Period Pain & Menopause | Acupuncture and TCM in Oberwil BL
How does TCM support differ during and between periods?
Some women experience period pain, headaches or mood changes every month. Others notice changes in menstrual flow, cycle timing or how their body feels. TCM support begins by exploring when these symptoms occur, how long they last and how they relate to the menstrual cycle.
Between periods, the focus is often on the body’s underlying condition. For some women, the emphasis is on deficiencies of Qi and Blood; for others, Liver Qi stagnation or Blood stasis is more prominent. Observing how a woman feels before and after her period, as well as in everyday life, helps identify an appropriate approach.
During a period, the focus shifts more towards current symptoms. Period pain, menstrual mood changes or headaches are assessed in relation to the characteristics of the pain and menstrual blood. The specific approach remains individual; not every woman receives the same treatment.
Menstrual flow and the characteristics of menstrual blood also inform TCM pattern assessment
Heavy menstrual flow – insufficient Spleen Qi may be unable to contain the Blood
From a TCM perspective, assessment may consider whether Spleen Qi is insufficient and its function of containing the Blood is weakened. During perimenopause, cycle timing and menstrual flow may change; some women experience heavier bleeding at this stage. The length of the period, the colour of the menstrual blood and the person’s overall condition are also considered when assessing patterns such as Spleen deficiency.
Light menstrual flow – insufficient Blood or impaired movement
In TCM, light menstrual flow may be associated with Qi and Blood deficiency, Kidney Essence deficiency or Blood stasis. Differences in cycle timing, the colour of menstrual blood and other bodily signs may lead to different approaches.
Frequent menstrual blood clots – impaired Blood flow
TCM often considers this in relation to Blood stasis. If there is also significant pain, assessment includes its location and character, and whether it eases after menstrual blood is discharged.
Different types of period pain call for different TCM approaches
Cold with Blood stasis – Cold interferes with the movement of Qi and Blood. Pain may be pronounced and accompanied by clots; some women find warmth comforting.
Liver Qi stagnation – the movement of Qi is impaired. Breast tenderness or a feeling of fullness, mood changes or headaches may occur before a period.
Qi and Blood deficiency – the channels are insufficiently nourished. Pain may be dull or aching and may occur alongside tiredness, shortness of breath or other bodily sensations.
These are examples of common TCM patterns. TCM does not select an approach solely from a label such as “period pain” or “heavy periods”, but considers each person’s pattern in more detail. Different patterns lead to different approaches.
Menopause symptoms differ from person to person
Around menopause, periods may become irregular. Hot flushes, sweating, sleep changes, mood changes, and joint or muscle discomfort may also occur. Symptoms differ between women, as do their intensity and duration.
TCM takes these features into account during pattern assessment. Some women mainly experience hot flushes, sweating and restless sleep; others are more prone to tiredness, feeling cold or low mood. Similar symptoms can occur with different constitutions and TCM patterns, so the approach also varies.
How does menopausal hormone therapy differ from Chinese herbal support?
In conventional treatment for menopause symptoms, oestrogen is commonly used. TCM support uses Chinese herbs rather than hormone preparations. An approach to hot flushes, sweating, unsettled sleep and mood changes is selected according to the individual’s TCM pattern.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine
Between periods, the focus is on supporting the body’s underlying condition. For patterns such as Blood deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Blood stasis or Spleen Qi deficiency, TCM may respectively consider supporting Qi and Blood, regulating Liver Qi, promoting Blood movement and addressing Blood stasis, or supporting Spleen Qi and its containing function. During a period, the individual approach focuses more on current symptoms, such as period pain, menstrual headaches or mood changes. The use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs is planned according to the individual’s pattern and changes in symptoms.
Keeping a record of period dates, the length of bleeding, changes in flow, and when period pain, headaches or mood changes occur can help clarify the relationship between symptoms and the menstrual cycle. It can also help track changes during TCM support.
Menstrual and menopause support in Oberwil BL
Lily TCM in Oberwil BL offers acupuncture and Chinese herbal support for period pain, irregular periods, changes in menstrual flow and menopause-related symptoms. If you are looking for natural approaches or complementary TCM support, you are welcome from Binningen, Bottmingen, Therwil, Biel-Benken, Basel, Ettingen and the surrounding area.
Book an appointment at Lily TCM to discuss support tailored to your cycle, symptoms and stage of life.