Irregular menstruation troubles many women, with numerous contributing factors and diverse treatment approaches. Today we focus on introducing Traditional Chinese Medicine methods—acupuncture and massage—to regulate menstrual irregularities, helping you understand how to address this condition.
The primary causes of menstrual irregularities fall into three categories:
1. Neuroendocrine dysfunction disrupting menstruation, primarily due to instability or defects in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Menstruation is regulated by this axis, and its dysfunction can lead to menstrual disorders.
2. Organic lesions or medication effects can cause menstrual irregularities. Certain organic conditions like endometrial hyperplasia, adenomyosis, submucosal fibroids, cervical lesions, or reproductive organ developmental abnormalities can lead to irregular uterine bleeding. Local inflammation of reproductive organs, other endocrine disorders such as thyroid or adrenal cortex dysfunction, diabetes, Sheehan's syndrome, etc., may also contribute.Additionally, liver disease, blood disorders, psychiatric medications, endocrine agents, or intrauterine device (IUD) use may cause menstrual irregularities. Certain occupations, such as long-distance runners, are prone to amenorrhea.
3. Menstrual irregularities caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits. Individuals with abnormal weight—whether overweight or underweight—are susceptible to menstrual disorders.Furthermore, emotional instability, smoking, alcohol abuse, and other unhealthy habits may also disrupt menstrual cycles.
How to Regulate Irregular Menstruation? Try Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture
1. Premature Menstruation
Treatment Principle: Clear heat and regulate menstruation, focusing on points along the Conception Vessel and Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian.
Primary Points: Tuchong (SP6), Guanyuan (CV4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Xuehai (SP10)
Supplementary Points: For excess-heat patterns, add Taichong (LR3) or Xingjian (LR2); for deficiency-heat patterns, add Taixi (KI3); for qi deficiency patterns, add Zusanli (ST36) and Pishu (BL20); for heavy menstruation, add Yinbai (SP1); for lumbosacral pain, add Shenshu (BL23) and Ciliao (BL31).
Technique: Apply balanced tonification and dispersion at Guanyuan and Sanyinjiao; use dispersion at Xuehai. Adjunct points are treated with tonification for deficiency and dispersion for excess.For qi deficiency, add moxibustion or warm needle moxibustion after needling. Formula Rationale: This formula primarily clears heat, harmonizes blood, and regulates the Chong and Ren vessels. Guanyuan (CV4), belonging to the Ren Meridian, is a key point for regulating the Chong and Ren vessels. Xuehai (SP10) clears heat from the blood level. Sanyinjiao (SP6) regulates the liver, spleen, and kidney, serving as a crucial point for regulating menstruation.
2. Menstrual Irregularities
Treatment Principle: Soothe the liver and nourish the kidneys while regulating the Chong and Ren vessels. Primarily target points on the Ren Meridian and Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian.
Primary Points: Guanyuan (CV4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Ganshu (BL18)
Supplementary Points: For liver qi stagnation, add Qimen (LR14) and Taichong (LR3); for kidney deficiency, add Shenshu (BL23) and Taixi (KI3); for chest and flank distension/pain, add Shanzhong (CV17) and Neiguan (PC6).
Technique: Use the dispersing method with filiform needles at Liver Shu (BL18); apply the reinforcing method to other primary points. Adjunct points are treated according to the principle of reinforcing deficiency and dispersing excess.