Painful menstruation according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, painful menstruation is sometimes associated with Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's painful menstruation might be caused by the pattern Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from painful menstruation alone. Indeed if painful menstruation is caused by Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat, patients also experience symptoms such as irritability, spontaneous sweating, red eyes and dry mouth.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat so that you can have a better understanding of where painful menstruation might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, a formula that can help treat Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat.
Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with painful menstruation
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat
Recommended herbal formula: Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Symptoms: Red eyes Dry mouth Tidal fever Irritability Palpitations Heavy periods Painful urination Spontaneous sweating Lower abdominal pressure Abnormal uterine bleeding
Painful menstruation might be due to Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as irritability, spontaneous sweating, red eyes and dry mouth.
Read more about Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat here
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula that might help with painful menstruation
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Source date: Ming dynasty
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation. Tonifies Spleen. Clears Deficient Heat. Nourishes the blood.
Why might Jia Wei Xiao Yao San help with painful menstruation?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat, a pattern sometimes associated with painful menstruation. If it looks like you might suffer from Liver Qi Stagnation with Spleen Qi Deficiency that transforms into Heat, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to painful menstruation
Irritability Spontaneous sweating Red eyes Dry mouth Palpitations Lower abdominal pressure Painful urination Heavy periods Abnormal uterine bleeding Tidal fever
