Causes of menstrual pain from a TCM perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menstrual pain is viewed as a result of an imbalance of Qi and Blood in the body, which also affects the functions of vital organs like the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen.

The Liver is responsible for regulating the flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body, including the Chong and Ren meridians that are responsible for nourishing and regulating the reproductive system. When Liver Qi gets stagnant, it can lead to imbalances that result in painful and irregular periods.

The Kidneys are vital for storing the substance of essence (marrow), which is essential for creating life, including ovulation and conception. The Kidneys send Qi and essence to the uterus through the meridian pathways. Imbalances in Kidney Yin and Yang components can lead to menstrual pain and irregularities.

The Spleen is important for producing Qi and Blood that are used for vital functions in the body. Imbalances in the Spleen due to irregular meals or overconsumption of cold drinks can lead to Spleen deficiency, affecting the production of Qi and Blood for the body, resulting in light flow, irregular periods, and menstrual cramps.

Acupuncture and TCM aim to address these imbalances by stimulating specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi and Blood, targeting the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen, Chong and Ren meridians in particular, to alleviate pain and promote overall wellness