-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
reproductive system
menopause
acupuncture
patterns and combinations
» prefatory note: While menopause is a "condition" in a woman's personal evolution, it is in no way implied or considered necessary that menopause is a "disease" or state of ill health. At its healthy best, menopause has always been recognized as a flowering of maturation, a liberation, a graduation of sorts, wherein a woman moves beyond the middle phase of her life preoccupied as it often is with the responsibilities of relationship, whether with children and the raising of a family and/or the establishment of a social role in terms of a career. Many cultural traditions have honored the cessation of the menses as a stepping forth into spiritual profundity and personal wisdom where the power previously released through the monthly flow is now kept within, nurtured and cultivated. The changes that come upon a woman as she settles into this phase of her life, often associated with the waning moon, have been revered, honored and feared. In our patients, and in ourselves, menopause, and the changes it introduces, needs most of all to be respected. Nevertheless, when this transition is distressful and debilitating we will certainly want to offer our assistance to balance the process and support the woman.
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns:
Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) with Liver Qi Stagnation; Liver Yang Rising; Heart Yin Xu (Deficiency) with Heart Fire Blazing; Heart Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); Phlegm Accumulation with Qi Stagnation; Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency) with Empty Fire Blazing; any of above with Shen Disturbance
» illustrative combinations:
CV-4, CV-3, St-29, St-28, Sp-6, Lv-5 and Lv-6 for menopausal syndrome; also consider St-30 with lower abdominal pain; UB-23 and UB-32 with low back pain; Sp-13 with lower abdominal mass; and/or Sp-8, Sp-9 and GB-26 with leukorrhea (Liu, p. 406)
Lv-3, Kd-3, GV-20, GB-20, PC-7, Kd-6, Kd-1 and UB-23, yao yang for Liver Yang Rising contributing to menopausal symptoms (Qiu and Su, p. 24-25)
UB-15, UB-20, UB-23, Sp-6 (can also add: an mian, Ht-7, PC-8, GV-26, PC-7) for Heart Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) contributing to menopausal symptoms (Qiu and Su, p. 25-26)
CV-17, CV-12, CV-6, TW-6, St-40 and Sp-6 (=) for Accumulation of Phlegm and Stagnation of Qi contributing to menopausal symptoms (Qiu and Su, p. 26)
UB-1 and Kd-18: regulate menopausal transition (Finkelstein, p. 37)
Kd-8, UB-1, Kd-18 and CV-9: regulate menopausal functions (Finkelstein, p. 54)
Kd-8, UB-1, Kd-18, CV-9, Lu-7 and Kd-6: reduce bloating during menopause caused by excess gonadotrophic hormones and deficient sex hormones (Finkelstein, p. 54)
Kd-7 and Ht-6: regulate sweating, esp. menopausal hot flashes (Levine; Finkelstein, p. 54)
Lv-13, GB-41 and TW-5 (=): influence liver's ability to neutralize unemployed sex hormones (Finkelstein, p. 75)
UB-31, Sp-6 and GB-3: has strong hormonal action on women (Finkelstein, p. 46)
PC-7 and GV-26 (-): cool Heat in the Xue (Blood); calm Shen; resolve mental disturbances
UB-14 and UB-15 (+): pacify the Heart
UB-20 and UB-23 (+ and D): tonify the Spleen and Kidney
point analysis
» palpate and consider:
GB-20 (-): awakens the Shen and clears the Brain; subdues Liver Yang and Fire to calm and regulate the Liver; disperses and descends Liver Yang from the head; harmonizes Qi and Xue (Blood)
UB-14 (+): pacifies the Heart; disperses Yang Shi (Excess) in the Jue Yin (Pericardium and Liver); regulates and tonifies the Heart Qi and Yang; spreads Liver Qi; Pericardium Shu Associated point
UB-15 (+): calms the Heart and the Shen; quiets the Mind and the Soul; strengthens and clears the Brain; strengthens Heart Qi, nourishes Heart Xue (Blood), and tonifies Heart Yin; clears Heart Fire and disperses Yang Shi (Excess) in the Heart (-); calms sexual dreaming; cools Heat in the Xue (Blood); invigorates circulation of the Qi and Xue (Blood) and tonifies Xu (Deficiency); influences the thyroid (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); Heart Shu Associated point
UB-20 (+ and D): tonifies the Spleen and nourishes the Xue (Blood); enhances Spleen Yang to mobilize Stagnant Qi; resolves Dampness and Phlegm; benefits the Ying (Constructive) Qi; Spleen Shu Associated point
UB-23 (+ and D): nourishes Yin, Xue (Blood) and Kidney Jing (Essence); prevents or relieves general stress fatigue or premature senility (Finkelstein, p. 44); strengthens the Heart (Ross, 1985, p. 130); tonifies and adjusts the Kidney; influences adrenals; counterbalances Liver Fire; resolves Dampness; controls the bones and strengthens the spine, esp. the lower back; Kidney Shu Associated point
UB-31 (-): invigorates the Xue (Blood); consolidates the Jing (Essence); regulates the Lower Warmer and menstruation; master point of the climacteric (Finkelstein, p. 46)
GV-4 (+ and D): pacifies the Shen; clears the Brain; relieves mental and physical exhaustion; nourishes the Yuan (Original) Qi; strengthens the Kidney; benefits and replenishes the Kidney Yang; reinforces and astringes the Jing (Essence); regulates the menses; stops vaginal discharge; stimulates adrenals and ovaries (Finkelstein, p. 77); strengthens the back, esp. benefits the lumbar vertebrae; "Gate of Life Fire"
GB-3 (-): dissipates Heat and Dampness of the Liver and Gall Bladder; stimulates the Brain; note: be careful not to insert deeper than 0.3 cun
UB-1 (=): controls the pituitary gland and its secretions via the hypothalamus and the autonomic nervous system; regulates the sleep cycle through the Yin and Yang Qiao Mai (Motility Vessels) by regulating the opening and closing of the eyes; Bladder Entry point; receives vessels from the Heart channel; Polarization point of the Yin and Yang Qiao Mai (Motility Vessels)
GV-26 (-): pacifies the Shen and resolves mental disturbances; cools Heat, including Heat in the Xue (Blood); regulates the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); benefits the spine, esp. lumbar and cervical
PC-6 (+): clears Heat; pacifies the Shen; tranquilizes the Heart; regulates the Qi and invigorates the Xue (Blood); harmonizes and regulates Middle and Upper Warmers; regulates Heart Qi and Xue (Blood); improves circulation of Xue (Blood) Yin of the Heart thus countering Yang of the Heart (Finkelstein, p. 58); regulates Liver Qi and relieves Liver Qi Stagnation; clears Liver Fire; opens the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) to distribute Qi to the Stomach, chest and Heart; Pericardium Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)
PC-7 (-): pacifies the Shen and and stabilizes the emotions, esp. fear, anxiety, agitation, tearfulness and panic; clears Fire of Heart and Pericardium; draws Xu (Deficiency) Fire back into the Mind; nourishes Heart Xue (Blood); dissipates Heat from the Ying (nutrient system) and Xue (Blood); Pericardium Yuan Source, Earth and Dispersion point; historically used as the Heart Source point (Maciocia, p. 436)
PC-8 (-): pacifies the Shen; soothes irritability; clears the Brain; relieves heat sensation of the chest, palms and soles; regulates the Heart (esp. Qi and Yang); cools and clears Heat and Fire from the Heart and Shen; cools Heat in the Xue (Blood); Pericardium Fire and Horary point
TW-6 (-): clears Fire and Heat; transforms Phlegm; facilitates Qi flow and spreads the Qi; regulates the Triple Warmer and the Zang-Fu organs; generates Fluids; expands and relaxes the chest; disperses Qi in the intercostal region; regulates and moistens the Large Intestine, esp. to resolve constipation; Triple Warmer Fire and Horary point
TW-5 (=): clears Heat; opens and moves the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel) and regulates the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); normalizes excess of gonadotropins and stimulates thyroid (Finkelstein, p. 62); transforms Phlegm and dissolves Toxins; clears Xiao Yang (Gall Bladder) in the head and disperse Liver Yang Shi (Excess); Triple Warmer Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel)
Ht-6 (+): pacifies the Heart and Shen; nourishes Heart Yin; clears Xu (Deficiency) Heat, esp. from Heart; clears Fire from the Heart; stops sweating, esp. night sweats; Heart Xi Cleft Accumulation point
SI-3 (=): pacifies the Shen and clears the Mind; opens the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and regulates the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); treats pituitary imbalance, using location reactive to palpation, often ca. SI-3.5 (Matsumoto); dispels Dampness and Internal Heat; strengthens the spine and relieves back pain; relaxes the sinews and muscles; Small Intestine Wood and Tonification point; Master point of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); Couple point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel)
Lu-7 (+): opens and regulates the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); effects release of sexual hormones; stimulates Lung function of dominating Water Pathways and controlling edema; Lung Luo Connecting and Exit point; Master point of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel)
Kd-18 (=): strengthens the Middle Warmer; regulates the Stomach; Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) point
Lv-13 (=): spreads and promotes smooth flow of Liver Qi; influences liver's ability to neutralize unemployed sex hormones to help headaches, migraines, and menopausal syndromes (Finkelstein, p. 75); invigorates the Stomach and Spleen; regulates circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood); quickens the Xue (Blood) and disperses Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); transforms Damp-Heat; Spleen Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the five Zang (Yin viscera)
CV-17 (+): calms emotions; regulates and smooths Qi circulation in the Upper Warmer; reinforces the Zhong (Ancestral) Qi of the chest; transforms Phlegm; suppresses nausea; Pericardium and Upper Warmer Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the Qi; Upper Sea of Qi; Center Reunion point of the Breath
CV-12 (+): regulates and harmonizes the Stomach; strengthens and calms the Spleen; transforms Dampness and Phlegm; benefits and soothes the Qi; Stomach and Middle Warmer Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the Fu (Yang organs); Reunion Point of the Yin and Yang
CV-9 (-): balances endocrine and lymphatic systems; stabilizes all secretions (Finkelstein, p. 87); warms the Middle Warmer; regulates the Spleen and Stomach; dissolves Dampness; assists Small Intestine in its functions of separating liquid from matter, the Clear from the Turbid, and maintaining water balance (Finkelstein, p. 87); Small Intestine Mu Alarm point; pulsing here indicates Kidney Xu (Deficiency) (Matsumoto)
CV-6 (+): strengthens and moves the Qi, esp. in the Lower Warmer; influences the pituitary, thyroid and adrenals (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); reduces Liver Fire; cools Heat in the Xue (Blood); regulates Qi of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); warms and strengthens the Lower and Middle Warmers (D); tonifies the Kidney; regulates and tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes Kidney Yang and reinforces Jing (Essence); regulates Water Pathways and dispels Dampness; regulates the menses and stops vaginal discharge; Dan Tien (Elixir of Long Life), with CV-5
CV-4 (+ and D): pacifies the Shen; regulates the Qi and benefits Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes Xue (Blood) and Yin; moxa to warm and dispel Damp; regulates and reinforces the Qi of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates the Uterus and menses; strengthens the function of astringing the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) and restraining the Xue (Blood); nourishes and stabilizes the Kidney; stimulates sex hormones; warms the Kidney Yang, the Lower Warmer and Uterus (D); Small Intestine Mu Alarm point; Reunion Point of the Yin and Yang
CV-3 (+): assists the transforming functions of Qi; tonifies the Kidney Qi and Yang; tonifies sexual function; cools and clears Damp-Heat, esp. in Lower Warmer; regulates the Bladder, Lower Warmer and the Water Pathways; promotes urination; regulates the Uterus and menses; removes Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Uterus; Bladder Mu Alarm point
GB-26 (=): regulates the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); special point for treating gynecological conditions; alleviates Damp-Heat; regulates menses; stops leukorrhea; relaxes muscles of the lumbar spine, esp. iliopsoas; esp. with sensation of being seated in water; Entry point of Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel)
St-28 (-): regulates Heat Qi of the Triple Warmer, Kidney and Bladder; activates Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); cools and clears Damp-Heat, esp. in Lower Warmer; regulates body fluids; facilitates Lower Warmer; seeps Water Dampness by opening Water Pathways to promote diuresis; ovary reflex point (Matsumoto)
St-29 (-): moves Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Uterus; treats Yin of the Uterus; regulates the Lower Warmer and menstruation; special effect on reproductive organs
St-36 (+ and D): calms the Shen; strengthens Spleen function to dispel Dampness; regulates and strengthens Qi and Xue (Blood); strengthens weak and deficient conditions; regulates and replenishes the Middle Warmer; regulates Ying (Constructive) Qi and spreads Liver Qi; nourishes Kidney, Liver and Spleen; tonifies Kidney Yin; Stomach He Sea Lower Uniting, Earth and Horary point; Sea of Nourishment point
Sp-10 (+ or -): regulates and invigorates the Xue (Blood); cools Heat in the Xue (Blood); nourishes Xue (Blood) Dryness; harmonizes and tonifies Ying (Constructive) Qi; perfuses the Lower Warmer; regulates the menses; clear Damp-Heat, esp. Lower Warmer
Sp-9 (=): regulates and tonifies Spleen (especially Yang); warms and moves the Middle Warmer; regulates the Water Pathways; transforms Damp Stagnation, esp. through promotion of diuresis; dispels Damp-Heat and eliminates Phlegm-Dampness; benefits the Lower Warmer; Spleen He Sea Uniting and Water point
Sp-8 (-): regulates and tonifies the Spleen (especially Qi); promotes circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood); regulates and adjusts the Uterus; regulates menstruation, esp. moves hesitant menstrual flow; stops leukorrhea; Spleen Xi Cleft Accumulation point
Sp-6 (+): pacifies the Shen; nourishes Yin, esp. of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney; influences pituitary, adrenals, uterus and ovaries (Finkelstein, p. 27; Worsley, 1985, p. B-20); disperses Heart Fire; clears Fire due to Xu (Deficiency); loosens congestion in the diaphragm; strengthens the Spleen; tonifies Qi and builds the Xue (Blood); regulates, nourishes and moves the Xue (Blood); clears Xue (Blood) Heat; spreads the Liver Qi and suppresses Liver Heat; restores circulation to the Lower Warmer; tonifies the Kidney; transforms Dampness and Heat; stimulates activity of the Uterus, regulates the menses, and reduces menstrual pain; regulates the Xue (Blood) Chamber and the Palace of Jing (Essence) (Flaws, 1989, p. 46); Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels
Sp-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; clears Heat; regulates Lower and Middle Warmers; moves, adjusts and strengthens the Spleen and Middle Warmer; transforms Dampness and Damp-Heat; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; regulates the Xue (Blood), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and menstrual cycle; invigorates the Xue (Blood) and regulates the Sea of Xue (Blood); disperses Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis), esp. in the Middle Warmer; relieves trauma to and treats genital organs; Spleen Luo Connecting point; Master point of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)
Kd-8 (=): regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); clears Heat and eliminates Damp; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates menstruation; adjusts Qi and Xue (Blood) in Uterus and genitals; regulates female reproductive system and stimulates female hormones; tonifies the Kidney; regulates adrenals and Kidney Qi; removes Obstructions from the channels; removes masses; regulates fluid balance; Xi Cleft Accumulation point of Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel)
Kd-7 (+): clears Heat and nourishes Yin; strengthens Spleen and rids body of excess fluids; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; strengthens and enriches the Kidney; stimulates the adrenals and thyroid; facilitates and regulates Bladder, menses and Water Pathways; cools and clears Damp-Heat; moistens dryness; regulates the pores and sweating, esp. menopausal hot flashes; disperses Stagnation; esp. for those who are irritable; short-tempered; angry; Kidney Metal and Tonification point
Kd-6 (+): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; nourishes the Heart; cools and clears Heat; clears Xu (Deficiency) Fire; removes Obstruction from the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); opens the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); balances excess or deficiency of any hormonal secretion and stimulates adrenals (Finkelstein, p. 53); tonifies Kidney (especially Yin); moistens dryness; eliminates excess fluid retention and initiates diuresis; promotes function of the Uterus; regulates the Lower Warmer and menses; strengthens lower back and loins; Master point and Entry point of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); Couple point of Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
Kd-3 (+): tonifies the Kidney, Yuan (Original) Qi, Xue (Blood) and Jing (Essence); nourishes and enriches Kidney Yin, supplies Liver Yin, and tonifies Yin of the entire body; cools and descends Heat; pacifies and clears Xu (Deficiency) Fire and Heat; strengthens the Brain; benefits the ears; clears Lung Heat; moistens Dryness, esp. in the Lung, treats thyroid imbalance (Matsumoto); tonifies Kidney Yang and Ming Men Fire (D); regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); promotes function of Uterus; regulates menses and Water Pathways; Kidney Yuan Source and Earth point
Kd-1 (-): pacifies the Shen; tranquilizes the Mind; regulates Yin and Yang; clears Fire and Heat (especially in the head); pacifies and calms the Heart; transforms Heart Heat; reinforces the Kidney; nourishes Kidney Yin (and thereby suppresses Liver Fire); nourishes Yin and benefits Jing (Essence); Kidney Jing Well, Wood, Dispersion and Entry point
Lv-8 (+): drains Liver Fire; nourishes Liver Xue (Blood); clears and cools Damp-Heat; frees and facilitates the Lower Warmer; Liver He Sea Uniting, Water and Tonification point
Lv-6 (-): removes Stagnancy of Liver Qi; harmonizes Qi and Xue (Blood); dispels Damp-Heat; Liver Xi Cleft Accumulation point
Lv-5 (=): drains the Liver; spreads Liver Qi and disperses Liver Qi Stagnation; benefits the Qi; tonifies Liver and Yang; relieves Obstruction in Lower Warmer; secures Jing (Essence); tonifies and warms Fire of Life function as manifested in sexuality (Finkelstein, p. 74); benefits urogenital area and resolves Damp-Heat in the Lower Warmer to stop itching and discharge; regulates menses; relaxes the sinews; Liver Luo Connecting point
Lv-3 (-): pacifies the Shen; relieves anger and mellows spirits of those who are frustrated and jealous (Finkelstein, p. 73); clears head and thinking; relieves headache; suppresses dizziness; regulates the Liver and clears Liver Fire; promotes smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); releases Liver Stagnation; subdues Liver Yang; influences the parathyroids and ovaries (Worsley, 1975, p. B-20); tonifies Liver Xue (Blood); regulates circulation of Xue (Blood) to disperse Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and regulate menses; discharges Damp-Heat in the Lower Warmer; releases muscle spasms; Liver Yuan Source and Earth point
GB-41 (=): removes Fire; dissolves Phlegm; relieves distention and swelling in the breast; spreads and drains the Liver and releases Liver Qi Stagnation; clears and regulates the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); dispels Damp-Heat; clears Wetness (Damp Spleen) by draining into Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); Gall Bladder Wood and Horary point; Master point of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); Couple point of the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel)
ear: uterus, endocrine, ovary, liver, kidney; shen men
footnotes
Reprinted from The Foundations of Chinese Medicine, Maciocia, Giovanni, 1989, by permission of the publisher Churchill Livingstone, a division of Elsevier Limited.
Reprinted from Zang Fu: The Organ Systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ross, Jeremy, 2nd ed, p. 75, 1985, by permission of the publisher Churchill Livingstone, a division of Elsevier Limited.