Premenstrual Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different premenstrual pain patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Premenstrual pain encompasses the physical discomfort and aches that occur before the onset of menstruation. It differs from menstrual cramps in timing, as it precedes the menstrual flow rather than accompanying it. The pain can range from mild to severe and often manifests as a dull, throbbing sensation in the lower abdomen.
For some women, premenstrual pain may also include symptoms like lower back pain, headaches, and general malaise. Understanding this symptom is crucial as it affects a significant portion of women in their reproductive years and can considerably impact daily life.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches premenstrual pain through the lens of energetic imbalances within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on symptomatic relief, TCM seeks to identify and address underlying patterns of disharmony causing the pain.
Premenstrual pain, in TCM, is often seen as a manifestation of disrupted flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood within the body, especially related to the Liver and Spleen systems. This perspective allows for a more holistic approach to treatment, aiming not just to alleviate pain but also to correct the root cause of the imbalance.
TCM Patterns for Premenstrual Pain
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause premenstrual pain
Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Firm (Lao), Wiry (Xian)
Purple tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Premenstrual Pain
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address premenstrual pain