Support for Regulating Periods

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menstrual problems are seen as imbalances in the body’s energy (Qi) and Blood, as well as disturbances in the Yin and Yang energies. TCM practitioners look at the menstrual cycle as a reflection of the overall health of a woman and pay attention to the various signs and symptoms exhibited during each phase of the cycle. Some common period problems addressed in TCM include:

• Irregular Menstruation: Irregular periods can be caused by imbalances in the Liver and Spleen energies. Liver Qi stagnation is a common pattern that may lead to irregular menstrual cycles, accompanied by emotional symptoms like mood swings and irritability.
  
  
• Painful Menstruation (Dysmenorrhea): Dysmenorrhea is often related to Blood and Qi stagnation in the pelvic area. This can cause cramps and pain during menstruation. Kidney and Liver imbalances may also contribute to this condition. It can arise from endometriosis, adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or fibroids.
  
  
• Amenorrhea (Absence of Menstruation): Amenorrhea can be caused by various factors, including Blood deficiency, Qi deficiency, or Kidney Yin deficiency. Stress, emotional issues, and excessive physical activities are also considered contributing factors. For some women cessation of the oral contraceptive pill can cause amenorrhoea.
  
  
• Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding): Heavy bleeding can result from excess Heat or Fire in the body, leading to excessive Blood flow. This pattern is often associated with Liver and Kidney imbalances.
  
  
• Scanty Menstruation (Light Menstrual Bleeding): Scanty periods may be caused by Blood deficiency or Qi deficiency, where the body is not producing enough Blood or energy to support a regular flow.
  
  
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): PMS symptoms, such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and bloating, are often linked to Liver Qi stagnation and imbalances in the Spleen and Kidney energies.
  
  
• Clots in Menstrual Blood: The presence of clots in menstrual blood may indicate Blood stasis, which can result from Blood not flowing smoothly during menstruation.
  
  
• Polycystic Ovaries and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Acupuncture may help regulate hormones and insulin levels in women with PCOS, potentially improving menstrual regularity, fertility, and reducing symptoms like excess hair growth and acne