during the first period and move during the second period.
• Menopause averages around age 50 - later than 55 is delayed and earlier than 35 is early.
• Uterus and Related Organs:
• The Uterus is a curious organ in TCM.
• Many aspects have an effect on the Uterus and Gynecology:
• Kidney Jing
• Essence, root of Qi, root of yin & yang (fire), materal essense for the formation of LV Blood.
• Influences the 7 year cycle.
• Influences the hormones associated with the Uterus.
• Controls the Bone marrow (western - responsible for formation of Blood).
• Liver
• Stores Blood, nourishes the Uterus.
• Blood Issues:
• Blood Deficiency - amenorrhea, scanty a/or late periods.
• Hot Blood - dysmenorrhea, heavy bleeding, skin eruptions.
• Strongly effects smooth flow of Qi and Blood. Stagnant LV Qi may lead to painful periods, PMS a/or irregular periods - which may lead to Blood Stagnation and clotting.
• Spleen
• Origin of the Blood.
• Holds organs & Blood in place and ascends Qi - prolapses, reckless bleeding.
• Controls the Yi (intellect).
• Heart
• Connects directly to the Uterus via the Bao Mai.
• Governs the Blood.
• Has an mental/emotional effect on the Uterus.
• Lung
• Not a very strong influence but significant in that it governs the Qi of the body.
• Effected by sadness & grief which in excess can lead to Qi a/or Blood stagnation - menstrual issues a/or breast lumps.
• Stomach
• Connects to the Uterus via the Chong Mai ST 30.
• Influences breast feeding and breast milk.
• Extraordinary Vessels
• CV, GV and Chong Mai all arise from Ming Men and connect with CV 1 as well as the Uterus.
• Conception Vessel relates closely with Yin, essence and fluids as well as the Uterus and the whole female reproductive system. Responsible for conception, fertility, menarche, pregnancy & menopause.
• Governing Vessel connects with CV 1, the Uterus and also with the Brain. Relates closely with the Yang of the body.
• Chong Mai is the "Sea of Blood" and has an important influence on the supply and movement of Blood in the Uterus.
• Etiology & Pathogenic Factors
• 3 Major Pathogenic Factors
• Cold
• Direct strike of Cold to the Uterus - easy during menstruation or after labor, can lead to painful periods.
• Accumulation of Cold in the lower warmer - strongly effects menstrual functions, dysmenorrhea.
• Damp
• Effects lower body, can cause discharges a/or pain during ovulation.
• Women are more vulnerable during menstruation or after labor.
• Damp-Heat - can lead to abdominal masses a/or ovarian cysts.
• Heat
• Wind-Heat or Summer-Heat can enter into the Blood and cause heavy bleeding.