Menstrual Issues & PMS
Managing symptoms of some Menstrual Irregularities and Gynecological Issues with Chinese Medicine
Organ names in Chinese medicine differ from Western medicine's understanding.
It is common for women to accept premenstrual pain, emotional turmoil,
flooding, clotting, and menstrual irregularities as normal. Chinese
medicine may help manage some of these symptoms. Some may
suffer from both, in the ovulatory phase and premenstrual phase with
discomfort and/or lingering pain and other associated symptoms for up
to two or three weeks per month.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, gynecological issues and their
treatment differ greatly from the Western view. Chinese medicine treats a
clinical presentation from its holistic and integral paradigm. Treatment protocols
are governed by the diagnostic process that is unique to Chinese medicine.
Chinese medicine does not treat diseases and does not proclaim a cure in any way. Patients attend with specific patterns that manifest in specific ways and with related symptoms, depending on the individual's specific circumstances.
It is imperative that women suffering gynaecological issues recieve a full gynecological assessment and may required hormonal tests or scans prescribed by a Western Medical doctor. .Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may present with symptoms ranging from irritability, ovarian pain, cramps, bloating, breast distension, headaches, skin eruptions, and unusual discharge. Menstruation may be too long or too short, absent or irregular for months, and may have clots, unusual discharge, odor, bloating, flooding, spotting, or trickling. Some periods start and stop mid-cycle. Some are too early or too late, and some women experience menstrual pain before, during, and after menstruation.
Chinese medicine aims to balance all facets of the gynecological process. The practitioner works to ensure that the Qi and blood of the liver (the Chinese concept of Liver) flow smoothly and in a timely manner. The Qi and blood are regulated to ensure there is sufficient blood, that the Qi governing the blood moves smoothly, and that the blood is replenished in time. Chinese medicine uses both acupuncture and herbal approaches to address some of the symptoms associated with gynecological conditions. The practitioner takes into account any biomedical diagnosis and works parallel and in a complimentary fassion with Western biomedical objectives. Chinese medicine works to encourage holistic health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years to manage menstrual issues such as PMS, menstrual cramps, and amenorrhea. According to TCM theory, the liver, spleen, and kidney play a crucial role in the menstrual cycle, and imbalances in these organs can lead to menstrual disorders. Herbal medicine is often used to manage these imbalances, with a focus on herbs that have a warming, nourishing, or moving effect on the body. Commonly used herbs include dong quai, ginger, cinnamon, and peony root.
Acupuncture is also used to manage menstrual disorders. It aims to regulate the flow of Qi and blood within the body to promote balance and reduce symptoms such as cramping, bloating, mood swings, and sharp pain. Research has shown that acupuncture may be effective in managing PMS, with many combinations of points that may be selected by the practitioner, depending on the underlying presentation in each case. A review of randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain associated with primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). Herbal medicine has also been found to be effective in managing menstrual issues.
Chinese medicine's investigation of the condition is based on inquiry, taking the pulse, observing the tongue, and examining different signs and symptoms. After collating all the information, a Chinese medicine diagnosis that is unique to its own paradigm is put forth, and the treatment protocol is based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns found. The practitioner selects the most appropriate acupuncture points and possibly Chinese medicinal herbs to correct the dysfunction and treat the presenting pattern. Chinese medicine aims to treat the root of the imbalance from a Chonese medical perspective to realign the body's internal balance and relieve the presenting symptoms and by no means proposes a cure to westen biomedical diagnosed conditions.
Furthermore, Chinese Medicine can help regulate menstrual cycles and may therefore assist to address fertility concerns. The holistic approach of Chinese Medicine takes into account all aspects of a woman's health, including emotional and mental well-being. Stress and emotional strain can have a significant impact on menstrual health, and Chinese Medicine may offer some solutions to address these issuesas well.
Chinese Medicine recognizes that every woman is unique and requires personalized care. By addressing the underlying imbalances that lead to menstrual irregularities and other gynecological issues, Chinese Medicine may provide relief from symptoms and promote long-term health and wellness.
In conclusion, while menstrual pain and other related symptoms are often accepted as a normal part of menstruation, they may be managed effectively with the assistance of Chinese Medical approach. By taking a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of these issues, Chinese Medicine may offer relief from some symptoms and promote long-term health and wellness. If you are experiencing any menstrual or gynecological issues, it is important to seek a full gynecological assessment and consult with a qualified Biomedical specialist to rule out any possible underlined conditions.
References:
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"The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs" by Giovanni Maciocia
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"Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Primary Dysmenorrhea: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials" by Jing Zhang et al. in Medical Acupuncture, 2020
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"Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion on reproductive endocrine function in male and female patients with infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis" by Xin Liu et al. in Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2020
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"Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings" by Jonathan Wardle et al. in Phytotherapy Research, 2018
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"Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Premenstrual Syndrome" by The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 2018
The primary objective of Chinese Medicine is to treat the whole person rather than a specific disease or its given name. It is an adjunct to Western medicine, with a distinct focus on identifying the underlying cause within Chinese medical theory and using it's principles in a safe and modern clinical setting.