What Does "Benglou" Mean? Exploring the Concept of Abnormal Bleeding as Benglou
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Menorrhagia and Metrorrhagia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia are terms used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to describe gynecological conditions. When menstruation is delayed for more than two weeks and accompanied by irregular bleeding, it is generally considered a form of menorrhagia or metrorrhagia in TCM, known as "Jing Beng" (collapse of menstruation) and "Jing Lou" (leakage of menstruation) respectively.
What is Menorrhagia and Metrorrhagia?
Menorrhagia and metrorrhagia collectively refer to vaginal bleeding in women outside of their menstrual cycle. The primary clinical manifestation is vaginal bleeding. In severe cases, heavy bleeding is termed "collapse," while light bleeding or continuous dripping is referred to as "leakage." Modern medical conditions such as functional uterine bleeding, genital inflammation, and tumors that cause vaginal bleeding fall under the category of menorrhagia and metrorrhagia in TCM.Causes of Menorrhagia and Metrorrhagia
The causes can be attributed to various factors, including excessive yang, heat pathogens, liver qi stagnation transforming into heat, yin deficiency with excessive internal heat, spleen qi deficiency due to dietary irregularities or fatigue, emotional imbalances, exposure to cold and dampness, blood stasis, early marriage and childbirth, multiple pregnancies, prolonged illness affecting the kidneys, and inadequate sealing and storing of essences.Common Patterns and Treatments
- Yin Deficiency and Blood Heat: Irregular menstruation with heavy or sudden bleeding, dark red blood, hot flashes, dry mouth and throat, hot palms and soles, insomnia, irritability, red tongue with yellow fur, and thin and rapid pulse. Treatment focuses on nourishing yin, cooling blood, and consolidating menstruation, using formulas such as Qingre Gujing Tang.
- Liver Qi Stagnation and Blood Heat: Irregular menstruation with alternating heavy and light bleeding, deep red and thick blood, irritability, breast distension, red tongue with yellow fur, and wiry and rapid pulse. Treatment aims to clear heat, soothe liver qi, and stop bleeding, using formulas like Danzhi Xiaoyao Wan.
- Spleen Qi Deficiency: Sudden heavy bleeding or continuous dripping with pale blood, pale complexion, shortness of breath, fatigue, poor appetite, chest tightness, palpitations, loose stools, pale tongue, and weak pulse. Treatment emphasizes strengthening spleen qi and regulating blood, using formulas like Gubenzhibeng Tang and Pitang.
- Blood Stasis Blockage: Persistent or sudden bleeding with dark purple blood, abdominal pain relieved by pressure, dark red tongue with ecchymoses, and sunken and rough pulse. Treatment focuses on promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, and stopping bleeding, using formulas like Taosi Wuwutang.
- Kidney Deficiency: Light bleeding or sudden heavy bleeding, light red or purple blood, sore lower back and abdomen, insomnia, night sweats, heat sensations, or cold intolerance, loose stools, red or pale tongue, and thin or weak pulse. Treatment aims to nourish and strengthen the kidneys, using appropriate methods and formulas.
