TCM Treatment for Menstrual Disorders: Regulating the Liver and Menstruation through Holistic Care
Menstruation is one of the hallmarks of female physical maturity. A normal menstrual cycle is approximately 28 days, though a range between 21 and 35 days is considered normal. The typical menstrual volume is 50 to 80 ml, with blood that is generally dark red, of moderate consistency, without clots, and free of unusual odors. Most women experience no discomfort during their period, although minor lower back soreness, slight abdominal bloating, or mild emotional fluctuations are common and normal.
When abnormalities occur in the cycle, duration, volume, or characteristics of menstrual blood, or when significant discomfort accompanies the cycle, it is clinically referred to as a "menstrual disorder."
Dr Li Rui points out that common menstrual disorders treated in TCM include: menorrhagia (heavy bleeding), hypomenorrhea (scanty bleeding), prolonged menstruation, intermenstrual bleeding, "Beng Lou" (flooding and leaking), dysmenorrhea (painful periods), amenorrhea, and various menstrual-related symptoms such as fever, dizziness, vertigo, body aches, diarrhea, edema, breast tenderness, and emotional disturbances.
Dr Li Rui emphasizes that "regulating menstruation primarily involves regulating the Liver." This is because the Liver stores blood, governs the smooth flow of Qi, and controls the "Sea of Blood" (Chong Meridian). If a woman’s Liver Qi is harmonious, her meridians will flow smoothly, the Sea of Blood will remain stable, and menstruation will occur at the appropriate time.
TCM believes the primary pathological mechanism of menstrual disorders is the dysfunction of the Liver, disharmony between Qi and Blood, and damage to the Chong and Ren meridians. Causes include external pathogens, emotional distress, overwork, multiple childbirths, and irregular diet, as well as constitutional factors.
Drawing from over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr Li Rui states that TCM treatment for menstrual disorders typically starts with "soothing the Liver, tonifying the Kidneys, and regulating Qi and Blood," utilizing a combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture. Dr Li Rui shares two typical case studies:
Case Study 1: A 30-year-old female had a menstrual cycle of 40 to 50 days for the past five years. Her period lasted over 7 days with blood clots and significant abdominal pain. She had a pale complexion, frequent abdominal bloating, felt high levels of stress, and had not conceived after three years of marriage. Dr Li Rui diagnosed her with "Liver Stagnation and Spleen Deficiency" and delayed menstruation. After receiving tailored herbal and acupuncture treatments during different phases of her cycle, her cycle adjusted to 30 days and her dysmenorrhea improved significantly.
Case Study 2: A 40-year-old female patient experienced periods lasting over ten days, accompanied by breast tenderness, irritability, lower back soreness, and leg weakness. Western medicine diagnosed her with "Lobular Hyperplasia of the Breasts" and "Uterine Fibroids," recommending surgery. Reluctant to undergo surgery, she sought TCM. Dr Li Rui adopted a "Liver Regulating and Kidney Tonifying" plan. After treatment, her menstrual period returned to normal, and all associated symptoms improved markedly.
Dr Li Rui reminds women that daily prevention and care are equally important:
1. Maintain Hygiene: Change sanitary products frequently; avoid sexual intercourse, public baths, and swimming during menstruation.
2. Avoid Overexertion: Avoid heavy physical labor and strenuous exercise.
3. Stay Warm: Avoid getting caught in the rain or wading in water; avoid raw and cold foods.
4. Dietary Moderation: Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and tobacco. Eat light, nutritious meals.
5. Regulate Emotions: As Qi tends to be excessive during menstruation, emotions can fluctuate easily. Try to stay relaxed and maintain a cheerful mood.
TCM Dietary Recipes Recommended by Dr Li Rui
• Rose Tea: 6g of dried roses steeped in hot water. Drink one cup daily to soothe the Liver, regulate Qi, and relieve emotional depression.
• Er Pi Jie Yu Soup: 6g Moutan bark (Mu Dan Pi), 1g Albizia bark (He Huan Pi), 3g Licorice (Gan Cao), and 6g Eucommia bark (Du Zhong). Boil in water. This helps soothe the Liver and regulate menstruation.
