Short Periods in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different short periods patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Short periods, medically known as shortened menstrual flow or brief menstrual cycles, are a variation of the menstrual cycle where bleeding occurs for a significantly lesser duration than the average menstrual period. This condition can manifest in various forms, such as Short Menstrual Duration, and is characterized by a notable reduction in the length of menstrual bleeding.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets short periods as a symptom arising from imbalances within the body's fundamental systems. This approach contrasts with Western medicine's focus on specific reproductive system dysfunctions.
In TCM, short periods are often seen as an indicator of underlying disharmonies, such as Blood Deficiency or Yin Deficiency. The treatment in TCM aims to identify and correct these root imbalances, emphasizing the importance of restoring overall harmony in the body.
TCM Patterns for Short Periods
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause short periods
Blood Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Fine (Xi)
Pale, thin and slightly tongue
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Kidney-Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo)
Accompanying symptoms you may experience
Recommended herbal formulas
Blood Stagnation
Diagnostic signs
Choppy (Se), Firm (Lao), Wiry (Xian)
Purple tongue
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 Short Periods
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address short periods