How Traditional Chinese Medicine Understands Menstruation: What Your Cycle Reveals About Your Health

Introduction
In Canada, most people learn about periods through a biological lens: hormones rise and fall, the uterine lining builds and sheds, and the cycle repeats. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views menstruation differently—as a monthly health “signal” reflecting the balance of energy, blood, and organ systems. By looking at timing, flow, symptoms, and even basal body temperature (BBT), TCM offers a holistic way to understand your cycle and overall health.

1. Menstruation as a Health “Report Card”

In TCM, periods are not just about fertility. A smooth, regular cycle with moderate flow indicates balance. Pain, clots, irregular timing, or fatigue are seen as signs of underlying imbalance in Qi (energy), Blood, and key organs such as the Kidneys, Liver, and Spleen.

2. What Practitioners Observe

• Timing: Short cycles may indicate “heat,” while long or skipped cycles suggest “cold” or deficiency.

• Flow and Color: Bright red flow is healthy; dark, clotty, or very pale blood can reveal stagnation or deficiency.

• Symptoms: PMS, cramps, mood swings, or fatigue point to deeper imbalances in energy circulation.

• Basal Body Temperature (BBT) : In some advanced practices, highly experienced TCM masters may also refer to BBT charts. BBT is a way to track subtle shifts in body temperature throughout the cycle, providing additional insight into Yin and Yang balance and ovulation patterns. While most people don’t need this level of detail, it can be a valuable tool in expert hands when tailoring treatment for fertility support.

3. Everyday Tips for a Healthier Cycle

• Stay warm during menstruation: Avoid cold foods and keep your abdomen warm.

• Eat nourishing meals: Stews, soups, and iron-rich foods replenish Blood.

• Manage stress: Practices like yoga, meditation, or acupuncture calm the Liver and smooth the flow of Qi.

• Prioritize rest: Sleeping before midnight helps restore Yin and supports hormonal balance.

• Track your BBT: It not only shows ovulation patterns but also helps reveal where energy imbalances may lie.

Conclusion
From a TCM perspective, your period and BBT chart are like monthly health reports. They reveal whether your body is in balance or needs support. By observing timing, flow, symptoms, and temperature shifts, TCM provides a holistic way to understand your cycle and overall health. Whether you are considering acupuncture, herbal medicine, or simple lifestyle adjustments, this approach can empower you to listen more closely to your body’s signals.