Menstruation Disorders - Dysmenorrhea in TCM Perspective

I Definition

Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is defined as a condition of severe uterine pain during menstruation. Some women may experience periodic pains during or prior to, or after menstrual periods in the lower abdomen as resulting of over production of certain hormones in the prostaglandins family. In traditional Chinese medicine, dysmenorrhea is defined as a pain in the lower abdomen, appearing with menstrual cycle that can spread over to the whole abdomen and lumbosacral region, depending to diagnosis.

II Types of dysmenorrhea In TCM perspective

There are 5 types of dysmenorrhrea, depending on diagnosis

1. Blood and qi stagnation

Blood stagnation is defined as a condition of blood has become obstructed and does not flows freely to the entire body due to abnormal function of liver in regulating the transportation of blood and qi. Sometimes, it may be caused by external pathogens, qi stagnation or mental and emotional disturbances.

2. Blood deficiency

Blood deficiency is defined as condition of which there are not enough blood to circulate to the entire body due to abnormal function function of spleen in energy and qi transportation, leading to not enough blood for our body needs. It may cause by qi stagnation, anaemia or emotional and mental state disharmony and excess.

3. Damp Heat

Damp heat is defined as a condition of excessive yin deficiency or the failure of yin to control yang and yang becomes hyperactive, thus giving rise to internally extreme heat, due to abnormal function of liver in qi regulating. It is said that the symptoms can be solved by clearing liver heat, soothing liver qi.

4. Dampness or Wind

a) Dampness is defined as a condition of excessive fluids accumulated in the body caused by deficiency of kidney yin or abnormal function of spleen in blood and qi transportation, leading to abnormal function of the respiratory and digestive systems thus, affecting menstrual flow.

b) Wind

Wind is caused the extensive imbalance of either yin or yang and qi and blood, leading to abnormal function of Liver in transporting blood to nourish the reproductive organs, leading to high fever with thirst, red face and eyes, ringing in the ears and abnormal menstruation.

5. Imbalance of Kidney or Liver

a) Kidney is defined as a organ in regulating the reproductive system, function of uterus and growth of our body. Imbalance of kidney yin or yang causes the uterus to become depleted, leading to irregular periods. Unhealthy diet, raw food diet or occupation can cause imbalance of kidney qi.

b) Live is the organ in regulating the formation of blood and the function of spleen in blood transportation, including the reproductive organs. Abnormal function of liver may disrupt the qi and blood flow in the body, leading to blockage of the meridian system, resulting in dysmenorrhea. Excessive drinking, unhealthy diet, physical and emotional stress are said to cause liver imbalance.