TCM for menstrual pain: causes, patterns and treatment
Emese Sarolta Besedes
June 26, 2026
4 min
Menstrual pain is one of the most common complaints associated with the female cycle. For many women, it is recurrent and can significantly impair their quality of life. In our TCM practice at Zollikerberg Hospital, we do not regard period pain as a uniform clinical picture, but rather as an expression of various functional imbalances in the body. At the centre of this is the question of why the free flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood is disturbed. The treatment is therefore not only focussed on the symptom of pain, but also on the underlying constellation.
A basic understanding of menstruation in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the menstrual cycle is understood as an expression of the harmonious interaction between Qi and blood. Qi can be described, in simple terms, as the life energy or vital force that drives all physical and mental functions and circulates throughout the body.
The organ systems of the liver, spleen and kidneys play a central role in maintaining a balanced cycle:
- The liver ensures the free flow of Qi.
- The spleen is involved in the formation of blood.
- The kidneys are associated with reproductive essence and cycle regulation.
According to TCM, a pain-free menstrual cycle requires sufficient Qi and blood that can circulate freely. If blockages, deficiencies or imbalances occur, this can lead to symptoms such as menstrual pain, irregular cycles or premenstrual symptoms.
Common TCM patterns for menstrual pain
In clinical TCM practice, menstrual pain is categorised into different patterns. These differ in cause, pain character and accompanying symptoms.
When is TCM treatment useful?
TCM treatment can be considered in particular when menstrual pain is recurrent, painkillers are needed regularly and only have a limited effect and when a functional, holistic approach is desired.
Emese Sarolta Besedes, Naturopath TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
"In TCM, we don't see menstrual pain as an isolated symptom, but as an expression of an individual imbalance. A careful diagnosis enables me to tailor the treatment to the specific needs of each patient and promote a lasting improvement in well-being...
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TCM therapeutic approaches for menstrual pain
In our TCM practice, treatment is always based on the individual pattern and combines various forms of therapy. The aim is to restore the balance of Qi and blood and to harmonise the cycle functionally.
Chinese medicinal therapy
Chinese phytotherapy is an important component of TCM. It involves the use of customised herbal formulas that are specifically tailored to the diagnosed pattern. It is used for long-term regulation and to complement acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a key treatment method for period pain. It aims to regulate the flow of Qi and blood, release blockages and influence the autonomic nervous system.
Depending on the pattern, different pathways and points are treated, for example to:
- Regulating liver Qi in the event of stagnation
- Warming in cold patterns
- Build up blood and energy in the case of deficiencies
Many patients report a reduction in pain intensity and a stabilisation of the menstrual cycle during the course of treatment.
Chinese medicinal therapy
Chinese phytotherapy is an important component of TCM. It involves the use of customised herbal formulas that are specifically tailored to the diagnosed pattern. It is used for long-term regulation and to complement acupuncture treatment.
Classification in the overall medical context
TCM sees itself as a holistic, individualised treatment approach for menstrual pain. At the centre of this is the sample diagnosis, from which the therapeutic steps are derived. Acupuncture and other TCM methods can contribute to a noticeable improvement in symptoms for many patients. At the same time, the response varies from person to person.
TCM is part of an integrative care concept. If the symptoms are not sufficiently alleviated during the course of treatment, further medical investigations and additional therapy options are included. Our TCM practice is integrated into the care structure of Zollikerberg Hospital so that coordinated, interdisciplinary care is possible if required.
Nutrition and lifestyle counselling
In TCM, nutrition is not only considered in terms of nutrients, but also in terms of its energetic effect.
- Regular, warm meals
- Adequate fluid intake
- Adaptation of the diet in case of cold or deficiency patterns
- Support of the digestive power (spleen qi)
- Reduction of stress as an important factor influencing the flow of Qi
Classification in the overall medical context
TCM sees itself as a holistic, individualised treatment approach for menstrual pain. At the centre of this is the sample diagnosis, from which the therapeutic steps are derived. Acupuncture and other TCM methods can contribute to a noticeable improvement in symptoms for many patients. At the same time, the response varies from person to person.
TCM is part of an integrative care concept. If the symptoms are not sufficiently alleviated during the course of treatment, further medical investigations and additional therapy options are included. Our TCM practice is integrated into the care structure of Zollikerberg Hospital so that coordinated, interdisciplinary care is possible if required.
Conclusion
Period pains are understood in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an expression of a disturbed flow of Qi and Blood. Different patterns such as liver qi stagnation, cold, blood deficiency or blood stasis each require specific therapeutic approaches.
TCM offers a differentiated, individualised treatment concept with acupuncture, phytotherapy and nutritional medicine. The aim is not just to alleviate symptoms, but to achieve functional harmonisation of the entire cycle.
Natural relief for menstrual pain
We take time for you
We would be happy to inform you about the possibilities of traditional Chinese medicine for menstrual pain and advise you personally in our TCM practice.
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