Gynecology in Traditional Chinese Medicine
A Natural Approach To Modern Challenges
Aa a 21st-century practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it never ceases to amaze me how this ancient approach has clinically relevant solutions to modern-day gynecological health. This is the Age of Energy and I truly believe these tried and true medicines of the East will continue to prove their relevance in the years and decades to come.
And after the global pandemic, I’ve witnessed a resurgence in holistic health solutions. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) specifically stands out as a beacon of ancient wisdom - and please note, I am totally biased. What I find particularly intriguing is TCM’s approach to gynecology—a system deeply rooted in the understanding of energy, balance, and the interconnectedness of mind and body.
My practice attracts people who are searching for a natural, empowered approach to their health. They want to be proactive and this means taking preventative measures to remain strong and resilient into old age, which includes reproductive health.
In this series, I’m going to unpack the unique perspective TCM takes on gynecology, including the menstrual cycle, fertility, pregnancy and menopause, along with common conditions that each encounters. But we will also explore solutions and the typical issues that may arise on our wellness journeys.
But first, let's get back to basics as TCM is very clearly and distinctly different from a western medical approach.
Getting to the Root - A Brief Historical Overview
Traditional Chinese Medicine and its exploration of gynecology began in ancient China during the Shang Dynasty (1500-1000 BC). In our seminal medical tome, the Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen, this is where more intricate references to physiology, anatomy, diagnosis and protocols to treating gynecological issues can be found. It is clear from this text alone, that the study of gynecology and common conditions that arise from physiological imbalances were not an afterthought in TCM, but a distinct specialization of medicine to help improve the lives of these patients.
Even though the study of gynecology can be viewed as a separate specialization like dermatology, it still follows the deeply rooted philosophy of Yin and Yang. By following this guiding principle of energy, ancient healers could observe this intricate balance and lay a sound foundation by which gynecological medicine has been in advancement for 3,000 years. Yes, you read that correctly, for three-thousand years.
This evolution happened through trial and error based on observation and experimentation, an approach known to many as empirical science. And much credit must be given to the philosophies of China at this time, namely Taoism and Confucianism, which allowed their culture, writ large, to integrate these philosophies into a system of medicine, which provided a comprehensive understanding of women's well-being.
Core Principles of TCM Gynaecology - An Empirical Approach
All living things, including the human body, are seen as a dynamic interplay of Yin and Yang forces. Achieving balance in these energies is considered crucial for overall health and harmony. Yin and Yang refers to two distinct energies that are at once opposite to each other but simultaneously interconnected - they are mutually perpetuating forces that cannot live without one another. Without darkness, our eyes could not perceive the distinction of light, Yin and Yang need one another to survive.
When it comes to anatomy and physiology, where one is the bones and organs and the other illustrates the mechanisms like metabolism which gives us energy or gas exchange allowing us to breath, both are required for an organism to live. Without Yang, there would be no life force to animate our bones and muscles, but without Yin, this life force energy would be like ether, intangible.
Central to gynecological health is the concept of Qi, which is vital energy that is Yang in nature and is responsible for blood circulation. Whereas Blood is Yin, it is substantive and holds Qi, grounding it. TCM emphasizes the importance of unobstructed energy flow and balanced blood circulation for optimal reproductive function. When there is not enough Qi, Blood or both, this is where gynecological issues take root.
The Five Elements - The Application of Wu Xing to Gynecology
Five Element theory is a cornerstone in my practice. Even when I teach, I often reference these principles because it's a concept that is relatively easy to grasp with effective real-life and clinical applications.
Chinese medicine was born out of observing the natural world and humanities place in it. It paid close attention to the seasons and the natural phenomenon that occurred during these phases and made parallels to human existence. By witnessing patterns to how humans reacted and interacted with the natural environment they were able to make conclusions and devise solutions.
TCM categorizes the Five Elements, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, as phases. Understanding how these phases interact provides insights into the cyclical nature of gynecological health, specifically the menstrual cycle. In my upcoming posts, I will break down how each element relates to a different phase of the menstrual cycle, what each phase should look like from a TCM perspective, while providing lifestyle recommendations and offering advice as to when you should seek out the help from a practitioner.
Common Conditions Addressed - These May Surprise You
TCM recognizes menstrual irregularities as signals of imbalances in Yin and Yang, Qi and Blood. The ancient Chinese developed a very elegant map, which illustrates what each phase of your menstrual cycle should look like to indicate health and vitality.
Did you know that Premenstrual Syndrome, aka PMS is seen as an imbalance in TCM? Did you know that bleeding for 6 days or more is also an indication that something might be amiss? Many irregularities, pain, discomfort or impacts on your quality of life deemed ‘normal’ by western gynecology is perceived very differently in TCM. I often tell my menstruating patients that they don’t have to live this way, suffering in silence.
You do not have to let menstrual irregularities dictate the quality of your life.
Acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments are employed to restore harmony. But first, you need to be assessed by a registered and licensed Acupuncturist or Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner to know where to start and how. These changes most likely won’t happen overnight; it often takes 3 months and seeing your practitioner regularly to see an impact.
Fertility Challenges - Its All About Balance
TCM offers holistic strategies to enhance fertility by addressing both physical and energetic imbalances. Acupuncture and specific herbs are often tailored to support reproductive health. But again, it all comes down to your menstrual cycle. If there are perceptible irregularities in one or more of the four phases, then they need to be corrected to ensure a viable pregnancy.
When I mentioned earlier the elegance of TCM’s approach to the menstrual cycle, I wasn’t just being poetic. I have witnessed with my own eyes, patients who have invested in understanding their menstrual cycle and willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes to address any imbalances have seen improvements in their fertility.
Once you are balanced, Mother Nature will do her thing.
Just like western medicine, Chinese medicine is not magic. Sometimes there are deeper issues and conditions when it comes to fertility that require the assistance of western medical intervention. But I have also observed that these two medicines, when working in tandem, can achieve results when it comes to fertility. I have worked with many many patients who are also seeking care from fertility specialists while on pharmaceutical drugs who seek out my expertise. There have been no negative complications in terms of acupuncture, mindfulness and nutritional advice.
When dealing with fertility issues, it is a multi-pronged approach, which I will discuss in a future post.
Pregnancy-Related Concerns - What to Know When You’re Expecting
From regulating menstruation to optimizing fertility, the anticipated end result should be a viable pregnancy. As your practitioner, my focus shifts to nurturing a healthy pregnancy by maintaining balance and promoting the free flow of Qi and blood.
In the first trimester, we ensure that the baby is properly implanted by raising Qi. These treatments are often very gentle and have the added benefit of keeping anxious new parents relaxed and calm. Treating issues like low energy and morning sickness is done through acupuncture, which is drug-free, safe and can be surprisingly effective.
Anecdotally speaking, I find once in the second trimester, many of my patients are feeling energized and secure, so I rarely see them during this period for perinatal concerns.
However, as the baby grows in the third trimester and starts to impact other physical structures in the body, TCM may be utilized to manage discomfort and support overall well-being. It's quite common for me to treat low back pain, acid reflux, constipation and hemorrhoids, just to name a few. Again, these issues can be treated very gently using acupuncture and body work.
The most common treatment I perform during late-stage pregnancy are induction treatments. I’ll cover this topic more closely in an upcoming post. Essentially, women who do not want to be medically induced typically pick this option. It requires multiple treatments and can be administered around the 37 to 38 week mark to help encourage the body to go into labor naturally. But don’t worry, the effects are rarely immediate.
Menopausal Symptoms - Ushering in the Second Spring
Menopause is an important phase in many of our lives. It indicates the ending of one chapter and the beginning of a new era, known in TCM as the Second Spring. Managing people's expectations and guiding them through this change is crucial when treating perimenopause and menopause.
Again, the symptoms that are often associated with menopause in the west are seen as imbalances in TCM. This is another underserved group of people who are urged to suffer in silence and just deal with the changes to their body and identity.
Typically, as women transition through menopause, TCM treatments can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings through a combination of acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments.
These treatments can also be used safely with western medicines such as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). And it has the added bonus of easing the emotional pain brought up by this new chapter by easing conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Menopause does not have to be endured. It is not a disease, but a natural phenomenon that occurs and can be treated with compassion and dignity
TCM Treatment Modalities - Putting it All Together
As I had mentioned before, TCM and its guiding principles began by ancient healers and philosophers observing the natural world and making parallels to the human condition. This evolved over time and is applied to our patient interactions, whereby a practitioner employs observational skills, listening, and questioning techniques to gather information during an intake. Pulse diagnosis and tongue examination offer unique insights into the body's internal dynamics and help us to confirm our suspicions or ask further questions.
Acupuncture is the primary modality used as it is safe and effective, regardless of other treatments or medicines the patient might be participating in simultaneously. This ancient practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points to stimulate Qi flow, promoting balance. If we were to treat menstrual irregularities, for example, I would have the patient come in and very specific points in their cycle to alleviate their gynecological issues.
TCM relies on a rich pharmacopeia of herbs to address imbalances; these formulations are thousands of years old and are potent. Herbal formulations are customized based on individual needs and specific gynecological conditions. It can take up to three months to see changes in a menstrual cycle or fertility issue, but herbal formulas can really speed things up. I use them often in my practice as they supercharge a treatment as they are more effective at treating deeper issues that acupuncture alone is not equipped to do.
If you come to see me for gynecological issues, expect to walk away with dietary and Lifestyle recommendations. TCM really emphasizes the importance of dietary choices and lifestyle habits in maintaining gynecological health. Recommendations may include specific foods, exercises, and mindfulness practices to focus on. In a previous blog post, I went into depth as to how exercise can have a powerful impact on the menstrual cycle and what types of exercise to do and when.
I am a big fan of mind-body practices such as Qi Gong, meditation, and yoga as mindfulness is a cornerstone to TCM and integral to living a healthy, balanced life. These techniques foster resilience, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. Mindfulness practices can be incorporated into daily self-care habits and are often free or relatively inexpensive to participate in. Stress has afflicted human beings since time immemorial - ancient eastern practitioners developed many of these mindfulness techniques a millenia ago and they are still potent in our modern age.
In Conclusion - Encouraging Self-Empowerment
TCM gynecology invites individuals to embrace a holistic approach to their health, emphasizing balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of mind and body.
By understanding the relationship between Yin and Yang, Qi and Blood, how TCM views the menstrual cycle can help patients to better understand themselves and make healthy choices. As an individualistic medicine, my gynecological patients can approach their wellness goals at their own pace wherever they may be on their journey.
Whether the end goal is to have a pain-free period, to become pregnant or to have an effortless menopause, TCM has solutions. By utilizing acupuncture, body work such as cupping, herbal formulations, nutrition and lifestyle advice, we can come up with a treatment plan best suited for your unique needs.
And TCM can be integrated with western medicine by taking on a collaborative approach. Recognizing the strengths of both TCM and western medicine, a comprehensive and integrative tack can be taken to achieve your goals, whether it's preparing for a frozen egg retrieval or avoiding a chemical induction.
By combining the precision of western diagnostics with the holistic principles of TCM, individuals can access a more complete spectrum of care, addressing the physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of health.
I encourage my patients to explore this facet of medicine when looking for solutions to their gynecological health. Navigating modern life is complex, to say the least. By exploring the wisdom TCM has to offer and incorporating these ancient principles, individuals can embark on a journey towards lasting health and balance.
If you’re curious about how Traditional Chinese Medicine can benefit your gynecological health, feel free to connect with me to learn more. Embark on your personalized journey towards your health and wellbeing by Clicking Here.