Menstrual Cramps in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different menstrual cramps patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Menstrual cramps, medically termed as dysmenorrhea, are painful sensations experienced in the lower abdomen before or during menstrual periods. These cramps are characterized by a throbbing or cramping pain, ranging from mild to severe, and can sometimes extend to the lower back and thighs. For some women, menstrual cramps are merely a monthly discomfort, while for others, they can be debilitating, affecting daily activities. Understanding the nature and severity of menstrual cramps is crucial for effective management and treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets menstrual cramps as an indication of disharmony within the body's internal systems. Contrasting with the more symptom-focused approach of Western medicine, TCM views these cramps as a manifestation of imbalances in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood, particularly involving the Liver and Uterus.
TCM emphasizes diagnosing and treating the specific pattern of disharmony causing the cramps, thereby addressing both the symptoms and their underlying causes. This holistic approach considers the entire individual, including emotional and physical health.
TCM Patterns for Menstrual Cramps
Blood Stasis
Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels
Causes: dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain, Premenstrual pain
Blood Stasis represents blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels, either moving too slowly, pooling in certain areas, or congealing into clots. It's one of the most important pathological conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be both a result of disease and a cause of further illness.
Qi And Blood Stagnation
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
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, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods, Melasma
Blood Stagnation
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Along with: Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps
Liver Blood Stagnation
Painful period
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae
Pericardium Blood Stagnation
Painful period
Along with: Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus
Painful period
Along with: Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Abdominal pain, Prolonged lochia, Uterine fibroids, Endometriosis, Infertility
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Painful period
Along with: Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Lower abdominal pain, Umbilical pain, Breast engorgement, Breast pain
Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
Painful period
Along with: Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, Primary dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis
Qi Stagnation
Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress
Causes: Menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, painful periods, menstrual cramps, Painful period, Intense period pain, Painful periods that get worse with hot food or drinks
Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, painful periods
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Qi And Blood Stagnation
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
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, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods, Melasma
Liver Qi Stagnation
Menstrual cramps
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger, Melasma
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
Painful periods that get worse with hot food or drinks
Along with: Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Hepatitis, Cholecystitis
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, painful periods, menstrual cramps, Painful periods that get worse with hot food or drinks
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, painful periods
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Damp-Heat
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods
Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne
Damp-Heat in the Liver
Menstrual cramps
Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
Painful periods that get worse with hot food or drinks
Along with: Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Hepatitis, Cholecystitis
Cold
Congeals body fluids, damages Yang Qi, and causes pain with fixed location
Causes: dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period
Cold is the predominant pathogenic factor of winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cold represents an environmental pathogen that, when excessive, causes disease characterized by its cold, congealing, and contracting nature. While Cold is the main pathogen of winter, it can cause illness in any season through exposure to cold temperatures, getting caught in rain, sweating followed by wind exposure, or excessive air conditioning.
Cold in the Uterus
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period
Along with: Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Empty-Cold
Painful period
Along with: Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating, Diarrhea, Clear urination, Frequent urination
Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
Painful period
Along with: Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, Primary dysmenorrhea, Endometriosis
Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels
Painful period
Along with: Menstrual cramps, Cold sensation in lower abdomen, Infertility, Late menstruation, Dark menstrual clots, Postpartum abdominal pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Uterine hypoplasia, Endometrial hyperplasia, Endometriosis
Dampness
Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness
Causes: dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Menstrual cramps
Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.
Damp-Heat
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods
Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne
Damp-Heat in the Liver
Menstrual cramps
Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine
Qi Deficiency
Insufficient vital energy causing fatigue, weakness, poor digestion, and reduced function of organs and protective systems
Causes: dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Dull menstrual cramps
Qi Deficiency is a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's vital energy is insufficient to maintain normal physiological functions, leading to weakness, fatigue, and various organ dysfunctions.
Qi and Blood Deficiency
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Dull menstrual cramps
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
Blood Deficiency
Insufficient blood to nourish the body, causing paleness, dizziness, and dryness throughout the system
Causes: dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Dull menstrual cramps
Blood Deficiency represents a fundamental lack of blood volume or quality in the body, resulting in organs, tissues, and the mind being undernourished. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood not only refers to the red fluid in our vessels but encompasses the body's entire nourishing and moistening functions.
Qi and Blood Deficiency
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Dull menstrual cramps
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
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Painful period
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus
Painful period
Along with: Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Abdominal pain, Prolonged lochia, Uterine fibroids, Endometriosis, Infertility
Herbal Formulas for Menstrual Cramps
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address menstrual cramps
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Cold and warm the menstruation Blood
- Stops pain
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood stagnation
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner caused by Cold
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal masses, Lower abdominal pain, Lower abdominal distension, Lower back pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Menstrual cramps...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstrual cramps
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstrual cramps
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Transforms Blood Stasis
- Softens lumps
- Reduces fixed abdominal pain
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Blood Stagnation and Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Persistent uterine bleeding of purple or dark blood, Lower abdominal distension and pain that increases with pressure, Lower abdominal fibroids and cysts, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Abdominal pain...
Blood Stagnation in the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Irregular periods, Brown vaginal discharge, Dark menstrual clots, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia...
Shi Xiao San
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Eases pain
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Dan Shen Yin
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood and removes Blood Stagnation
- Promote Qi movement
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it manifests:
Menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, painful periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression...
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstrual cramps
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Blood and regulates the Liver
- Moves Qi and Blood in the lower abdomen
- Stops pain
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Wen Jing Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Uterus and vessels
- Nourishes Blood
- Dispels Cold
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Menstrual cramps, Cold sensation in lower abdomen, Infertility, Late menstruation, Dark menstrual clots, Postpartum abdominal pain...
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Unblocks the channels
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Pericardium Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips...
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Ba Zhen Yi Mu Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
- Invigorates the Blood
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Dull menstrual cramps
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Ban Liu Wan
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Fortifies the Fire at the Gate of Vitality
- Expels Cold
- Unblocks the Yang
- Drains Turbidity
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Empty-Cold
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating...
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Heat in the intestines
- Reduces swelling and disperses lumps
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Breaks up and dispels Blood Stagnation
- Generates new Blood
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Da Jian Zhong Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Middle Burner Deficiency
- Directs rebellious Qi downward
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Empty-Cold
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating...
Da Ying Jian
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
- Expels Cold
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it manifests:
Menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, painful periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression...
Di Dang Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Breaks up and dispels Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Er Miao San
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Dampness from the Lower Burner
- Drains Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Guo Qi Yin
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the menses
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Hai Tong Pi Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Disperses swelling
- Dispels Wind, Dampness and Cold
- Removes Stagnation and relieves pain
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Warms and harmonizes the channels
- Unblocks painful obstruction
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies the Middle Burner (Spleen and Stomach)
- Tonifies Qi
- Relieves spasmodic pain
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Empty-Cold
How it manifests:
Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Cold extremities, Pale face, Absence of thirst, Apathy, Excessive sweating...
Jin Ling Zi San
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Moves Liver Blood and Liver Qi
- Drains Liver Heat or Fire
- Stops pain
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
How it manifests:
Painful periods that get worse with hot food or drinks
Accompanying symptoms:
Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth, Peptic ulcer...
Qi Li San
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the blood and removes Blood Stagnation
- Invigorates Qi
- Reduces swelling and pain
- Stops bleeding
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Expel Dampness
- Relieve pain
- Move Qi and Blood
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Reduces swelling
- Induces ulceration
- Moves the Blood and dispels stasis
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Unblocks painful obstruction
- Relieves pain
- Invigorate Qi
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Unblock Channels
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period, Intense period pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Sheng Yu Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
- Preserves the Blood
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Dull menstrual cramps
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Heat and
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Supports Kidney Yang
- Supplies Spleen Qi
- Expels Cold and Dampness from the Uterus
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, menstrual cramps, painful periods, Painful period
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Removes Stagnation
- Drains Fire
- Unblocks the Meridians
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it manifests:
Menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, painful periods
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression...
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstrual cramps
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat
- Resolves dampness
- Reduces jaundice
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Liver
How it manifests:
Menstrual cramps
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite...
Yu Lin Zhu
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
- Facilitating pregnancy
- Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Painful period, Premenstrual pain
Accompanying symptoms:
Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Menstrual cramps...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these menstrual cramps patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Releases all types of Stagnation (Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Fire, Food and Dampness)
Addresses These Menstrual Cramps Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Menstrual cramps
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Tiao Gan Tang
Traditional formula for menstrual cramps
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
Gui Shao Di Huang Tang
Traditional formula for menstrual cramps
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood
- Nourishes Yin
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Traditional formula for menstrual cramps
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys