Traditional Chinese Medicine and Menstrual Irregularities: Flooding and Trickling

Introduction

Welcome, dear reader, to an exploration of one of the most profound and challenging aspects of women’s health through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For over a thousand years, TCM has viewed the menstrual cycle as a mirror of a woman’s overall well-being, reflecting the harmony—or disharmony—of her body, mind, and spirit. Among the spectrum of menstrual irregularities, “Flooding and Trickling”—known as Beng Lou (崩漏)—stand out as both a common and complex condition, affecting countless women across generations^[1][2]. In this comprehensive blog, we will delve into the ancient wisdom and modern applications of TCM, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance, to restore balance and vitality for those experiencing these challenging symptoms.

What is Flooding and Trickling in TCM?

In TCM, “Flooding and Trickling” (Beng Lou) refers to a specific pattern of abnormal uterine bleeding. Beng (崩) means “flooding” and describes a period that starts suddenly and with excessive, often overwhelming bleeding, sometimes before the expected time. Lou (漏) means “trickling” and describes a persistent, prolonged, or intermittent light bleeding that continues after the period should have ended^[1][2][3]. This is distinct from heavy but regular periods, where bleeding is profuse but occurs at the usual cycle time and for a typical duration.

In Western medicine, these symptoms might be categorized as dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), but TCM offers a more nuanced understanding, rooted in the balance of Qi, Blood, and the harmony of the organ systems, especially the Kidneys, Spleen, and Liver^[1][4][2].

Benefits of Addressing Flooding and Trickling with Acupuncture

Acupuncture, along with related TCM techniques, provides a holistic approach to managing Flooding and Trickling. By addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms, acupuncture can:

·       Restore Hormonal Balance: Regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which governs the menstrual cycle^[5][6].

·       Regulate Menstrual Flow: Help normalize both the timing and volume of menstrual bleeding^[7][6][8].

·       Reduce Pain and Discomfort: Alleviate menstrual cramps and associated symptoms such as bloating, headaches, and mood swings^[9][10][8].

·       Strengthen the Spleen and Kidneys: Support the organs responsible for holding blood in the vessels and maintaining cycle regularity^[11][2].

·       Promote Emotional Well-being: Address the emotional and psychological factors that often contribute to menstrual irregularities^[5][3].

How Acupuncture Works for Flooding and Trickling

The diagnostic process in TCM is thorough and individualized. The practitioner will assess your pulse, tongue, menstrual history, and overall constitution to identify the underlying pattern—whether it is Blood-Heat, Qi deficiency, Kidney deficiency, or Blood stasis^[11][2][3].

During a typical acupuncture session, fine needles are inserted into specific points to:

·       Tonify Qi and Blood: Strengthen the Spleen and Kidneys to hold blood in the vessels.

·       Clear Heat and Invigorate Blood: Address Blood-Heat or Blood stasis patterns.

·       Regulate the Directing and Penetrating Vessels: Stabilize the Ren (Conception) and Chong (Penetrating) meridians, which are central to uterine health and menstruation^[11][2].

Treatment is often tailored to the phase of the menstrual cycle, with different points emphasized during menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase to maximize effectiveness^[6][8].

Conditions Treated

Flooding and Trickling can present with a variety of symptoms and is often associated with:

·       Sudden, profuse bleeding (Flooding)

·       Prolonged, intermittent spotting (Trickling)

·       Irregular cycle timing

·       Pale or dark menstrual blood, sometimes with clots

·       Fatigue, dizziness, or weakness (especially with Qi deficiency)

·       Painful periods (especially with Blood stasis)

·       Emotional disturbances such as irritability or anxiety^[11][2][3]

These symptoms may be linked to underlying conditions such as hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, or endometriosis, all of which can be addressed within the TCM framework^[12][13][14].

Patient Stories or Testimonials

Here are five anonymized case studies illustrating the real-world impact of TCM for Flooding and Trickling:

1.      Mia’s Journey: After years of irregular, heavy, and prolonged bleeding, Mia began acupuncture. Within five treatments, her bleeding reduced significantly, her mood improved, and she regained the ability to participate in daily life and special events^[12].

2.     Adolescent with DUB: A 17-year-old girl with severe dysfunctional uterine bleeding and pain, unresponsive to conventional therapy, achieved regular cycles and reduced pain after a course of acupuncture, with sustained improvement at six-month follow-up^[13][14].

3.     PMS and Heavy Periods: A 36-year-old woman with a history of eating disorders and heavy, painful periods saw marked improvement in PMS and bleeding after acupuncture focused on strengthening Kidney Yang and regulating Liver Qi^[15].

4.     Chronic Irregularity: A woman with lifelong irregular cycles and mood swings experienced normalization of her cycle and improved emotional stability after consistent TCM treatment^[12].

5.     PCOS and Infertility: A woman with PCOS and infertility found that acupuncture not only regulated her cycle but also improved her chances of conception by addressing underlying energetic imbalances^[7][6].

Acupuncture Techniques and Points

Below is a table summarizing essential acupuncture points and techniques for Flooding and Trickling:

Techniques:

·       Tonification: For Qi or Kidney deficiency.

·       Dispersion: For Blood-Heat or Blood stasis.

·       Regulation: Tailored to menstrual phase for optimal results^[6][8].

Myths vs. Facts

Myth: Acupuncture is only for pain relief.
Fact: Acupuncture can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce heavy bleeding, and address a wide range of gynecological issues^[10][6].

Myth: Flooding and Trickling are always due to hormonal imbalance.
Fact: In TCM, these conditions arise from imbalances in Qi, Blood, and organ systems, not just hormones^[11][2][3].

Myth: Herbs and acupuncture are unsafe or unproven.
Fact: Both have centuries of clinical use and growing scientific evidence supporting their safety and efficacy for menstrual irregularities^[9][7][14].

Myth: Menstrual irregularities are only a physical issue.
Fact: Emotional and lifestyle factors are central to TCM’s understanding and treatment of menstrual health^[5][3].

Tips for First-Time Patients

If you are new to acupuncture and TCM for menstrual irregularities, consider the following:

·       Find a Licensed Practitioner: Choose someone experienced in women’s health and menstrual disorders^[10].

·       Communicate Openly: Share your full medical history, symptoms, and concerns to ensure personalized care^[10].

·       Be Consistent: Regular treatments over several cycles often yield the best results^[10][6].

·       Support Your Treatment: Stay hydrated, rest adequately, and avoid alcohol and caffeine before and after sessions^[10].

·       Monitor Your Cycle: Keep a menstrual diary to track changes and progress.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Flooding and Trickling are more than just inconvenient menstrual symptoms—they are signals from your body that harmony needs to be restored. Traditional Chinese Medicine, with its deep roots and holistic approach, offers powerful tools to address these challenges, from acupuncture and herbs to lifestyle guidance and emotional support.

If you are struggling with menstrual irregularities, consider reaching out to a qualified TCM practitioner. Together, you can embark on a journey toward balance, vitality, and renewed well-being. Your menstrual health is a reflection of your whole self—let us help you shine from within.

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1.      https://www.meandqi.com/tcm-education-center/diseases/abnormal-uterine-bleeding  

2.     https://www.maciociaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/beng-lou-treatment-of-menorrhagia-sample.pdf       

3.     https://www.uglylondon.co.uk/blog/trickling-period     

4.     http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/exam/bleeding_symptoms_dub_tcm_herbal_treatment.html

5.     https://www.herbalreality.com/condition/menstrual-health-traditional-chinese-medicine-perspective/  

6.     https://www.womenshealthmelbourne.com.au/blog/can-acupuncture-regulate-the-menstrual-cycle-ma      

7.     https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3962314/  

8.     https://lokahiacupuncture.com/acupuncture-for-menstrual-regulation/     

9.     https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2816470/ 

10.  https://lokahiacupuncture.com/acupuncture-menstrual-cycle-issues/     

11.   https://obgynkey.com/flooding-and-trickling/    

12.   https://www.winning-health.co.uk/success-story-womens-health-period-problems/  

13.   https://raleighacupunctureinc.com/uterine-bleeding-case-report-2/ 

14.   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6088286/  

15.   https://www.acubody.net/case-study-pms-and-heavy-period/ 

16.   https://www.thelittlepin.com/blog/essential-acupuncture-points-for-harmonizing-the-menstrual-cycle