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.