Premenstrual Syndromeaccording to TCM

What is Premenstrual Syndrome?

Premenstrual Syndrome, widely known as PMS, describes a group of symptoms that occur in women one to two weeks before their menstrual period. These symptoms can range widely in both type and severity, including emotional stress, irritability, breast tenderness, bloating, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

Synonyms like symptoms before menstruation encapsulate the essence of PMS, highlighting its timing in relation to the menstrual cycle. Sub-symptoms such as pre-menstrual tension, breast distension, and the perimenstrual common cold further detail the myriad ways PMS can manifest, affecting each woman uniquely.

How Does TCM View Premenstrual Syndrome?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches Premenstrual Syndrome as a signal of imbalance within the body’s energy systems, particularly involving the Liver and Spleen. TCM posits that PMS results from disruptions in the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, emphasizing the interconnectivity of emotional well-being and physical health.

This holistic perspective underscores the need to identify specific patterns of disharmony, enabling tailored treatments that address both the root cause and its manifestations, diverging from the symptom-focused approach of Western medicine.

Root Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome in TCM

In the Traditional Chinese Medicine framework, premenstrual syndrome is often traced back to disturbances in Liver Qi and its impact on the Spleen. Two prominent patterns recognized for their role in PMS are Rebellious Liver Qi and its intrusion into Spleen territory, coupled with the Spleen’s obstruction by Dampness concurrent with Liver Qi Stagnation.

These conditions illustrate a disharmony where the Liver's smooth flow of Qi is interrupted, leading to emotional volatility and physical discomfort, while Dampness in the Spleen manifests as bloating, fatigue, and digestive issues. Recognizing these patterns is essential in TCM, as it guides the holistic treatment approach aiming not just at symptoms but at the underlying imbalance.

Explore below more details about what might cause Premenstrual syndrome according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Blood Stasis
  • Liver
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Premenstrual Syndrome

Common Symptoms: Depression Mood Swings Irregular Periods Irritability Abdominal Pain Breast Engorgement Globus Sensation Pre Menstrual Breast Distension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Pre-menstrual tension, Premenstrual tension, Premenstrual breast distension, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian
Qi And Blood Stagnation Pre-menstrual tension, 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, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Xiao Yao San | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Premenstrual tension, Premenstrual breast distension, 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... see more Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Qi Stagnation Premenstrual breast distension, General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing Xiao Yao San | Wu Yao Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Premenstrual Syndrome

Common Symptoms: Irritability Feeling Of Heat Flushed Face Thirst Pre Menstrual Breast Distension Excessive Menstruation Constipation Dry Stools

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Premenstrual tension, Premenstrual breast distension, 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... see more Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Heat in the Blood Pre-menstrual breast distention, Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Qing Jing San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Liang Di Tang | Di Gu Pi Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Premenstrual Syndrome

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation Pre-menstrual tension, 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, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Xiao Yao San | Tao Hong Si Wu Tang | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Premenstrual Syndrome

Common Symptoms: Hypochondriac Distention Upper Abdominal Distension Melancholia Depression Mood Swings Irregular Periods Globus Sensation Pre Menstrual Breast Distension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Stagnation Pre-menstrual tension, Premenstrual tension, Premenstrual breast distension, Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Anxiety, Anger... see more Xiao Yao San | Wu Yao Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Yue Ju Wan | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Yi Guan Jian
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Premenstrual tension, Premenstrual breast distension, 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... see more Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Premenstrual Syndrome

Addressing PMS from a TCM perspective involves specific formulas designed to smooth the Liver Qi, enhance Spleen function, and resolve Dampness. For the treatment of Rebellious Liver Qi and its invasion into the Spleen, formulas like Si Ni San and Xiao Yao San are foundational. Si Ni San effectively calms the Liver, promoting the proper movement of Qi, while Xiao Yao San further eases Liver Qi Stagnation and supports Spleen health.

When dealing with the obstruction of the Spleen by Dampness, in the context of Liver Qi Stagnation, Ping Wei San emerges as a critical formula. It specifically targets Cold-Dampness in the Spleen, restoring balance and mitigating symptoms such as bloating and digestive discomfort. These targeted treatments reflect TCM’s nuanced understanding of PMS, offering a path to harmony and well-being through the meticulous rebalancing of internal energies.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address premenstrual syndrome, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Blood Stasis
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
  • Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that clear liver-Heat
  • Formulas that clear blood-Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Premenstrual Syndrome Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Qi Stagnation
Wu Yao Tang Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation
Yi Guan Jian Liver Qi Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

All Formulas Recommended for Premenstrual Syndrome Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Heat in the Blood
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Qing Jing San Heat in the Blood
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Heat in the Blood
Liang Di Tang Heat in the Blood
Di Gu Pi Yin Heat in the Blood

All Formulas Recommended for Premenstrual Syndrome Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xiao Yao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen" recommended for premenstrual syndrome

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Qi Stagnation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Stagnation, Heat in the Blood
Si Ni San Not applicable

All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for premenstrual syndrome

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wu Yao Tang Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi Stagnation
Yue Ju Wan Liver Qi Stagnation

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for premenstrual syndrome

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yi Guan Jian Liver Qi Stagnation
Liang Di Tang Heat in the Blood
Di Gu Pi Yin Heat in the Blood

Acupoints for Premenstrual Syndrome

See more details below about Rugen ST-18, an acupoint used to address premenstrual syndrome.

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
Rugen ST-18

Rugen ST-18

In the 5nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.