Let's talk about your flow!
If you have ever talked to an acupuncturist, you might have been surprised at how interested we are in all the details regarding your period.
How many days, how heavy, what color and consistency it is... we want to know it all, because it reveals what is happening inside the body on a larger scale.
In this article, let's break down the basic of the flow's colors.
What's your shade of red ?
The ideal color could be called crimson, pretty similar to what you see when you are bleeding from any other part of your body. During your period, you are not only losing blood, but you are also shedding your endometrium lining, so it is normal to see some small blood clots or tissue as well.
Bright red blood that is thick, almost mucous-like, is usually an indication of heat. Usually this happens with other symptoms like feelings of heat, acne, heavy flow, heartburn etc. This might be linked to your body temperature being too high in the early part of your cycle (above 36.6 °C). Your blood then will have a tendency to be brighter than normal. High body temperature also interrupts the timing of ovulation, which negatively affects fertility.
Blood with a darker color or even purple or brown tone, along with many small purple clots, tells us that there is blood stagnation. Other signs of stagnation include spotting before the full flow arrives, very painful cramps or purplish nails and lips. This can be seen in women with a history of fibroids and endometriosis. Women with very dark menstrual blood may have difficulties with fertility and conceiving.
Flow that is lighter in color, almost pink, denotes what Chinese medicine calls blood deficiency, similar to anemia. You could be experiencing lightheadedness, fatigue after your period or delayed cycles.
Pay attention next time your period comes, and take note !
Acupuncture treatment for regularizing your period
Acupuncture has been proved through controlled trials to be an effective treatment for primary dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), according to the World Health Organization*.
With Chinese herbs, most patients report an improvement of their cycle within 3 months of consistent use, in addition to acupuncture.
Read our article about herbs and menstrual cramps.
No matter where you are in your
women's health, fertility, pregnancy & mothering journey,
if you need support, we can help.
In addition to our own team of fertility & women's health acupuncturists, we are well-connected within the Los Angeles- Pasadena area community to help you
find the right integrative and holistic care for you.
On our website, you can learn more about our services, and book an appointment.
If you have more questions please call our front desk, at 626-841-2991, or email us.
References
Helms JM. Acupuncture for the management of primary dysmenorrhea. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1987, 69:51-56.
Shi XL et al. [Acupuncture at SP 6 in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea.] Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1994, 14(5):241-242 [in Chinese].