TCM & The Menstrual Cycle

Written by Saher Hussaini L.Ac, Dipl. O.M.

My introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) came about unexpectedly. At just 13 years old, I experienced my first period with what felt more like a form of punishment rather than rite of passage. Aside from menstrual cramping, I also experienced breast distention and nausea. Like many young menstruators, I was told that these symptoms were simply normal.

Now it happened by chance, my initial exposure. While complaining of both period-induced nausea and motion-sickness during a car ride, my friend’s mother handed me a pair of Sea Bands. She explained that these worked by applying pressure to specific points on my wrist that would then alleviate my nausea and discomfort. Though I wasn’t yet aware of the origins of acupressure, what I found was that it worked. In that moment, I discovered a glimpse of something so powerful, an indigenous form of medicine that didn’t just mask symptoms, but gently guided the body back into balance.

Fast forward nearly two decades, and I now get to practice this medicine with a deepened respect and intention. It’s funny how our childhood experiences shape us, and how life unfolds to show us the little moments that end up having the greatest impact.

Now, enough about myself. Let’s talk about you and how TCM can support your menstrual health.

Understanding Menstrual Imbalance Through the Lens of TCM

Contrary to that of Western Medicine, which often normalizes period pain and discomfort, TCM views symptoms as signs of underlying imbalances. While some may experience cramping, others may face fatigue, mood swings, migraines, nausea, constipation, breast tenderness, digestive distress and more. As practitioners of this sacred medicine, we spend thousands of hours learning about the underlying patterns that lead to these symptoms.

Three common TCM patterns associated with menstrual disharmony include:

Qi Stagnation - Perhaps the most common cause of dull & achy cramping, mood swings, and breast tenderness. Emotional stress, exhaustion and lack of movement can all contribute to this manifestation.
Blood Stasis - Characterized by sharp, stabbing pain, menstrual blood clots, and darker menstrual blood. This is often the result of long-standing stagnation and poor circulation, and may be linked to cold exposure or trauma.
Blood Deficiency - Marked by fatigue, dizziness, light or delayed flow, and a dull pain, especially toward the end of the cycle. It may arise from chronic stress, poor nutrition, or even postpartum depletion.

How TCM Can Help

As TCM providers, we use tools like acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, nutritional therapy, and lifestyle guidance to regulate the menstrual cycle, smooth the flow of qi and blood, and address underlying imbalances.

Acupuncture points are chosen specifically to nourish the Liver and Spleen systems, invigorate blood flow and calm the nervous system.

Herbal formulas, such as Xiao Yao San for Liver qi stagnation or Si Wu Tang for blood deficiency, are often customized to support each phase of the menstrual cycle. Please note, it’s crucial to consult a trained Chinese medicine herbalist before beginning any of these, as formulas must be tailored to your unique constitution and diagnostic pattern.

Evidence-Backed Tips for Easing PMS and Supporting the Menstrual Cycle

In addition to traditional therapies, modern research supports the following:

Acupuncture: Several studies have shown acupuncture to be effective for reducing menstrual pain. A 2018 meta-analysis in BMJ Open found acupuncture significantly reduced pain intensity in women with primary dysmenorrhea compared to both placebo and no treatment. (You’re at the right place if you want to give acupuncture a try!)
Magnesium: Supplementing with magnesium (especially magnesium-glycinate) may help alleviate PMS-related mood changes, headaches and cramping. A 2007 study in the Journal of Women’s Health showed magnesium reduced symptoms of PMS when taken daily. My favorite magnesium supplements are this one and this one.
Warm Compresses and Abdominal Warming: In TCM, cold constricts. Warming the lower abdomen, with a heating pad or moxa, can help ease pain and support blood flow. Studies also suggest warmth improves circulation and reduces pain perception.
Regular Movement: Gentle movement like walking, stretching, yoga, pilates or qi gong enhance circulation and reduce qi stagnation. Regular exercise has been shown in multiple studies to ease PMS symptoms by regulating mood, supporting hormone balance and improving overall sleep. I personally have found a combination of gentle pilates and walking to be most helpful for me to combat cramping and fatigue!
Reduce Caffeine & Alcohol: From both a TCM and biomedical lens, caffeine and alcohol can exacerbate Liver qi stagnation and increase inflammation. Reducing intake during the luteal phase (the 1–2 weeks before your period) can support better mood regulation and lessen physical symptoms. When I’m on my period, I prefer to start my morning with this AAPI-owned herbal tea company — My favorite is their Shangri-La Rose!

All of this to say, menstruation does not have to be a monthly burden. TCM offers us the possibility of treating our cycle with more softness, awareness and understanding. Although everyone’s individual constitution is vastly different, my go-to remedies for menstrual discomfort are a combination of a good night’s rest, blood-nourishing herbal teas, heating pads and moxibustion over my lower abdomen, and of course, acupuncture!

If you’re curious about exploring a more harmonious cycle through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine, please reach out to us at SYI Acupuncture, we would love to support you.

References

Armour, M., Smith, C. A., Wang, L. Q., & MacPherson, H. (2018). Acupuncture for dysmenorrhoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMJ Open, 8(4), e019490. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019490

Chocano-Bedoya, P. O., Manson, J. E., Hankinson, S. E., Johnson, S. R., Chasan-Taber, L., Ronnenberg, A. G., ... & Bertone-Johnson, E. R. (2011). Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 93(5), 1080-1086. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.110.004545

Khajehei, M., & Ziyadlou, S. (2014). The effect of regular aerobic exercise on premenstrual symptoms. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 19(6), 638–643.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290845/

Parazzini, F., Nappi, R. E., & Fedele, L. (2017). Lifestyle factors in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review. Reproductive Sciences, 24(2), 210–226. https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719116653826

Proctor, M., & Murphy, P. A. (2001). Herbal and dietary therapies for primary and secondary dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3), CD002124. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002124

Zhou, K., & Liu, J. (2007). A systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for pain in endometriosis. Journal of Endometriosis, 1(1), 14–24.

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