Decreased Menstrual Flow in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different decreased menstrual flow patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Decreased menstrual flow refers to a gradual reduction in the volume of blood loss during menstruation. This condition might manifest as less blood flow than usual or a noticeable decrease over successive menstrual cycles. It's a specific form of scanty menstruation, which can include symptoms like light-colored menstrual blood or less frequent need for menstrual hygiene products. Recognizing these changes is essential for understanding underlying health conditions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives decreased menstrual flow as a manifestation of internal imbalances or disharmonies. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on physical factors, TCM looks at the holistic interplay of bodily systems.
It identifies different patterns of disharmony causing this symptom, emphasizing that treatment must be tailored to the individual’s specific TCM pattern diagnosis. This approach is crucial for effective management and restoration of balance.
TCM Patterns for Decreased Menstrual Flow
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause decreased menstrual flow
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Slowed-down (Huan), Weak (Ruo), Fine (Xi)
Pale tongue with thin white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Slowed-down (Huan), Weak (Ruo), Fine (Xi)
Pale tongue with thin white coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Deep (Chen), Fine (Xi)
Purple tongue with dark spots
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Deep (Chen), Fine (Xi)
Purple tongue with dark spots
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua)
Swollen tongue with sticky coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Diagnostic signs
Slippery (Hua)
Swollen tongue with sticky coating
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Decreased Menstrual Flow
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address decreased menstrual flow