TCM For Women's Health
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to women's health, focusing on balance and preventing disharmony within the body. To fully understand women's health along the lines of Chinese medicine, it is important to take note of Tiangui.
Tiangui (天癸) translates literally to "Heavenly Water", is a concept representing the essence of the Kidneys. It’s divided in 7-year cycles for women and 8-year cycles for men.
Tiangui plays a vital role in growth, development, and aging. This aligns with the concept of the endocrine system in contemporary medicine, where hormones secreted by glands like the pituitary regulate these processes.
A healthy balance of Kidney Jing and Tiangui is believed to be essential for normal development. The Nei Jing, a foundational TCM text, describes stages of growth influenced by the Kidneys. For example, "at three times seven [21 years old], the Kidney Qi is even, thus the teeth have fully grown and matured to the fullest." This reflects a TCM perspective on how the Kidneys support physiological development, which can be seen as complementary to the understanding of hormonal development in contemporary medicine.
Tiangui's functions in women’s health:
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Source: It's rooted in the Prenatal Essence stored in the Kidneys, established before birth.
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Nourishment: It's further nourished by the Postnatal Essence acquired from food and digestion.
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Function: It governs menstruation, ovulation, fertility, and sexual function.
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Balance: A healthy level of Tiangui is crucial for regular menstrual cycles, egg quality, and overall reproductive health.
Signs of Tiangui Imbalance:
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Irregular or scanty menstruation
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Difficulty getting pregnant
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Low libido
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Premature menopause
Maintaining Tiangui Balance:
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- Support Kidney Qi: Prioritize sleep, manage stress, and engage in moderate exercise
- Acupuncture: May help regulate menstrual cycles and support fertility.
- Herbal Formulas: A TCM practitioner might recommend specific herbs based on your individual needs.