How healthy is your menstrual cycle and what is your menstrual cycle telling you about your overall health and well-being?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menstrual health is viewed as an important aspect of women’s overall health and wellness. TCM emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced menstrual cycle as a key factor in supporting overall health and vitality.
TCM views the menstrual cycle as a reflection of the body’s internal environment and the flow of energy, or Qi, and blood. The menstrual cycle is believed to be affected by various factors, such as diet, emotional state, exercise, and environmental influences. When these factors are in balance, the menstrual cycle is said to be healthy and regular.
TCM doctors like myself aim to support menstrual health by identifying and addressing any underlying imbalances or disharmonies in the body. This can be done through various holistic treatments, such as acupuncture, customized Chinese herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and self-care habits. Often these changes can be very simple and easy, but at the same time very powerful.
TCM emphasizes the importance of self-care during the menstrual cycle, such as getting adequate rest, practicing stress-reducing activities, and avoiding activities that may be physically or emotionally taxing. By taking a holistic approach to menstrual health, TCM aims to promote balance, harmony, and optimal wellness for women.
Take this short online assessment to find out what your menstrual type (pattern) is. Along with finding out which pattern(s) you fit into, you will be given helpful customized diet and lifestyle tips for your particular pattern. The beauty of TCM is that it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is customized to you because we are all different and unique.
Blocked Type
In Chinese medicine, this refers to Qi (energy) and blood stagnation, particularly involving the liver organ system. The Qi (energy) and blood is blocked (that’s why I call this the blocked type) and not flowing freely in the channels and pathways in the body. The liver organ system is in charge of the smooth free flow of Qi and blood through the body. Over time, this lack of proper circulation can lead to poor circulation to the reproductive organs, causing delayed cycles, dark menstrual flow, clots in the blood, and menstrual cramps. Their menstrual flow may not be smooth, it could be delayed, could stop and then start again, and may be painful. PMS can be quite significant.
Blocked types tend to be quite stressed, tense, and frustrated. They could even be quite angry at times. Blocked types struggle with unfulfilled desires, more so than the average person. They often feel “stuck” or “in a rut”. Blocked types have tension in their bodies and can complain of neck and shoulder pain or migraine headaches. Blocked types are prone to having a nervous stomach or have alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation – similar to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Deficient Type
The deficient type here refers to Qi (energy) and blood deficiency. This includes not having enough Qi (energy) and blood nourishing the tissues and organs and having poor quality blood. Deficient-type women may have a thin uterine lining, light periods, pale-colored menstrual blood, and short cycles that last less than three days. Their periods may be delayed to longer than 35 days between cycles. They may also have a tendency to anemia, have pale complexions, dry skin, dry hair, loss of hair, breaking nails, shortness of breath, and feel tired most of the time.
Heat Type
Heat can cause the blood to quicken and spill out causing heavier menstrual periods, thick bright-red menstrual flow that can have a foul smell, and even can cause the periods to come early making it less than 21 days between cycles. Heat types can have spotting for a few days leading up to their periods or in between periods.
The heat type of person, no surprise, can feel hot. They notice they run warmer than other people in the room. They often get hot, restless, and agitated at night, they flush easily, easily sweat, and are thirsty for cold beverages. Premenstrually they can have skin breakouts on their face and/or body.
Important:
You must answer every question to view final results.
Did you get your first period at age 15 or older?
Do you get acne close to your period?
Is your menstrual blood clotted?
Do you have spotting leading up to or away from your period?
Do your periods come early? (cycles are every 21 days or earlier)
Do you have ovulation pain?
Are you tired most of the time?
Do you have breast tenderness or breast fullness prior to your period?
Does your menstrual blood have a foul smell?
Is your menstrual blood pale (or pink) in color?
Do your periods last up to 7 days or more?
Are your periods irregular with no fixed pattern? (sometimes early, sometimes late)
Are you irritable before your period?
Do you have digestive symptoms like bloating, constipation or diarrhea prior to or during your period?
Are you restless and agitated easily?
Are your periods heavy (do you change your pad/tampon more than every 3 hours)?
Do you have thirst or dry mouth?
Do you struggle with incontinence or prolapse?
Do your periods last for less than 3 days?
Do you struggle with PMS? (irritability, headaches, bloating, breast soreness etc)
Does your period stop and then start again a day or two later?
Do you suffer from menstrual cramps, especially on your lower abdomen and sides?
Do you have lower back and leg weakness or soreness during your period?
Do you have low iron?
Is your menstrual blood thick?
Are your periods delayed? (are your cycles longer than 35 days?)
Do you feel light headed or dizzy, especially when you stand up?
Is your menstrual blood thin and watery?
Do you have light periods? ie do you need to only change your pad/tampon once or twice a day?
Is your menstrual blood dark-red, purple or black?
Do you have shortness of breath?
Complete the form below to see results
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Otherwise you may click "SKIP AND SHOW RESULTS".
