Pattern Empty

Directing and Penetrating vessels Deficiency with Empty Cold

Chōng Rèn Xū Hán 冲任虚寒

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Diagnostic Signs

Diagnostic Considerations

continuous vaginal bleeding with purplish clots, lower abdominal pain, a dark-purple tongue with spots, and a wiry yet submerged and thin pulse.

Causes & Pathology

Pathological Mechanism

This pattern involves a Deficiency in the Directing (Ren) and Penetrating (Chong) vessels, leading to a disruption in the regulation of blood. Key characteristics of this pattern include:

Uterine Bleeding: The Deficiency in these vessels causes Cold to penetrate, leading to Blood straying from its normal channels. This results in continuous vaginal bleeding characterized by purplish blood and clots.

Blood Stasis in the Lower Burner: The misdirected Blood accumulates in the Lower Burner, leading to stasis. This stasis manifests as lower abdominal pain and tenderness.

Temporary Relief with Clot Passage: The expulsion of blood clots leads to a temporary unblocking of Qi in the lower abdomen, resulting in transient pain relief.

This pattern reflects a complex interplay of Deficient energy and Cold leading to Blood Stagnation, primarily impacting the Uterus and the associated meridians.

Treatment Approach

Treatment Principle

Warming the Conception and Penetrating vessels, nourish Blood, dispels stasis to restore normal menstrual function.

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Related TCM Concepts

Directing Vessel Penetrating Vessel Deficiency / Empty Cold pattern