Postmenstrual Bleedingaccording to TCM

How Does TCM View Postmenstrual Bleeding?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches postmenstrual bleeding as a symptom of an underlying imbalance within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on treating the symptoms directly, TCM seeks to understand the root cause of the imbalance. In TCM, postmenstrual bleeding is often seen as an indication of disharmony in the body's energy systems, particularly involving the Qi (life energy) and Blood.

The belief is that when Qi and Blood are not flowing properly or when there is an imbalance in Yin and Yang, it can lead to various health issues, including abnormal bleeding. TCM practitioners use a holistic approach, considering factors such as emotional well-being, diet

, lifestyle, and overall health to determine the underlying pattern of disharmony causing the symptom.

Causes of Postmenstrual Bleeding According to TCM

In TCM, postmenstrual bleeding can be attributed to several patterns of disharmony. One common cause is Heat in the Blood, where an excess heat condition in the body leads to the blood becoming "restless" and moving out of its normal pathways. This can result in bleeding at irregular times. Symptoms of this pattern include a feeling of heat, red skin eruptions, thirst, and frequent bleeding. The treatment in TCM focuses on cooling the Blood and strengthening Qi to restore balance in the body.

Root Causes of Postmenstrual Bleeding in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Postmenstrual bleeding according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • Heat
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 Postmenstrual Bleeding

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heat in the Blood Trickling blood after period, Feeling hot, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Hemoptysis, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more Qing Jing San | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Liang Di Tang | Di Gu Pi Yin

TCM Herbal Formulas for Postmenstrual Bleeding

To address postmenstrual bleeding, TCM relies on a variety of herbal formulas. For Heat in the Blood, formulas like Qing Jing San, which includes Goji Tree Root Bark (Di Gu Pi), are used to cool the Blood and stop the bleeding. This herb is known for its properties to clear heat from the blood.

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, another formula containing Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), is used to clear heat from the organs, particularly the liver, which in TCM is often associated with the regulation of menstrual blood. These formulas are selected based on the individual's specific pattern of disharmony, and the treatment is tailored to their unique needs.

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that clear blood-Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs

All Formulas Recommended for Postmenstrual Bleeding Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
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 that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for postmenstrual bleeding

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liang Di Tang Heat in the Blood
Di Gu Pi Yin Heat in the Blood

TCM Herbs for Postmenstrual Bleeding

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address postmenstrual bleeding, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness

"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for postmenstrual bleeding

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Goji Tree Root Bark (Di Gu Pi) Qing Jing San | Di Gu Pi Yin
Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) Liang Di Tang