Uterine prolapse 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.
Uterine prolapse can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like uterine prolapse here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here uterine prolapse is often associated with dizziness, poor appetite and loose stools in the pattern “Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking”. As you will see below, we have in record two patterns that can cause uterine prolapse.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of uterine prolapse we’ve identified five herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the five medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat uterine prolapse.
The two "patterns of disharmony" that can cause uterine prolapse
In Chinese Medicine uterine prolapse is a symptom for 2 patterns that we have on record. Below is a small explanation for each of them with links for more details.
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) is the king ingredient for Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, a formula used for Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Weak (Ruo)
Tongue color: Pale
In a Qi Collapsing (also called 'Sinking Qi') situation, a weakened Qi is unable to perform its holding function, resulting in a prolapse of the Organs. This condition mostly applies to the Qi of the Spleen.
In addition to uterine prolapse, other symptoms associated with Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking include dizziness, poor appetite and loose stools.
Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking is often treated with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, a herbal formula made of 10 herbs (including Milkvetch Roots - Huang Qi - as a key herb). Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that tonify qi", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner)".
The Kidneys is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Kidneys in Chinese Medicine
Kidney Qi not Firm
Pulse type(s): Deep (Chen), Weak (Ruo)
Tongue color: Pale
Kidney Qi not Firm means Kidney Qi Deficiency. Two characteristics are typical in this pattern. Firstly, it is a type of Kidney Yang Deficiency with the associated Cold symptoms. Secondly, it is a type of sinking of Kidneys Qi, thus with many ‘leaking’ downwards symptoms.
In addition to uterine prolapse, other symptoms associated with Kidney Qi not Firm include frequent urination, feeling of cold and back pain.
Kidney Qi not Firm is often treated with You Gui Wan, a herbal formula made of 10 herbs (including Prepared Aconite - Zhi Fu Zi - as a key herb). You Gui Wan belongs to the category of "formulas that warm yang and tonify", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang".
Five herbal formulas that might help with uterine prolapse
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Source date: 1247
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi of the Spleen and Stomach (Middle Burner). Raises the Yang. Detoxifies. Lifts what has sunken.
Why might Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang help with uterine prolapse?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Qi Collapsing or Qi Sinking' of which uterus prolapse is a symptom.
You Gui Wan
Source date: 1624 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang. Replenishes the Essence. Tonifies the Blood.
Why might You Gui Wan help with uterine prolapse?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney Qi not Firm' of which uterus prolapse is a symptom.
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan
Source date: 1682 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Stabilizes the Kidneys. Binds up the semen.
Why might Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan help with uterine prolapse?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney Qi not Firm' of which uterus prolapse is a symptom.
Fu Tu Dan
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Stabilizes the Kidney Qi. Strengthens the Spleen. Stops leakage.
Why might Fu Tu Dan help with uterine prolapse?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney Qi not Firm' of which uterus prolapse is a symptom.
Qing E Wan
Why might Qing E Wan help with uterine prolapse?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney Qi not Firm' of which uterus prolapse is a symptom.
Acupuncture points used for uterine prolapse
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat uterine prolapse
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with uterine prolapse?
Because Dong Quai is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat uterine prolapse as a symptom, like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang or You Gui Wan for instance.
Dong Quai is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation.
Why might Cuscuta Seed (Tu Si Zi) help with uterine prolapse?
Because Cuscuta Seed is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat uterine prolapse as a symptom, like Fu Tu Dan or You Gui Wan for instance.
Cuscuta Seeds is a Warm herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Kidney, the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies Kidney Yang and Essence. Nourishes the Liver.
Why might Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong) help with uterine prolapse?
Because Eucommia Bark is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat uterine prolapse as a symptom, like Qing E Wan or You Gui Wan for instance.
Eucommia Bark is a Warm herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys. Calms ascendant Liver Yang (hypertension/high blood pressure). Calms a restless fetus.
Why might Lotus Seed (Lian Zi) help with uterine prolapse?
Because Lotus Seed is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat uterine prolapse as a symptom, like Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan or Fu Tu Dan for instance.
Lotus Seeds is a Neutral herb that tastes Sour and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Spleen, stops diarrhea. Strengthens the Kidneys, reinforces Essence. Nourishes the Blood and calms the mind.
Why might Yam (Shan Yao) help with uterine prolapse?
Because Yam is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat uterine prolapse as a symptom, like Fu Tu Dan or You Gui Wan for instance.
Yam is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Kidney, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Tonifies the Lung Qi and nourishes the Lung Yin. Nourishes the Kidneys and consolidates Jing.
Other symptoms often associated with uterine prolapse
Rectal prolapse Chest pain Dizziness Poor appetite Loose stools Frequent urination Indigestion Constipation Diarrhea Tinnitus