TCM Gynaecology
Menstrual Health · Dysmenorrhoea · Fertility · PCOS
TCM gynaecology focuses on warming the uterus and harmonising qi and blood to support natural menstrual rhythm and reproductive wellbeing. Results vary by individual.
Scope of Care
Gynaecology Services
Irregular cycles (early, late or unpredictable), heavy or scanty flow — chong-ren and kidney-spleen regulating herbs may help restore rhythm. Typically 2–3 months of care to observe changes; results vary.
Abdominal pain, backache and breast tenderness before or during menses — TCM differentiates cold congelation, qi stagnation or blood stasis. Warming and blood-moving herbs with acupuncture may help ease discomfort.
Kidney-tonifying and chong-ren regulating herbs may support ovarian function and endometrial quality. Can be used as supportive care alongside IVF and other Western fertility treatments. Pre-conception care is often recommended for at least 3 months. Fertility TCM support →
Polycystic ovary syndrome is often linked to phlegm-dampness and kidney deficiency. Spleen-strengthening, phlegm-resolving and kidney-regulating herbs with dietary guidance and acupuncture may help support ovulation.
Hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes and bone health concerns — yin-nourishing and kidney-liver supporting herbs may help balance yin and yang during the menopausal transition.
Confinement support, lochia issues, insufficient lactation, postpartum low mood and back pain — qi and blood tonifying, spleen-kidney warming herbs may help postpartum recovery.
TCM Perspective
The Core of Gynaecological Health in TCM
Women are rooted in blood and animated by qi. When qi and blood are abundant and chong-ren are harmonised, menses flow normally; when not, many disorders may arise. TCM gynaecology centres on harmonising qi and blood and warming the uterus.
Cycle-Based Herbal Therapy
Formulas are adjusted across menstrual phases (follicular, ovulatory, luteal, menstruation) to align with physiological rhythm for more targeted support.
Acupuncture for Menstrual Health
Points such as Guanyuan, Sanyinjiao and Xuehai may help pelvic circulation and endocrine balance.
Lifestyle Guidance
Dietary advice, warmth and emotional management complement treatment. Pre- and post-menstrual dietary adjustments can significantly influence gynaecological patterns.
Pattern Differentiation
Common Gynaecological Patterns Compared
"Menstrual irregularity" can mean very different things depending on the underlying pattern, and the care direction differs accordingly. Below are patterns commonly seen at consult — for general reference only; an accurate diagnosis still needs tongue and pulse diagnosis alongside history-taking:
Cold congelation with blood stasis: lighter flow, dark or clotted blood, cold lower-abdominal pain before or during menses that eases with warmth; often with cold hands and feet. Care direction: warming the channels and moving blood.
Qi stagnation with blood stasis: pronounced premenstrual bloating and pain, clotted flow, breast tenderness; often with irritability and a tendency to sigh. Care direction: soothing the liver and regulating qi and blood.
Qi-blood deficiency: lighter, paler flow, a tendency to run late, marked fatigue after menses; often with pale complexion and dizziness or palpitations. Care direction: tonifying qi and blood.
Kidney deficiency (yin or yang): irregular cycle length, flow that varies unpredictably, symptoms more pronounced around perimenopause; often with lower back and knee soreness, and hot flushes or cold intolerance. Care direction: tonifying the kidney and regulating chong-ren.
Phlegm-dampness: commonly seen alongside PCOS, delayed cycles or amenorrhoea, lighter flow; often with a fuller body type, heavier discharge, and acne-prone, oily skin. Care direction: strengthening the spleen and resolving phlegm.
Most cases aren't a single, clean pattern — several often overlap or shift over time, for example long-standing qi stagnation turning into heat, or qi-blood deficiency alongside kidney deficiency. This comparison is for general orientation only; the actual prescription needs an in-person assessment, and self-diagnosing from a checklist (or a generic "cycle tea") isn't advisable. For more on how the cycle, mood and constitution connect, see our article on irregular periods and cycle care.
FAQ
Questions patients ask
TCM gynaecology covers a wide range — menstrual irregularity, period pain, PMS, menopause support and postpartum recovery all fall under this scope; fertility is just one part of it. Whether or not you are trying to conceive, or unmarried, you can still seek care for cycle, pain or mood-related concerns.
Yes, but the approach adjusts across cycle phases — during menstruation, stronger blood-moving herbs or certain points are usually avoided in favour of gentler support. The exact plan is assessed at consultation.
It varies with constitution, how long the pattern has been present, and lifestyle adherence. We generally suggest observing over 2–3 menstrual cycles, since cycle-based herbal therapy itself follows the follicular, ovulatory, luteal and menstrual phases — meaningful change takes a few cycles to show. Results vary; no guarantees.
No. TCM care focuses on overall constitution and qi-blood balance as a supportive approach. If a structural issue (such as fibroids or ovarian cysts) is suspected, or hormone data is needed, a gynaecological check-up is still recommended — the two can run in parallel rather than being an either-or choice.
Both are constitutional patterns that need time to shift. PCOS care is usually reviewed over 2–3 cycles alongside diet and lifestyle adjustment; menopause support varies with symptom severity — some notice hot-flush or sleep improvement within weeks, while overall constitutional change takes longer. Results vary.
Yes, this can run in parallel. Please tell Dr. Ng which stage of Western treatment you're at and what medication you're taking, so the herbal prescription can be adjusted to avoid unnecessary interaction — and let your gynaecologist know you're taking Chinese herbs too.
Further reading
Related pages
Long-Standing Gynaecological Concerns?
Describe your situation on WhatsApp — Dr. Ng will assess and outline a personalised supportive care plan.