Cycle Support: Flow at Every Stage

Traditional East Asian medicine, with its rich heritage, offers a unique perspective on gynecological health, emphasizing the balance of Qi and Blood. This article explores the gynecological aspects of TCM, focusing on the liver and pericardium (jueyin), the correlation with the biomedical understanding of the menstrual cycle, beneficial foods, and four specific formulas: Women’s Rhythm (Tong Yu Jian), Women’s Precious (Ba Zhen Yi Mu Wan), Women’s Journey (Wen Jing Tang), and Women’s Chamber (Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan).

In traditional Chinese medicine, the jueyin layer is considered the deepest aspect of the body. It has a significant influence on menstrual health and disorders, as it is closely related to the Liver and Pericardium organ-networks. Here's how the jueyin layer influences menstruation according to TCM principles:

The Liver plays a key role in the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Liver functions properly, it ensures the regular and pain-free flow of menstruation. Disruptions in Liver Qi can lead to menstrual irregularities such as amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), irregular menses, and premenstrual discomfort.

Asian medicine posits that emotional wellbeing is closely linked to physical health (and vice-versa). The Liver is particularly sensitive to emotional stress. Stress, anger, frustration, resistance, and unmet desires can lead to Liver Qi stagnation, which can manifest as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mood swings, or menstrual cramps.

Jueyin is deeply connected with yin-nature, which is cooling, moistening, and nourishing. An imbalance in yin can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, or dryness.

The health of the blood, according to TCM, is crucial for regular and healthy menstruation. The Liver stores the blood and ensures its proper quality and quantity. Deficiencies or stagnation in blood can lead to symptoms like lack of menses, painful menses, scanty periods or clots.

Additionally, the Kidney is another organ system that is vital for reproductive health. The jueyin layer, through its connection with the Liver (water generates wood), helps in maintaining a balance with Kidney qi. This balance is essential for the regularity and health of the menstrual cycle, fertility, and libido.

Four Key Formulas in TCM Gynecology

Women’s Journey (Wen Jing Tang): Based on Warm the Flow, this formula addresses Cold and deficiency in the Conception and Penetrating vessels. Women’s Journey is an indispensable formula within the women’s health toolkit. Not only does it warm and nourish (deficiency), it is a key agent helpful in developing the practitioner’s discerning heart-mind.

When a patient notices irregular or incessant menstruation and shows signs of heat - such as warm palms and soles, a fever near dusk, dry lips and mouth - this formula will hopefully arise in memory. These signs do not necessarily indicate yin-deficiency, but rather qi and blood deficiency with blood and cold stasis at the jueyin level. The cooling function of blood is vacant due to deficiency, while the cold further stagnates the deficient qi and blood, which begin to generate a cold, deficient-type heat. The moistening function of blood leads to dryness of the lips and mouth. Therefore, treating this pattern implies nourishing and gently moving blood and qi, while expelling cold and warming the channels. Cooling and draining may actually worsen this condition!

Women’s Chamber (Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan): Originating from the Essential Formulas of the Golden Cabinet, this formula is tailored for Blood Stasis. It includes Chinese cinnamon twig and Poria, aiming to promote circulation in a balanced, moderate way. This formula is an incredible formula for addressing long-term blood stasis very safely. It has versatility and can be considered for long-standing symptoms, including for psychological imbalances caused by long-term blood stasis.

The Women’s Rhythm (Tong Yu Jian) formula is a contemporary embodiment of the principles laid out by Dr. Zhang Jie-Bin (Zhang Jingyue), particularly drawing inspiration from "Penetrate Congealed Blood Decoction." This formula exemplifies Zhang Jingyue's holistic approach to gynecology, emphasizing the significance of Qi and Blood in maintaining women's health.

In line with Zhang Jingyue's deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the body's systems, Women’s Rhythm aims to harmonize the menstrual cycle by addressing Qi and Blood stagnation, a concept that is central to traditional Ease Asian medicine and was significantly elaborated on by Zhang Jingyue, whose orientation included positing that the smooth flow of Qi and Blood was crucial for overall health, and any stagnation or imbalance could lead to various health issues, including menstrual irregularities and discomfort.

The inclusion of herbs like Dong Quai Root and Prepared Cyperus Rhizome in Women’s Rhythm is reflective of Zhang Jingyue's extensive work with herbal medicine. Dong Quai Root, known for its ability to nourish the blood and promote circulation, and Prepared Cyperus Rhizome, recognized for its role in moving Qi and alleviating stagnation, align perfectly as a potent dui yao pair.

Moreover, Zhang Jingyue's meticulous approach to differentiating syndromes and tailoring treatments can be seen in the overall selection of herbs within this nuanced formulation.

In essence, Women’s Rhythm (Tong Yu Jian) is a modern tribute to the foundational work of Dr. Zhang Jingyue. It encapsulates the holistic view of the body, insights into the vital role of the Kidney system in women's health, and the innovative approach to syndrome differentiation, all aimed at nurturing and restoring balance within the female body.

Women’s Precious (Ba Zhen Yi Mu Wan): Designed for Blood and Qi deficiencies, this formula combines elements from “Soup of Four Things” (Si Wu Tang) and “Soup of the Four Gentlemen” (Si Jun Zi Tang). It’s particularly beneficial for menstrual regularity and overall reproductive health. Use carefully in excess conditions!

Considering Stagnation and PMS

In traditional Chinese medicine, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is understood and addressed through a lens that focuses on the balance and flow of Qi and blood. Here's a detailed exploration of PMS from a TCM perspective:

1. Diagnosis and Underlying Causes

TCM does not see PMS as a single condition but rather a group of symptoms that indicate an imbalance in the body. Common TCM diagnoses for PMS include:

• Liver Qi Stagnation: This is the most common TCM diagnosis for PMS. It's believed that stress and emotional upset causes liver qi to stagnate, leading to symptoms like irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, and abdominal bloating.

Spotlight: Women’s Rhythm; Free and Easy Wanderer

• Blood and Qi Deficiency: This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and pale complexion, often accompanied by a scanty menstrual flow.

Spotlight: Women’s Precious (pure blood and qi deficiency); Women’s Journey (blood deficiency with cold stagnation)

• Kidney Deficiency: In TCM, the kidneys are responsible for reproductive health. A deficiency can manifest as backache, fatigue, and irregular periods.

Spotlight: Women’s Precious; Replenish Essence

• Dampness and Phlegm: This can lead to symptoms like weight gain, bloating, sluggishness, and changes in vaginal flora.

Spotlight: Clear Lower Palace (Cold-type); Four Wonders (Heat-type)

2. Approaches

TCM interventions for PMS aim to restore balance and address the underlying disharmony:

• Acupuncture: This is used to regulate the flow of Qi, reduce stress, and alleviate pain. Specific points are chosen based on the individual's symptoms and pattern differentiation.
• Herbal Medicine: TCM utilizes a variety of herbs to address PMS. For example, herbs like Chai Hu (Bupleurum) for liver Qi stagnation, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) for blood deficiency, and herbs that nourish kidney Yin or Yang.
• Dietary Advice: TCM emphasizes dietary changes to support overall health and address specific imbalances. Foods that support liver health, blood nourishment, and proper fluid metabolism might be recommended. Avoiding cold food and drink also protects the abdomen from excess-type cold.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management techniques like Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation are encouraged to maintain the smooth flow of Qi. Regular exercise and sufficient rest are also important. Maintaining circulation and warmth around the abdomen is also recommended.

3. Holism

TCM views PMS not just as a set of physical symptoms but as a reflection of the whole person's health and lifestyle. Emotional well-being is seen as integral to physical health, and interventions often include advice on managing stress and emotional issues.

4. Prevention

TCM often focuses on preventing PMS symptoms by maintaining a balanced lifestyle and addressing any minor imbalances before they lead to more significant symptoms. Herbal formulas, regular acupuncture sessions, a balanced diet, and a stress-moderated lifestyle are recommended as part of preventive care.

TCM addresses PMS by identifying and correcting imbalances in the body’s qi. Its approach is highly individualized, considering not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and lifestyle factors that contribute to the condition. This holistic and preventive approach offers a unique perspective compared to Western medicine, which primarily focuses on symptom management.

Dietary Recommendations

Foods play a crucial role in TCM for maintaining health and balance. For stress and tension, particularly related to menstrual health, TCM recommends foods that nourish the liver and spleen, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, and those high in antioxidants are also encouraged.

Wrapping Up

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a distinct approach to gynecological health, deeply rooted in the balance of Qi and blood. Focusing on the jueyin layer, associated with the liver and pericardium, TCM views menstrual health as influenced by the smooth flow of Qi and blood, emotional wellbeing, and the balance of yin-yang. Liver Qi stagnation, for example, can manifest as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), impacting menstrual regularity and health.

TCM's perspective on the menstrual cycle offers a compliment to Western views, emphasizing the importance of each phase - menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal - in maintaining overall health and harmony. This approach integrates dietary recommendations, such as foods that nourish the liver and spleen, with specific herbal formulas tailored to the overall pattern and phase of the menstrual cycle.

Four key herbal formulas in TCM gynecology include Women’s Rhythm (Tong Yu Jian), Women’s Precious (Ba Zhen Yi Mu Wan), Women’s Journey (Wen Jing Tang), and Women’s Chamber (Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan). These formulas are designed to address various conditions like Qi and Blood stagnation, deficiencies, and blood stasis.

TCM offers a holistic, integrative approach to gynecological health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of emotional, physical, and lifestyle factors. This perspective aligns and enriches modern healthcare practices, providing a comprehensive, personalized strategy for women's health and well-being.