Miscarriageaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Pregnancy Issues
Sub-symptom(s): Recurrent Miscarriage
What is Miscarriage?
Miscarriage, a term that marks the heartbreak of countless hopeful parents, refers to the natural end of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable outside the womb. This typically occurs before the 20th week of gestation. The medical community categorizes miscarriages into several types, including recurrent miscarriage, which is defined as two or more consecutive pregnancy losses.
Despite its prevalence, the causes of miscarriage can vary widely, encompassing genetic, hormonal, and physical factors, among others. Understanding miscarriage not only involves recognizing its medical definition but also appreciating the profound emotional impact it has on individuals and families.
How does TCM view Miscarriage?
In stark contrast to Western medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets miscarriage through the lens of imbalance and disharmony within the body's energy systems. TCM posits that a variety of disharmony patterns can lead to miscarriage, emphasizing the importance of identifying the specific underlying imbalances affecting the individual.
This holistic approach suggests that the health of the mother—encompassing her physical, emotional, and energetic state—is intrinsically linked to the ability to maintain a pregnancy. By addressing these imbalances, TCM aims to nurture the body back to a state of equilibrium, potentially preventing the occurrence of miscarriage.
Root Causes of Miscarriage in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the causes of miscarriage are deeply rooted in the concept of balance and harmony within the body's energies, such as Dampness and Qi Deficiency. Dampness in the body can create an environment unsuitable for maintaining a pregnancy, acting as a barrier to the vital nutrients and energy required for fetal development. This condition often results from an imbalance in the body's ability to manage fluids, leading to an accumulation that metaphorically "dampens" the body's vital processes.
On the other hand, Qi Deficiency reflects a scenario where the body's life-sustaining energy is inadequate. This deficiency undermines the body's strength and the ability to support the growth and development of a new life. These examples illustrate how TCM views miscarriage not just as a physical event but as a manifestation of deeper energetic imbalances.
Explore below more details about what might cause Miscarriage according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Qi Deficiency
- Kidney
Qi Deficiency
Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more
Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Miscarriage
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Qi not Firm | Recurrent miscarriage, Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Cold extremities, White vaginal discharge, Bearing down sensation in abdomen... see more | You Gui Wan | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Fu Tu Dan | Qing E Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Miscarriage
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Qi not Firm | Recurrent miscarriage, Lower back pain, Lower back weakness, Polyuria, Weak urine stream, Enuresis, Nocturnal emission, Generalized fatigue, Chills, Cold extremities, White vaginal discharge, Bearing down sensation in abdomen... see more | You Gui Wan | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Fu Tu Dan | Qing E Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Miscarriage
To combat the challenges of Dampness and Qi Deficiency, TCM turns to its rich pharmacopeia, selecting herbs with precise actions to counteract these conditions. For Dampness, herbs like Amomum Fruits and Cardamon fruits are prized for their ability to penetrate the moisture-laden environment of the body, restoring the necessary balance and warmth. These herbs target key organs such as the Spleen, Stomach, and Kidneys, pivotal in managing the body's fluids and overall energy dynamics.
In cases of Qi Deficiency, the strategy shifts towards replenishing and nurturing the body's Qi. Herbs such as Atractylodes Rhizomes stand out for their sweet, warming energy, directly nourishing the Spleen and Stomach—organs essential for Qi production and distribution. This targeted herbal therapy underscores TCM's holistic approach, where the aim is not only to address the symptoms but to restore the underlying energetic equilibrium, offering a path to healing and prevention.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address miscarriage, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Qi Deficiency
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
You Gui Wan
Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause miscarriage, such as Kidney Qi not Firm
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Miscarriage Caused by Qi Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| You Gui Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
| Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
| Fu Tu Dan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
| Qing E Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some miscarriage-causing patterns like Kidney Qi not Firm.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm yang and tonify" recommended for miscarriage
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| You Gui Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
| Qing E Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
| Tu Si Zi Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
Formulas that secure Essence and stop enuresis
These formulas are suitable for some miscarriage-causing patterns like Kidney Qi not Firm.
One such formula is Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan, with milkvetch seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis" recommended for miscarriage
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
| Fu Tu Dan | Kidney Qi not Firm |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Miscarriage can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Dang Gui Shao Yao San, with white peony root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for miscarriage
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dang Gui Shao Yao San | Not applicable |
| Wen Jing Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Miscarriage can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Ba Zhen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Miscarriage
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address miscarriage, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Miscarriage can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for miscarriage, like Fu Tu Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for miscarriage
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cuscuta Seeds (Tu Si Zi) | Fu Tu Dan | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao) | You Gui Wan |
| Milkvetch Seeds (Sha Yuan Zi) | Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan |
| Pilose Antlers (Lu Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Desert-Living Cistanches (Rou Cong Rong) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Miscarriage can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for miscarriage, like Ba Zhen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for miscarriage
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Ba Zhen Tang |
| Yam (Shan Yao) | Tu Si Zi Wan |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Not applicable |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Miscarriage can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for miscarriage, like Wen Jing Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for miscarriage
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) | Wen Jing Tang |
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | You Gui Wan |
| Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | You Gui Wan |
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Miscarriage can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Amomum Fruits (Sha Ren), which is directly recommended for miscarriage.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for miscarriage
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Amomum Fruits (Sha Ren) | Not applicable |
| Cardamon Fruits (Bai Dou Kou) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Miscarriage can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for miscarriage, like Ba Zhen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for miscarriage
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Ba Zhen Tang |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Dang Gui Shao Yao San |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Miscarriage can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), which is directly recommended for miscarriage.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Miscarriage can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Mistletoe (Hu Ji Sheng), which is directly recommended for miscarriage.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Miscarriage can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for miscarriage, like Wen Jing Tang.