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Women’s bodies are dynamic and constantly shifting—with monthly cycles, hormonal changes, fertility journeys, pregnancy, and menopause. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), health is all about balance: of Yin and Yang, of Qi (vital energy) and Blood (nourishment) and of the organ systems that govern our internal landscape. Acupuncture is just one tool among many that supports this balance, and the good news is—there are simple things you can do to help reach this balance.

Basic terms to understand as we dive into this topic.

In Chinese medicine we are going to be using terms that may be unfamiliar.  I know it took me a very long time to internalize these concepts myself.  But once understand, they can offer a new understanding, and ways to intuitively bring balance, regaining health.

Yin and Yang:  Yin and Yang describe a relationship, a balance.  While Yin is considered related to aspects like cool, quiet, still, darkness, Yang is related to warm, loud, movement and light.  Anything can be divided into a Yin/Yang pair.  In our bodies, the flesh, the substance is Yin, while the activation of the substance, our movement, is Yang.  So, the Heart organ is Yin, but the beating of the heart is Yang.

Qi and Blood:  Once you understand Yin and Yang, Qi and Blood comes pretty easy.  Qi is the vital force, or energy (like the beating heart), while Blood (with a capitol B) is about the nourishment, the substance. Blood contains more than just our actual blood, it contains all the fluid that nourishes us.  Blood is considered to be vital in creating new life, creating milk for those lactating, and is needed to nourish our muscles and flesh.

The monthly menstrual cycle is a reflection of a balance of all these aspects:  Yin/Yang, Qi and Blood
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Understanding the Menstrual Cycle Through a Chinese Medicine Lens

In Chinese medicine, the menstrual cycle is seen as a mirror of internal health. A smooth, pain-free, regular cycle reflects a healthy flow of Qi and Blood, and a balance of the Yin and Yang energies. When there are disruptions—such as cramps, irregular timing, mood swings, or infertility—it may point to imbalances, blockages, or deficiencies in the body’s resources.  By taking the time to understand what is going on, specifically in your body, we can decode these messages and help to bring your body back into balance

Each phase of the cycle benefits from different kinds of support:

• Menstruation (Days 1–5): This is when we are actively bleeding.  Considered Yang turning into Yin, the endometrium, that has been held, is now released through the action.  If you ever measured your basal body temperature, this is when the temperature drops, indicating a drop in progesterone levels.
• Follicular Phase (Days 6–14): The Yin phase, this is all about creating a thick endometrium and growing a healthy follicle.  It requires both Yin and Blood to do this well.  Because this is the building phase—we recommend you eat foods that nourish Blood like leafy greens, beets, eggs, seeds and nuts, and bone broth.
• Ovulation (Around Day 14): This is when the follicle (the egg) has grown large enough and is being released by the ovary in the hopes of being fertilized.  This is the movement from Yin to Yang.  The body temperature rises slightly during this time, indicating the hormonal shift.  During this time, we want to support the free flow of Qi, light movement and moderate exercise are great here.
• Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): We are now fully in the Yang aspect of the cycle.  The egg has been released, and that process allows progesterone to help hold the endometrium (lining of the uterus).  If there is a pregnancy, this is the time that the fertilized egg is burrowing into the endometrium and beginning its growth.  If there is no pregnancy, the lining is still held by the support of the progesterone.  Because is a holding time, and by the end things want to flow, we can experience PMS symptoms towards the end of this phase.  We often say, PMS is an amplifier, if you have any stagnation (stress or blockages) in your body, they will show up now.  These can either be physical like cramping and breast tenderness, or emotional like irritability or crying easily.  Support calm and warmth—this is the yin phase. Choose grounding foods like sweet potatoes, squash, and ginger tea.

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Self-Care Tools to Support Your Menstrual Cycle

Here are some simple, at-home practices that complement acupuncture treatments and help regulate your body naturally:

Acupressure You Can Do Yourself

Acupressure uses gentle pressure instead of needles to stimulate acupuncture points. Try adding int these acupoints.

• SP6 (Spleen 6) – “Three Yin Meeting”
  Found about four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone. Gently press this point for 1–2 minutes daily. It’s known for supporting the menstrual cycle, fertility, and calming the mind.  This is a great point to use anytime in your cycle.
• LV3 (Liver 3) – “Great Rushing”
  Located on the top of the foot, in the webbing between the big toe and second toe. This point helps with emotional tension, PMS symptoms, and promotes smooth flow of Qi.  You can add it in anytime of your cycle, but especially in the 10 days before you expect your period to begin.

Note: Avoid acupressure on SP6 if you’re pregnant, unless guided by a licensed practitioner.

Nourishing Foods for Hormonal Balance

In TCM, diet is considered a cornerstone of health. To support hormonal balance:

• Warm, cooked foods are easier to digest and support the Spleen energy, which is the energy of digestion—think soups, stews, steamed vegetables.
• Iron-rich foods like spinach, dates, and black sesame seeds help replenish blood after menstruation.  If you eat animal protein, adding in bone broths and small amount of meat and eggs can also be beneficial.
• Cruciferous vegetables eaten in the ovulatory to second half of your menstrual cycle, can help metabolize any excess estrogen in the body.
• Avoid excess sugar, caffeine, and very cold/raw foods, which can impair digestion and lead to stagnation.

Manage Stress and Promote Flow

In Chinese Medicine, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and is easily affected by stress. Chronic stress can lead to irregular cycles, PMS, or even fertility struggles. Consider:

• Gentle movement like yoga, tai chi, or walking
• Journaling or mindfulness practices
• Limiting screen time before bed to support deeper sleep

 

Want to learn more?  We love to help, educate, and let those who menstruate know that the period can be easy, pain free, and regular.  We have lots of tips and tools that we can specify to you.  Our website has information available on many conditions common to menstrual health, click here to dig in.

Looking for more support?  Set up an appointment or talk to your provider, hormonal health is an area where Chinese medicine has a lot to offer.

Julie