Dysmenorrhea Flashcards
What is the principle cause of Dysmenorrhea?
Impeded flow of qi and blood in the uterus
What are the clinical classifications of Dysmenorrhea?
Excess syndrome & Deficiency Syndrome
What is the cause of the Excess syndrome of Dysmenorrhea?
1) Stagnation of liver qi fails to carry the free flow of blood, causing disharmony between the Thoroughfare and Conception vessels and stagnation of blood in the uterus.
2) External cold or cold drinks during menstrual period hurts the lower energizer and makes cold retain in the uterus.
What is the cause of the Deficiency syndrome?
Qi and Blood deficiency due to weak body-build or chronic disease results in menstruation draining the sea of blood and depriving the uterus of nourishment resulting in pain
Name the Main Manifestations for Dysmenorrhea due to Excess syndrome
1) (Liver Qi Stagnation) Distending pain in lower abdomen (usually starting before menstruation) which is alleviated by passing the clots, distention in the hypochondriac region and breast, delayed, scanty and dark purple menses with clots, purplish tongue with purple spots on the edge, deep and string-taut pulse
2) (Cold retention) Pain and cold feeling in the lower abdomen radiating to the waist and back and alleviated by warmth, scanty dark red menses with clots, sticky and white tongue coating, deep string-taut pulse.
Name the Main Manifestations for Dysmenorrhea due to Deficiency syndrome
Dull pain appearing end of or after menstruation, alleviated by warmth and pressure, pink scanty and thin menses, thready and weak pulse, aversion to cold, cold extremities, pale complexion, palpitations and dizziness.
What is the treatment for Dysmenorrhea due to Excess syndrome?
Reducing method is used. Both acupuncture and moxibustion are used in cold syndromes.
Main Prescription: CV 3, BL 32, L.I 4, SP 10, SP 8, LIV 3
Supplementary Points: *Distending pain in lower abdomen * = KI 14, ST28
Pain with cold feeling in lower abdomen = ST 29, ST 27
Why is CV 3 used to treat Excess syndrome Dysmenorrhea?
Regulates the Thoroughfare and Conception vessels. When applied together with SP 10 and SP 8 it invigorates blood flow and menstruation.
Why is BL 32 used to treat Excess syndrome Dysmenorrhea?
This is an empirical point for dysmenorrhea. It is used in combination with KI 14 and SST 28 to regulate the Thoroughfare and Conception Vessels to remove blood stasis and treat distending pain in the lower back.
Why is LIV 3 used to treat Excess syndrome Dysmenorrhea?
Frees the stagnated liver qi. When paired with L.I 4 it can regulate qi and blood flow and eliminate pain
Why are St 29 and ST 27 used to treat pain with cold feeling in the lower abdomen?
When moxibustion is applied, they warm up the related meridians and eliminate pain in the lower abdomnen.
What is the treatment for Dysmenorrhea due to Deficiency syndrome?
Reinforcing method is used. Acupuncture and moxibustion are used.
Prescription: CV 4, BL 20, BL 23, ST 36, SP 6
Why is CV 4 used to treat Dysmenorrhea due to Deficiency syndrome?
When moxibustion is applied it may warm the lower energizer, benefit essence, blood and the Thoroughfare and Conception vessels.
Why is BL 20 used to treat Dysmenorrhea due to Deficiency syndrome?
In combination with ST 36 and SP 6 it can tonify the spleen and stomach, and benefit the qi and blood.
Why is BL 23 used to treat Dysmenorrhea due to Deficiency syndrome?
When moxibustion is applied it may warm the lower energizer, benefit essence, blood and the Thoroughfare and Conception vessels.
