Menstruation serves as an indicator of a woman's Qi and blood vitality. Most women with menstrual issues exhibit some degree of Qi and blood stagnation.

Some experience acne, spots, or dark circles, while others feel cold easily with chilly extremities or lower abdomen. Ultimately, the root cause of irregular menstruation stems from imbalances in Qi and blood circulation.

Why does the qi and blood circulation become disrupted? Traditional Chinese Medicine typically divides this into two situations:

1. Insufficient generation of qi and blood, leaving the uterus malnourished

If we compare the uterus to a water tank, only when the water supply is sufficient can the pipes continuously deliver qi and blood to other organs. The organs responsible for providing qi and blood in the body are the kidneys and the spleen-stomach system.

The kidneys store essence, which is the source of menstrual blood—a congenital endowment from one's parents that diminishes with consumption. To maintain sufficient menstrual blood, one must also rely on the spleen-stomach system, the acquired foundation of life and the source of qi and blood production. The nutrients from food and drink are transformed by the spleen-stomach into qi and blood, which are then delivered to the uterus to provide continuous energy.

2. The pathway for qi and blood to reach the uterus is blocked.

Blockage of the pathway is generally attributed to three causes: cold pathogens, phlegm-dampness, and liver qi stagnation.

① Cold pathogens freeze the qi and blood in the body like ice, making it difficult for them to be transported to the uterus.

② Phlegm-dampness is an advanced form of dampness. Compared to dampness, it is more viscous and can travel with the flow of qi and blood to various parts of the body, especially to areas rich in qi and blood like the uterus, which is a favored location for phlegm-dampness to accumulate.

③ Liver qi stagnation is a common condition among young women today. The liver governs free-flowing qi, responsible for regulating the body's qi and blood circulation. When liver qi becomes stagnant, blood stasis can easily occur.

Irregular menstruation can lead to blood stasis over time, resulting in conditions such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, breast nodules, or fallopian tube blockage. These require diagnosis based on individual constitution, making the situation more complex.