A regular, pain-free cycle is a sign of hormonal balance and overall well-being. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we view the menstrual cycle as a continuous flow of energetic shifts (yin and yang, qi, and blood) with each phase requiring different types of support.
Just as each phase of the cycle is dominated by a specific hormone that takes over to do its job, in TCM, yin, yang, qi and blood must flow smoothly from one phase to the next. Any disruption in this natural transition can lead to irregular cycles, PMS, painful periods, or fertility challenges. By nourishing the kidney system (the source), regulating qi, and supporting blood flow, we help maintain hormonal harmony and reproductive health.
Menstrual Phase (Shedding & Detox) 🌑
This phase is the body’s way of clearing out old blood and preparing for a fresh start. The focus is to move blood smoothly to prevent stagnation, which can manifest as clots, pain, or a scanty flow.
TCM Support: Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help regulate blood flow, ease cramps, and prevent issues like blood stagnation.
Diet & Lifestyle: Warm, nourishing foods like ginger tea and soups help support circulation and relieve tension.
Post-Menstrual Phase (Rebuilding & Estrogen Production) 🌒
As the period ends, the body begins replenishing blood and rebuilding the uterine lining. This is the yin-dominant part of the cycle, where estrogen naturally increases to support follicular growth and endometrial thickening.
TCM Support: We focus on nourishing blood and the kidney system (source), ensuring a strong foundation for ovulation.
Diet & Lifestyle: Iron-rich foods (like leafy greens, dates, and red meat) and adequate hydration are key to replenishing blood stores.
Ovulation Phase (Yang Rising & Egg Release) 🌓
Ovulation is a critical transition from yin to yang, where kidney yang plays a key role in warming the body and ensuring successful egg release. Strong yang energy promotes smooth blood circulation and healthy ovulation.
TCM Support: Supporting kidney yang and ensuring smooth qi flow helps with egg release and optimal fertility.
Diet & Lifestyle: Moderate exercise, warming foods like cinnamon and walnuts, and stress management all help regulate ovulation.
Luteal (Pre-Menstrual) Phase (Progesterone & Womb Warmth) 🌔
After ovulation, kidney yang is like progesterone which also rises to support implantation. If no pregnancy occurs, the body prepares for the next cycle by moving qi and blood to prevent stagnation in the pelvic region. This phase is when PMS symptoms like bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness can arise due to stagnant qi flow.
TCM Support: Ensuring smooth pelvic circulation helps prevent PMS, while warming kidney yang supports progesterone levels and womb warmth.
Diet & Lifestyle: Foods like sweet potatoes, nuts, and warm herbal teas help sustain kidney yang, while acupuncture can reduce PMS symptoms and regulate mood.
Bringing It All Together
By working with the body's natural rhythms, acupuncture, herbal medicine, maya abdominal (womb) massage and diet therapy can help regulate your cycle, balance hormones, and ensure smooth transitions through each phase. Whether you're looking to improve fertility, ease period pain, or regulate your cycle, TCM provides a holistic and gentle approach to hormonal health.
🌸 Want to optimise your cycle naturally? Book a consultation or speak to us today!
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