Long ago, TCM realized that menstruation was not simply just womb bleeding, but a surface phenomenon resulting from the physiological fluctuations inside the body. Menstruation occurs about every 28 days in women. TCM believes changes within body during the menstrual cyclic are mainly related to kidney function and the circulations of blood and qi (vital energy). They dominate the production of tian gui and the activities in the extra meridians leading to the menstrual cycle attaining a natural rhythm.

After menstruation, the basic body temperature lowers, and estrogen and progesterone levels drop. TCM believes this is because the Thoroughfare Vessel has evacuated its blood. The kidney must enrich its essence gradually so as to produce tian gui and let the blood flow back to the meridian. Therefore, TCM usually emphasizes nourishing the kidney yin in the proliferation period.

Menstruction

During ovulation, a mature ovum (egg) is released from the ovary. At this time, the kidney will transform its essence into promotional energy to ensure that the ovum reaches the fallopian tube and meets with the sperm. TCM regards it as a transitional period where the kidney yin transforms into kidney yang.

In the secretion period, active blood supply ensures further ripening of the released follicle inside the ovary and facilitates a fertilized egg's implantation in the thickened lining of the uterus. TCM views this as the gearing of both the kidney yin and kidney yang; the tian gui remains at the highest level; the Conception Vessel and Thoroughfare Vessel are properly consolidated. All of these are prepared for conception. The liver is involved actively in redistributing the blood and qi (vital energy). It is in this phase that women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may experience their symptoms.

Later, when the ovum is not fertilized, tian gui is used up quickly. There is inadequate kidney yin to transform to kidney yang, so the uterine lining and blood are shed.

TCM physicians identify these changes and incorporate special skills for particular segments of the four-phase period surrounding menstruation. When each phase occurs smoothly, the body is in its best condition and does not experience menstrual problems.

General guidelines in regulating the periods are:

All herbal remedies are customized according to individual conditions, and hundreds of herbs are available in the technique. It is applicable to all kinds of menstrual problems, particularly for women who suffer from functional uterine bleeding, menstrual pain, endometriosis and functional infertility. Unlike conventional drug therapies, herbal therapies have little adverse effects and show no inhibited effect on ovary functioning after long-term use. In addition, there is also overall improvement in general health.

** You should consult your physician if you are under hormone therapy or undergoing artificial insemination to avoid interference with herbal medicines.

A prescription for regulating period.