Dysmenorrhea
痛經 / 痛经
Painful menstruation, often with cramping.
Quick Facts
| Health Topic | Women's Wellness |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Painful periods, Menstrual cramps, Period pain, Painful menstruation, Cramps during menses |
| Common Symptoms | Pain in the lower abdomen that appears before, during or after menstruation. It may be dull, cramping or sharp, and can radiate to the lower back or thighs. Flow characteristics, the presence of clots, and whether warmth or pressure eases the pain vary from person to person. |
| Related TCM Patterns | Blood Stasis · Blood Deficiency |
| Related Classical Formulas | |
| Related Articles | Dysmenorrhea: Syndrome Differentiation and Daily Care |
Dysmenorrhea in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, dysmenorrhea is differentiated by pattern rather than treated as one uniform menstrual pain. Blood stasis and Blood deficiency are among the main patterns associated with painful periods. Differentiation considers whether the pain is fixed and sharp with dark clots, or dull and better with pressure, whether the flow is scanty or heavy, and the overall complexion and energy. Classical formulas are matched to these pattern distinctions.
TCM Patterns Associated With Dysmenorrhea
The same presentation may be understood through more than one pattern. Pattern differentiation weighs the accompanying signs, not the symptom on its own.
| Pattern | Common Features | Related Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Stasis血瘀證Stagnation Patterns | Fixed, stabbing or piercing pain that does not move freely, often worse at night or with pressure. The complexion may look darker or purplish, and in women the menstrual flow can be dark with clots. Lips or nails may appear dusky. Tongue dark or with purple spots or congested veins under the tongue; pulse choppy or wiry and hesitant. | |
| Blood Deficiency血虛證Deficiency Patterns | A pale or sallow complexion, dry hair or skin, light-headedness on standing, blurred vision, and easy fatigue. In women the menstrual flow is often scanty and pale. Sleep may be light, and the hands and feet can feel numb when tired. Tongue pale and thin; pulse thin and weak. |
Classical Formulas Traditionally Associated
Associated with 7 classical formulas
Listed for study. Which formula fits, if any, depends on the pattern rather than the symptom.
Wen Jing Tang
溫經湯 · Wēn Jīng Tāng
Blood DeficiencyBlood-Tonifying FormulasTao He Cheng Qi Tang
桃核承氣湯 · Táo Hé Chéng Qì Tāng
Blood StasisBlood-Invigorating FormulasTao Hong Si Wu Tang
桃紅四物湯 · Táo Hóng Sì Wù Tāng
Blood StasisBlood-Invigorating FormulasShao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
少腹逐瘀湯 · Shǎo Fù Zhú Yū Tāng
Blood StasisBlood-Invigorating FormulasTiao Jing Wan
調經丸 · Tiáo Jīng Wán
Blood StasisBlood-Invigorating FormulasGui Zhi Fu Ling Tang
桂枝茯苓湯 · Guì Zhī Fú Líng Tāng
Blood StasisBlood-Invigorating FormulasShi Xiao San
失笑散 · Shī Xiào Sàn
Blood StasisBlood-Invigorating FormulasLearn More About Dysmenorrhea
Related Health Topic
Women's Wellness — Formulas for menstrual regulation, reproductive health, and postpartum recovery.
Health Topic
See all Women's Wellness conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine understand dysmenorrhea?
In TCM, menstrual pain (痛经) arises when Qi and Blood in the Chong and Ren vessels and the uterus become obstructed, or when the uterus is under-nourished. Classic teaching is “if there is free flow, there is no pain.” Cold, Qi stagnation, Blood stasis or deficiency can all cause pain before, during or after the period.
What are the common TCM patterns of dysmenorrhea?
Frequent patterns include Cold stagnation in the uterus (pain eased by warmth), Liver Qi stagnation (distending pain linked to stress), Blood stasis (fixed stabbing pain with clots), Qi and Blood deficiency (dull pain after the flow starts), and Kidney deficiency. Accurate pattern differentiation determines the treatment approach.
How does TCM regulate dysmenorrhea?
The main principles are to warm the uterus, soothe the Liver, invigorate Blood, or nourish Qi and Blood according to the pattern and the phase of the cycle. Formulas such as modifications of Wen Jing Tang, Xiao Yao San or Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang may be considered. Regulation is often started before the period. Internal treatment should be guided by a qualified TCM practitioner.
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This library is educational. It describes how Traditional Chinese Medicine has traditionally understood these presentations. It is not a diagnosis, and it is not a treatment recommendation.
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