Uterine Bleeding

Vaginal hemorrhage beyond menstrual period , either copious or continuously dripping , is generally defined as metrorrhagia . The copious bleeding with a sudden onset is referred to as profuse metrorrhagia , and the scanty bleeding with a gradual onset as continuous scanty uterine bleeding . Although they are different in manifestations , the two are intertransmutable during the process of the disease course . Chronic profuse bleeding consumes qi and blood , leading to continuous scanty bleeding , whereas prolonged scanty bleeding becomes . worse , it inevitably turns to profuse bleeding . In terms of severity , the profuse bleeding is severe and the scanty bleeding is comparatively mild . It says in Recipes for Saving Lives , Vaginal bleedings are of the same scope of a disease , while the mild one is called continuous scanty bleeding and the severe one is named profuse metrorrhagia .

Etiology and Pathogenesis

a ) Excessive heat : The causative factors may be constant excess of yang , exposure to external pathogenic heat , indulgence in spicy food and disturbance of the seven emotions , etc . , which transform into internal fire . The Chong and Ren Meridians are injured by heat and there appears bleeding . It may also be due to exasperation that hurts the liver . Abundant liver fire expels the blood out of its shedding house , causing metrorrhagia .

b ) Qi deficiency : Worries , irregular intake of food and overstrain may damage the spleen qi . A weakened spleen is unable to restrict blood , instablizes the activities of the Chong and Ren Meridians and finally metrorrhagia presents .

Differentiation

a ) Excessive heat : Main manifestations : Sudden onset of profuse or prolonged continuous vaginal bleeding in deep red color . Fidgets , insomnia , dizziness , red tongue with yellow coating , rapid pulse .

Analysis : The blood escape is due to excessive internal heat . When the heat disturbs the mind there present fidgets and insomnia . Dizziness is caused by the upward going of heat . Red tongue with yellow coating and rapid pulse are signs of heat in the blood .

b ) Qi deficiency : Main manifestations : Sudden profuse bleeding or continuous scanty bleeding marked by light red and thin blood , lassitude , shortness of breath , apathy , anorexia , pale tongue , thready weak pulse .

Analysis : It is caused by the failure of the qi in control of blood and the disordered Chong and Ren Meridians . Lassitude , shortness of breath and apathy are manifestations of qi deficiency in the middle jiao . Anorexia derives from the dysfunction of the spleen in transportation and transformation . The light - colored and thin blood is due to failure of blood to be warmed up . The pale tongue and thready weak pulse are signs of deficiency of qi and blood .

Treatment

a ) Excessive heat :

Method : Mainly select points of the Ren and Foot - Taiyin Meridians . Acupuncture with the reducing method is used to clear off heat and stop bleeding .

Prescription : Zhongji ( Ren 3 ) , Xuehai ( Sp 10 ) , Yinbai ( Sp 1 ) , Ququan ( Liv 8 ) . Supplementary points : Affection of external heat : Quchi ( Li11 ) . Excessive heart Fire : Shaofu ( H 8 ) . Excessive liver fire : Taichong ( Liv 3 ) . Explanation : Zhongji ( Ren 3 ) , the meeting point of the three foot yin meridians and the Ren and Chong Meridians , is used to adjust the qi of the Chong and Ren Meridians so as to check the escape of blood . Yinbai ( Sp 1 ) , the Jmg - ( Well ) Point of the Spleen Meridian , is often helpful to metrorrhagia . Ququan ( Liv 8 ) functions to sooth and regulate the liver qi . Xuehai used ( Sp 10 ) with the reducing method may remove heat from blood to stop bleeding . All the points functioning together can clear heat , reduce fire , regulate meridians and cease bleeding . In case of varied symptoms , Quchi ( Li11 ) is added to dissipate the pathogenic heat , and Shaofu ( H 8 ) is used to clear away the heart fire , and Taichong ( Liv 3 ) to reduce the liver fire .

b ) Qi deficiency :

Method : Select the points of the Ren and Foot - Taiyin Meridians as the principal points . Acupuncture with the reinforcing method and moxibustion are employed to promote the restricting function of qi .

Prescription : Baihui ( Du 20 ) , Guanyuan ( Ren 4 ) , Zusanii ( S 36 ) , Sanyinjiao ( Sp 6 ) , Yinbai ( Sp 1 ) , Yangchi ( S J 4 ) . Supplementary points : Spleen qi deficiency manifested by anorexia and loose stools : Pishu ( B 20 ) , Weishu ( B 21 ) .

Explanation : Guanyuan ( Ren 4 ) can adjust the Chong and Ren Meridians , promote the restricting function of qi and stop uterine bleeding . Sanyinjiao ( Sp 6 ) , Yinbai ( Sp 1 ) and Zusanii ( S 36 ) are together used to tonify the spleen and foster the restriction of qi on blood . Moxibustion applied to Baihui ( Du 22 ) helps the ascending of yang qi , an application of the principle of using upper points for lower disorders . Yangchi ( S J 4 ) is the Yuan - ( Primary ) Point of the Sanjiao Meridian , which maintains the qi in general . Needling Yangchi ( S J 4 ) with the reinforcing method may build up the functions of the Chong and Ren Meridians and foster the restriction of qi on blood .

Remarks

This disease includes functional uterine bleeding due to ovarian dysfunction , but organic disorders of the reproductive system must be excluded .