The Menstrual Cycle

Chinese medicine supports 4 Phases of the female cycle:

1 - Start of Yin Phase (Menstruation); 3-7 days

Body temperature drops; Yang transforms into Yin; Qi (Energy) and Blood move strongly;

Imbalances:

• Period cramps, headaches, generalised pain

• Heavy flow/ no flow

• Irritability, anxiety

=> Treat with Acupuncture & Herbs to invigorate and regulate Qi & Blood

 2- Yin & Blood Building (Remaining time till ovulation) – Follicular Phase

Body temperature should stay low; Abundance of Yin and Blood

Imbalances:

• Feelings of exhaustion (Insufficient Blood or Yin)

=> Treat with acupuncture & herbs to build up Yin & Blood

 3- Yin changes into Yang (Ovulation); 2 days

During this change, the body basal temperature should spike (warmth and energy)

Imbalances:

• No ovulation (no temperature spike- no Yang)

• Ovulation pain (Qi & Blood Stagnation)

=> Treat with Acupuncture & Herbs to regulate Qi & Blood and support Yang

 4- Qi & Yang Building Time (after Ovulation until Menses) – Luteal Phase

Yang is at its peak;

Imbalances:

• Fluctuating temperature

• Thin uterine wall

• PMS

=> Treat with Acupuncture & Herbs to move Qi & Blood and stabilize Yang