Blocked Menstruation in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different blocked menstruation patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Blocked menstruation refers to a condition where a woman experiences an absence or significant delay in her menstrual cycle. Unlike normal variations in cycle lengths, blocked menstruation can indicate underlying health issues or imbalances. It's distinct from amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation for several months or longer, but the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in lay discussions. This condition can stem from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, significant weight loss or gain, and certain medical conditions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), blocked menstruation is seen through a lens vastly different from Western medicine. It's often attributed to imbalances in the body's Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang. TCM believes that for menstruation to occur smoothly, the Blood must flow freely and the Qi must be balanced.
Thus, any disruption in these energies can lead to blocked menstruation. Diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it guides the treatment plan, including the selection of acupuncture points, herbs, and dietary adjustments.
TCM Patterns for Blocked Menstruation
Yin Deficiency
Causes: blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Lung Yin Deficiency
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Dislike of speaking, Thin chest
Heart Yin Deficiency
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility, Melasma
Blood Deficiency
Causes: blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Qi and Blood Deficiency
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression, Amenorrhea, Apathy, Chills, Dark face
Essence Deficiency
Causes: blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression, Amenorrhea, Apathy, Chills, Dark face
Qi Deficiency
Causes: blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Qi and Blood Deficiency
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness
Qi Stagnation
Causes: blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Qi And Blood Stagnation
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods, Melasma
Blood Stasis
Causes: blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Qi And Blood Stagnation
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods, Melasma
Phlegm
Causes: blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Dampness
Causes: blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Herbal Formulas for Blocked Menstruation
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address blocked menstruation
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)
- Raises the Yang
- Detoxifies
- Lifts what has sunken
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
He Che Da Zao Wan
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Kidneys
- Strengthens the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
- Regulates the periods
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression...
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Tonifies Kidney and Liver Yin
- Regulates the menstrual cycle
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression...
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and Phlegm
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Liver Blood and Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Primary amenorrhea, Lower back pain, Generalized fatigue, Knee pain, Dizziness, Depression...
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Blood and regulates the Liver
- Moves Qi and Blood in the lower abdomen
- Stops pain
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Spleen and Stomach Qi
- Removes Dampness
- Moves Qi
- Alleviates pain
- Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach,
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
- Nourishes the Heart
- Calms the Mind
- Warms Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen and Lungs
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Cold and warm the menstruation Blood
- Stops pain
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood stagnation
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Shi Quan Da Bu Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Qi
- Warms and tonifies Blood
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Wu Yao Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Moves Qi
- Stops pain
- Nourishes Liver Blood
- Eliminates Stagnation
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Gui Pi Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood
- Tonifies Heart and Spleen
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Wei Jing Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat from the Lungs
- Transforms Phlegm
- Drives out Blood-Stagnation
- Discharges pus
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin
- Moistens the Lung
- Transfers Phlegm
- Clears Heat
- Reliefs Cough
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Lung Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Dislike of speaking, Thin chest
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Nourishes the Blood
- Clears Heat
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Heart Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Night sweats, Feeling of uneasiness, Feeling of heat, Heat sensation in palms, Hysteria, Neurasthenia
Tiao Gan Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Zuo Gui Yin
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Tonifies the Kidneys
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these blocked menstruation patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Blocked Menstruation Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
blocked menstruation, blocked periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...