In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the menstrual cycle is regarded as a major foundation for health and diagnosis in female patients. Pathology in the body – be it emotional or physical imbalance – will often reflect itself in a woman’s cycle. With this concept, a woman’s cycle plays a pivotal role in her health care, allowing practitioners to accurately diagnose and treat their patients, and empowering women to understand their body’s signals. Although all of the energetic organ systems play a role in a woman’s cycle, the liver qi is said to have the most specific role (and can therefore most often be the culprit when discomforts arise).
A balanced menstrual cycle is a harmonious flow of energy between yin and yang, at the most fundamental level. Imbalances of this cycle can manifest as symptoms like: fatigue, pain, breast tenderness, excessive or diminished appetite, nausea, bloating, mood swings, irritability , and water retention. For tips on how to naturally alleviate some common PMS complaints, check here. Other gynecological manifestations that can occur include endometriosis, PCOS, amenorrhea, infertility, uterine fibroid, adenomyosis, and irregular menstruation.
Although menstrual discomforts often arise a few days prior to or during a woman’s period, the root imbalance can be occurring anywhere in the cycle. The nature of the complaint and a detailed understanding of a woman’s cycle are the best ways to get a clear idea of the “first domino” causing the problem. Once a woman understands her cycle, she simultaneously understands her fertility and can therefore easily prevent or promote pregnancy. The following is a brief guideline of what is physiologically happening during the various phases of the menstrual cycle, from both western and eastern medicine perspectives.
Four Phases of Menstruation: A General Guideline
1) Menstrual Phase (4-6 Days)
BIO: Sharp fall in Estrogen & Progesterone, Necrosis & Shedding of Endometrial Lining
TCM: Blood is moving = Free Flow of Liver Qi and Liver Blood
RX: Facilitate Flow of Liver Qi and Liver Blood, Unblock the Channels
•Incorporate Mild Exercise, Relaxation, Meditation, Healthy Foods
•Avoid Stress or Frustration, Heavy/Greasy Foods, Alcohol & Overeating
2) Post-Menstrual/Follicular Phase (about 7 days)
BIO: Follicle(s) growing within ovary, under the influence of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
TCM: Blood & Yin in the Chong and Ren Meridians are Relatively Depleted from Blood Loss
RX: Nourish the Yin & Blood
•Rest, Eliminate Stimulants (caffeine,energy drinks)
•Eat Eggs, Fruit, Wheat Germ, Spirulina, Good Quality Meats, Stews
3) Mid Cycle/Ovulation Phase (about 7 days)
BIO: Lutenizing Hormone (LH) surges causing Ovulation and forms the Corpus Luteum
TCM: Yin & Blood/Ren & Chong fill up with vital energy and overflow (yin becomes yang)
RX: Tonify Kidney Essence and Kidney Yang
•Meditate, Yoga, Moderate Exercise, Easily Digestible Foods
•Begin to Avoid Dairy, Heavy Foods, Refined Carbs & Sugar
•Incorporate EFA’s (Essential Fatty Acids: Fish Oil, Eggs, Flaxseeds, Raw Nuts)
4) Pre-Menstrual Phase (About 7 days)
BIO: Progesterone levels increase, sustains Corpus Luteum & Thickens Uterine Lining in preparation for conception or menstruation
TCM: Yang Qi moves and Liver Qi courses in preparation for Menstruation
RX: Tonify the Yang and Course the liver Qi
•Moderate Exercise, Meditation, Yoga
Eat Cruciferous Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts
Avoid Dairy, Caffeine