English
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has rich experiences in treating women’s diseases, which includes various forms and flexible applications in treatment. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation is one of the major character of Chinese medicine, and the therapeutic effects contribute greatly to this approach.
The female reproductive system
Under normal circumstances, TCM diagnoses do not follow standard Western pathological classifications of disease, but rely on a complex pattern of signs and symptoms that manifest at a given stage of the disease. Physicians should first determine at which stage the disease has developed, its causes, involved organs and the conflicting forces between body resistance and pathogenic factors. The therapies are typically individualized according to the imbalance of the body measured by various parameters including yin, yang, qi (vital energy), blood and body fluids. Alleviation of these symptoms usually reflects that the patient’s body has returned to a new balanced state.
In TCM gynecological treatment, regulating menstruation ranks the highest priority. The famous classic Principles of Obstetrics and Gynecology (nu ke jing lun) states: “Under-functioning in the organs or disharmony of qi and blood damages the Thoroughfare Vessel, Conception Vessel, Governor Vessel and Girdling Vessel respectively, which leads to different gynecological diseases. For this reason, nourishing the kidneys, regulating the liver, invigorating the spleen and stomach and harmonizing the blood and qi (vital energy) are important principles for relevant treatments.”
Nourishing Kidney
Pilose antler slices (Cornu Cervi Panotrichum)
In TCM, the kidneys are regarded as the “congenital foundation”. They dominate the growth, development and reproduction of the body. The abundance and exuberance of kidney essence promotes tian gui formation; therefore, when activities in the Thoroughfare Vessel and Conception Vessel are enhanced, the uterus can be nourished by abundant qi and blood and menstruation is ensured. This is the most important principle of TCM women specialties. Pilose antler is usually used in kidney yang tonics.
Regulating Liver
Nut grass (Rhizome Cyperi)
The liver stores blood. It regulates the volume of blood circulating in the body according to the needs of various organs. The liver also controls the smooth flow of qi; blood needs qi to move. Therefore, it greatly influences the function of the uterus; a normally functioning liver promotes blood and qi flow in the Thoroughfare Vessel and Conception Vessel. When the flow of blood and qi in the two vessels are smooth, disorders in menstruation or vaginal discharge can be avoided. Nut grass is commonly seen in the prescriptions for regulating the liver.
Invigorating Spleen and Stomach
Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome
(Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
The spleen and stomach are the main organs of the digestive system. They perform the transformation and transportation processes that provide nutrient essence for blood and qi production. The spleen also keeps blood circulating within the blood vessels. In case of a spleen deficiency, the Thoroughfare and Conception Vessels lose their consolidation functions, and the Girdling Vessel fails to perform its retaining property. As a result, the female reproductive system is affected, especially in elderly women as they already have declined in kidney essence, qi and blood. Normal supplies of nutrient essence from the spleen and stomach are thus crucial. Largehead Atractylodes rhizome is a common ingredient in the prescriptions.
Harmonizing Blood and Qi
Chinese angelica root (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
The primary component of menstruation is blood; hence there is the saying “women take blood as primary.” Moreover, blood flow is dominated by qi (vital energy) movement. A smooth flow of blood and qi means the organs are harmonious and the uterus vessels are properly regulated; therefore menstruation and other functions are normal. The roots of Chinese angelica are commonly used as blood tonics.
Generally, TCM methods can be an treatment option for a wide range of health problems in women. Physicians will provide the therapies in medicinal and non-medicinal ways. The two therapeutic approaches are frequently complementary each other, so as to achieve the holistic and comprehensive outcomes. For medicinal therapies, physicians will notice any change in the body’s yin, yang, blood and qi, and choose the correct herbs for proper treatment. Among the non-medicinal treatments, the popular methods include acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, cupping, scraping, hot compression, herbal steaming and bathing, qi gong and lifestyle modification. TCM treatment plans are not only based on the patient’s condition, but also highly relied on physician’s own clinical experiences.
In today’s modern world, there are many healthcare options, and people are more and more health conscious. TCM experiences in women’s health contributed greatly in servicing different fields of industries. A lot of TCM ancient remedies are now reusing for tonic, immune-boosting, anti-aging, weight loss or beauty proposes. The products are natural, gentle and safer in actions, thus they become hot and fashionable choices once put in market.
