Menstrual Health: What Your Period Tells Your Acupuncturist
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), each aspect of your period – from its timing to the flow and
accompanying symptom – offers clues about your internal health. By understanding these signs,
an acupuncturist can develop a personalised treatment plan to restore balance and promote well-
being.
When assessing patients, we ask lots of questions! We look at how you feel during your whole
cycle, how long does your cycle last, how many days do you bleed, the colour and consistency of
the blood, if there is pain (cramps, headaches), how are your emotions before, during and after
your period, etc. All of these aspects can be signs of specific imbalances that are reflected. Here’s
what your period can reveal:
1. Cycle Regularity: The Rhythm of Qi and Blood
Menstrual cycles are governed by an intricate interplay of hormones. Like the waxing and waning
of the moon, TCM understands that a woman’s cycle follows the ebb and flow of yin and yang
energy throughout her cycle where the follicular phase (day 1-14) pertains to yin and luteal phase
(day 14-28) to yang.
A regular menstrual cycle (typically 26-32 days) reflects a balanced flow of Qi (energy) and blood
within the body. Irregular cycles may signal underlying imbalances, such as Qi stagnation, blood
deficiency, or hormonal disruptions.
For example:
– Short Cycles (<26 days): May indicate heat in the blood or yin deficiency.
– Long Cycles (>32 days): Often linked to blood deficiency, cold in the uterus, or Qi stagnation.
2. Flow Characteristics: The Strength of Your Qi
The volume and consistency of menstrual flow can highlight the state of Qi and blood in your
body:
– Heavy Flow: Could suggest blood heat, Qi deficiency, or liver imbalances.
– Light Flow: This may indicate blood deficiency or stagnation, preventing smooth circulation.
– Clots in Flow: Often point to Qi or blood stagnation in the reproductive system or Cold in the
Uterus.
3. Colour of Menstrual Blood: A Diagnostic Tool
The colour of menstrual blood provides key insights in TCM:- Ketchup colour Red: Indicates healthy blood flow
– Dark Red or Purple: Suggests stagnation or heat in the blood
– Pale or Pink: Reflects blood deficiency or Qi deficiency
– Brown or Black: May indicate old blood due to stagnation or cold in the uterus.
4. Pain Levels and Location: Signs of Stagnation or Deficiency
Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are not viewed as “normal” in TCM but as a sign of imbalance:
– Sharp, Intense Pain: Often associated with Qi and blood stagnation.
– Dull, Achy Pain: May indicate cold or blood deficiency.
– Pain Relieved by Heat: Suggests cold stagnation in the uterus
– Pain Relieved by Pressure: This may point to Qi deficiency (your pulse and tongue will also give
us huge insights)
5. Emotional Symptoms: The Role of the Liver
The liver plays a central role in TCM menstrual health by regulating the smooth flow of Qi.
Emotional symptoms like mood swings, irritability, or depression around your period can point to
liver Qi stagnation. Stress and lifestyle factors often exacerbate these imbalances.
6. PMS and Digestive Symptoms: Interconnection of Systems
PMS symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, or cravings are seen as signs of imbalance in
the spleen and liver. Digestive issues like diarrhoea or constipation during menstruation may
reflect spleen Qi deficiency or liver Qi overacting on the digestive system.
7. Skin Changes: Internal Heat or Dampness
Breakouts or rashes during your period may indicate internal heat, dampness, or hormonal
imbalances. Acupuncturists can address these concerns by supporting liver and kidney function.
How Acupuncture Helps
As an acupuncturist myself and the other Acupuncturist at the Natural Fertility Clinic will look at
your cycle in the manner described above. but then look further to other aspects of your health
and well-being, including: energy levels, digestive system, thyroid function, emotional state and
stress levels, to see whether any of these are likely to be having an influence on your cycle.It is best to combine Chinese Medicine and biomedical diagnoses to arrive a the most helpful
clinical assessment, and in conjunction with blood test results, ultrasound scans and BBT charts,
reports, and understanding previous investigations and current Western Medicine diagnosis (e.g
blood tests or ultrasound scans revealing PCOS, or laparoscopic result showing endometriosis, or
a BBT chart showing a luteal phase defect) we can come to a comprehensive overview of your
current situation and then use this information to design personalised, holistic treatments that
address both immediate symptoms and underlying causes.
By identifying these signs, an acupuncturist tailors treatment to address the root cause of
imbalances. Acupuncture treatments may:
– Improve blood flow to the uterus and reduce stagnation.
– Regulate hormonal systems by balancing the liver, spleen, and kidney
– Relieve pain and inflammation by releasing endorphins.
– Support emotional health by calming the nervous system
In Summary
I see it as a partnership to work with patients as each aspect of your cycle tells us a story. Your
period is more than just a monthly event; it’s a detailed report card on your body’s internal
harmony.
Like a detective, we can figure out what part of you needs extra support and then make
suggestions regarding acupuncture treatment, Chinese herbs, diet and lifestyle changes to help
bring your body back into balance.
If you experience symptoms like irregular periods, severe cramps, heavy bleeding, or significant
mood swings, acupuncture may offer relief, or if you’ve ever wondered what your period says
about your health, visit us at Natural Fertility Clinic to gain deeper insights and support your
overall well-being this 2025.
Additional Reading
The Journal of Contemporary Medical Education, 2023, The Acupuncture Medicine: Exploring Its
Origins, Principles, and Modern Applications (link: https://www.jcmedu.org/jcmedu-articles/the-
acupuncture-medicine-exploring-its-origins-principles-and-modern-applications.pdf)
Cochrane et al. (2016) Prior to Conception: The Role of an Acupuncture Protocol in Improving
Women’s Reproductive Functioning Assessed by a Pilot Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med; 3587569.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/3587569