Gynecological Health: Organ Systems

According to Chinese medicine, the menstrual cycle is related to the functioning of various organ systems:

The Kidney Organ System controls the formation and release of the egg from the ovaries. If Kidney Qi, Yin or yang are weak, infertility may result. Kidney deficiency can accompany a kind of chronic fearfulness that causes tension, irritability or depression associated with the monthly cycle.

Since Liver Qi promotes the free flow of Qi and triggers the release of Xue (blood) and the onset of the period, menstrual problems — such as cramps before or during onset of period and mild pre-menstrual headache — are usually due to Stagnant Qi . If Liver Qi is not flowing smoothly, depression and anxiety may occur in the days before the period.

Liver Excess can accompany generalized anger. Conversely, anger and emotional suppression can damage Liver Qi . Liver Qi Stagnation is associated with menstrual cramps and mild headaches that subside with onset of the period. Liver Qi Stagnation with Heat is associated with irritability, flashes of anger, a feeling of a hot sensation in the upper part of the body and breast pain. When combined with Stomach Heat you may experience acne, increased appetite and breast pain.

When Liver Qi Stagnation leads to Xue (blood) Stagnation there may be Xue clots with severe headaches during the period. When Xue Stagnation is accompanied by a cold sensation, you may experience a cold sensation in the abdomen, darker flow with dark clots and cramps that are eased by the application of warmth.

Spleen disharmony develops as either Spleen Qi Deficiency or Spleen Qi Deficiency with Dampness. These syndromes are associated with digestive disturbances, sugar craving and fluid retention. When Spleen Deficiency leads to Xue Deficiency it is associated with lengthening of the cycle or missed periods and difficulty falling asleep.