What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive health system rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and practices. It has been refined over thousands of years and is deeply intertwined with Chinese culture and history. TCM views the body as a complex network of interconnected systems where balance and harmony are essential for optimal health. It encompasses a range of practices, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, qi gong, and tai chi.
What Practices Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Include?
As we mentioned above, TCM is composed of multiple practices. Below we get into the details about each one, what they provide, and how they may help with the menstrual cycle.
Acupuncture
This practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points along energy pathways (meridians) to stimulate the flow of qi (vital energy) and restore balance. Acupuncture has been reported to alleviate menstrual pain, regulate hormones, and reduce stress.
Herbal Medicine
TCM incorporates a rich tradition of using herbs to address various health issues, including those related to the menstrual cycle. Specific herbal formulations are tailored to an individual's unique constitution and symptoms, aiming to regulate menstruation, alleviate pain, and promote overall well-being.
Dietary Therapy
TCM emphasizes the importance of consuming foods that align with the body's constitution and the current season. Certain foods are believed to nourish and support the reproductive system, helping to alleviate menstrual discomfort and promote hormonal balance.
Qi Gong and Tai Chi
These mind-body practices involve slow, intentional movements, deep breathing, and meditation. They can help reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and promote a sense of calm and balance, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle.
Who Could Benefit From Traditional Chinese Medicine?
TCM offers a holistic approach that can benefit a wide range of people! There is no one way to incorporate TCM into your life. The individualized approach makes it perfect for people looking to complement conventional medical treatments or convert to a more natural and holistic approach to their health.
How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Benefit PMS?
Now we know TCM is for everyone, but we don’t know exactly how it supports the menstrual cycle. There are many ways TCM supports menstrual and reproductive health. Below we collect five.
Regulating Menstruation
TCM aims to restore balance to the body, which can help regulate menstrual cycles that are irregular or absent.
Alleviating Menstrual Pain
Acupuncture and herbal remedies have been reported to reduce menstrual cramps and pain effectively.
Hormonal Balance
TCM practices, including herbal formulations and dietary therapy, target hormonal imbalances that lead to PMS and irregular periods.
Stress Reduction
Techniques like acupuncture, qi gong, and tai chi can help manage stress, which can, in turn, positively impact the menstrual cycle.
Emotional Balance
TCM recognizes the mind-body connection and aims to address emotional imbalances that may manifest as menstrual irregularities.
There is abundant benefit from incorporating TCM into your menstrual care! And by tracking your cycle in the Orchyd App, you identify where you need additional support.
You can note symptoms, moods, flow, and more. The more you input, the more accurate the predictions and the more you know about your cycle. With the automatic cycle health report produced at the end of each cycle, you clearly understand what needs more attention.
The Orchyd app gives you the agency to take action and begin incorporating supportive structures, like TCM, to better take care of your menstrual and reproductive health.
Who Should Avoid Traditional Chinese Medicine?
While TCM can benefit many people, there are certain cases where caution should be exercised.
- Pregnancy: Some TCM herbs and practices may not be suitable during pregnancy, so it's essential to consult a qualified practitioner.
- Certain Medical Conditions: Individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications should consult a healthcare provider before incorporating TCM.
- Allergies or Sensitivities: People with known allergies or sensitivities to certain herbs should be cautious and communicate their concerns to a TCM practitioner.
What Does Science Say?
The scientific exploration of TCM is ongoing, and while some practices have gained recognition, others require further research to establish their efficacy. Acupuncture, for instance, has shown promising results in managing menstrual pain and improving overall well-being. Some TCM herbs have also been studied for their potential to regulate hormones and alleviate menstrual symptoms. However, it's important to note that TCM is deeply rooted in a holistic philosophy that may not always align with Western scientific paradigms.
Traditional Chinese Medicine on the Orchyd Marketplace™
Ear Seed Acupuncture Kit
Ear seeds carry a deep legacy in TCM as a wellness tool to reduce stress, relieve pain, restore hormonal balance, and more. Don’t have time to come in for an acupuncture treatment? Ear seeds are an amazing way to get the same benefits at home. Place these tiny adhesive beads on various acupressure points to stimulate relief and promote overall wellness. Remove ear seeds after 3-5 days and reapply weekly.
Daily Calm Supplements
Your calm in the chaos. This adaptogenic blend helps relieve stress over the long term while keeping you calm and energized. Daily Calm helps you manage the flow of daily life with organic ashwagandha, organic tulsi, and organic mimosa tree. This supplement is doctor-formulated, third-party tested, and made in the USA.
Daily Digestion Gut Health Aid
Extra oomph for your insides. Based on a traditional Chinese formula called Six Gentlemen, a traditional herbal blend that reduces bloating while increasing metabolic fire, WTHN’s Daily Digestion formula is the ultimate tonic. This supplement combines organic Codonopsis, organic fennel, and organic wild yam to help reduce gas and bloating. All of WTHN’s products are doctor-formulated, use clinically-studied ingredients, are third-party tested, and are made in the USA.
Indulgence Hangover Relief
Undo when you overdo. Metabolize indulgence and support liver detox with Indulgence Relief tablets. A time-tested blend of Chinese herbs known as Curing Pill which includes organic fenugreek, milk thistle, and ginseng. Because living a balanced life comes with big nights out too.