Irregular Periods
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Abnormal Periods
There are many types of irregularities that can occur during the menstrual cycle and Traditional Chinese Medicine differentiates each syndrome to create effective treatment strategies. A normal period would occur approximately every 28 days and last 3-5 days. A normal menstrual flow of blood would be bright red, without discoloration or clots, and would flow at a regular pace. Emotional stress is often part of the causes of all of these menstrual problems. Additionally, other disease patterns will include aspects of irregular periods such as PCOS, endometriosis, PMS, and uterine fibroids. As with most health conditions, more than one pattern of imbalance is common in Chinese medicine. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Acupressure Sticks™ to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.
Acupressure Protocol for Normalized Menstrual Bleeding
How to Apply Acupressure Explained Here!
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 4
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 10
- Apply the Fire Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Pericardium 6
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
Heavy Periods in Chinese Medicine
Women often experience abnormally heavy periods and hemorrhaging during menopause, but flooding menstruation can happen throughout the reproductive years. There are three main causes of heavy bleeding during menstruation according to Chinese medicine and more than one cause can be responsible:
Blood Stagnation Causing Flooding
It sounds counter-intuitive that stagnation could cause heavy bleeding; it would seem as if stagnation would stop the flow of Blood; however, Blood and Qi must flow freely throughout the body to maintain good health. Symptoms may include sharp abdominal pain, blood clots, and pain that is intensified with pressure to the abdomen.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 10
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
Spleen Qi Deficiency Causing Flooding
One of the many functional jobs of the Spleen energetic organ system is to contain the Blood. Flooding due to Qi Deficiency would be marked by fatigue and other symptoms of Spleen Qi imbalances.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
Blood Heat Causing Flooding
Ongoing Liver Qi Stagnation can result in Blood Heat and Reckless Blood according to TCM. Symptoms would include irritability, restlessness, or headaches.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 2
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 11
Caution: Hemorrhaging during menstruation can vary in severity and can result in Blood Deficiency or Anemia; always consult with your local health care provider if you are experiencing heavy bleeding.
Long Periods in Chinese Medicine
Periods that last longer than normal (6-10 days) do not necessarily have heavy bleeding and can be caused by two main imbalances:
Liver Qi Stagnation Causing Long Period
The Liver energetic organ system (TCM) stores and manages menstrual Blood. Ongoing stress in woman’s life can create Liver Qi and Liver Blood Stagnation with symptoms of dark blood clots and brown blood at the start of menstruation, frustration, headaches, or depression.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
Kidney Yin Deficiency Causing Long Period
Long periods of scanty bleeding with indications of night or afternoon sweats, feeling of fever, or hot flashes are most common in peri-menopausal women. Women may experience dull aches in the lower back with Kidney Deficiency.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 6
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 7
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 7
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
Early Periods in Chinese Medicine
An early period a cycle that is shorter than 26 days and would have to occur more than two months in a row for this diagnosis.
Qi Deficiency Causing Early Menstrual Periods
Spleen Qi Deficiency from poor dietary habits or from exhaustion and overwork result in the Spleen Qi not "holding the Blood" due to Deficiency. Loose stools and tiredness may be experienced.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
Heat Excess Causing Early Menstrual Periods
Blood-Heat from excessive alcohol consumption, ongoing feelings of frustration and anger, or chronic Liver Qi Stagnation can create Heat that can enter the Conception Vessel, or Ren Mai and the Chong Mai that are extraordinary vessels involved with women's reproductive health. This is a condition based on Excess rather than Deficiency and the blood flow may seem excessive.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 2
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Fire Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Pericardium 6
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 11
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 6
Empty Heat Causing Early Menstrual Periods
Kidney Yin Deficient Heat can result from ongoing physical exhaustion, birthing many children, and chronic stress. These early periods occurs because the Kidney is not controlling the Conception Vessel, or Ren Mai and the Chong Mai that are extraordinary vessels involved with women's reproductive health. These early periods would be due to Deficiency with night sweats possibly.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 6
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 7
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 7
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 11
Bleeding Between Periods in Chinese Medicine
Kidney Yin and Liver Yin Insufficiency Causing Bleeding Between Periods
The Liver and Kidney energetic organ systems are often used to balance hormonal fluctuation in Chinese medicine. In this case, empty heat develops often in older women approaching menopause and presents with hot flashes and emotional outbursts.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 6
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 7
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 7
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 10
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
Blood Stasis Causing Spotting Between Periods
This could be caused from surgery of reproductive organs, having multiple births close together, or chronic Liver Qi Stagnation. One may have brown blood at the onset of menstruation, and sharp menstrual cramps.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 10
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
Kidney Yang Deficiency Causing Bleeding Between Periods
This bleeding would occur mid-cycle near ovulation and is often associated with causes of infertility is generally considered a Yin Yang imbalance in TCM; if a woman is Yang Deficient, she will not have the motivational force necessary to ovulate. Menstrual blood may be diluted or pink in color. Consider our topical Kidney Yang Plaster
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply our Moxa Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
- Apply our Moxa Acupressure Stick to to Acupressure Point Ren 6
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3
Scanty Short Periods in Chinese Medicine
This would refer to very light bleeding and can include elements of early periods or short cycles. Blood Deficiency, Kidney Yang Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency, or Spleen Qi Deficiency with Internal Dampness can all contribute to short periods and scanty bleeding in TCM. "Qi not controlling the Blood" is a common diagnosis, and is often due to Spleen Qi Deficiency.
Blood Deficiency Causing Scanty Periods
This sometimes occurs after many years of heavy periods, or can result from general Blood Deficiency that has developed over time. The complexion would likely be pale or dull, and one may have a poor memory or feel dizzy. Insomnia may be present.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 4
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 6
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
Kidney Yang Deficiency Causing Scanty Periods
While there will also be indications of Blood Deficiency, one would have a feeling of coldness possibly with sharp cramp pains made better with heat compresses. Menstrual blood may look watery or pink in color. Consider our topical Kidney Yang Plaster applied over the kidneys and lower abdomen.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply our Moxa Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
- Apply our Moxa Acupressure Stick to to Acupressure Point Ren 6
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3
Kidney Yin Deficiency Causing Scanty Periods
There would be indications of Blood Deficiency along with hot flashes, afternoon sweats, and/or night sweats. One may also notice an achy lower back before and during menstruation.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 6
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 7
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Lung 7
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3
Blood Stagnation Causing Scanty Periods
This would likely present with clots in menstrual blood and painful periods made better with the passing of blood clots.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 10
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3
Dampness Causing Scanty Periods
This condition may be marked by tiredness while menstruating, thick phlegm vaginal discharges between periods, and brown blood at the onset of period.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 4
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 6
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 9
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 40
Cold in the Uterus Causing Late Periods
Cycles longer than 30 days can be due to exhaustion form overwork or chronic bleeding, but a more common cause in Chinese medicine is internal Cold-Damp conditions from Spleen Qi Deficiency which can develops by eating too many raw foods, poor dietary habits, or environmental exposure to damp conditions over an extended period of time. Consider our organic Restore the Middle Way formula and topical Kidney Yang Plaster over the kidneys and lower abdomen
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply our Moxa Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
- Apply our Moxa Acupressure Stick to to Acupressure Point Ren 6
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 36
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 9
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Stomach 40
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 3
Kidney Yang Deficiency Causing Late Periods
Kidney Yang Deficiency could lead to Cold in the Uterus with achy cramps made better with heat compresses to the lower abdomen and lower back. Consider our topical Kidney Yang Plaster over the kidneys and lower abdomen.
Liver Qi Stagnation Causing Late Periods
Because the Liver controls the menstrual Blood, it often plays a role in irregular periods. You may notice breast tenderness before your period and emotional upset.
Acupressure Point Combination Strategy:
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Conception Vessel Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Ren 6
Amenorrhea-No Periods in Chinese Medicine
Pregnancy is the most common cause of cessation of the menstrual cycle, but it can also be caused by the onset of menopause, over exercising, breast feeding, birth control medicines, certain pharmaceuticals, diabetes, IBS, or having many pregnancies close together. In Chinese medicine, causes can include Blood Deficiency, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, or Yang Deficiency.
Painful Periods in Chinese Medicine
There are many imbalances that can cause pain before, during, or after menstruation discussed in our PMS and Women's Health articles linked here.
Hormonal Birth Control Leading to Menstrual Irregularities
It is widely understood in contemporary Chinese medicine that hormonal birth control used over a long period of time (more than 8 years) creates a substantial amount of Liver Qi Stagnation and emotional unrest. Women can help to avoid these issues by using natural interventions such as Liver soothing herbs, Qigong meditations, and acupressure techniques regularly. This scenario accounts for many women under the age of 30, and even more over 30 years of age. Long-term shots and implants create severe Liver Qi Stagnation and Shen disorders much more quickly (in under a year). Hormonal IUD's create both Liver Qi Stagnation and Blood Stagnation, but less severe that oral and injection hormonal birth control.
Barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms used with spermicidal cream have little to no impact, but have fallen out of vogue recently. It is highly recommended that women wanting to become pregnant discontinue hormonal birth control 6-8 months prior to conception and use barrier birth control methods along with Chinese medicine to promote fertility and bring their body back in to balance.
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This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.