Reference; https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32475/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Menstrual Cycles Are Influenced by Emotional Well-Being
Menstruation refers to the periodic shedding of the uterine lining that occurs approximately once a month. The menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of one menstrual period to the day before the start of the next period. Medically, a normal menstrual cycle is considered to range from 25 to 38 days. When the cycle falls outside this range, it may be classified as a menstrual cycle irregularity, commonly known as an irregular period.
Although menstrual cycles of 28 to 30 days are the most common, the cycle reflects the ongoing changes in the uterine lining and ovaries. Menstrual patterns vary considerably from person to person, and even in the same individual, the cycle can fluctuate depending on stress levels and overall health.
Several factors may contribute to menstrual irregularities, including excessive dieting, unbalanced nutrition, and intense physical exercise, all of which place stress on the body. In addition, those who provide first aid at sporting events occasionally witness the unexpected onset of menstruation during competition or training, suggesting that emotional and psychological stress can also influence the timing and regularity of the menstrual cycle.
Women with Irregular Menstrual Cycles Often Have Weak “Pi-Zang (Spleen System)”
Function
Menstruation appears to be closely related to the maturation of the internal organs and the body’s ability to maintain physiological balance. Many young women do not develop a fully regular menstrual cycle until their early twenties after the onset of menarche. As a result, perceptions of what constitutes a menstrual irregularity can vary from person to person.
Women may experience a variety of menstrual-related conditions, including:
- Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
- Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
- Hypomenorrhea (scanty menstrual bleeding)
- Anovulatory cycles (menstrual cycles without ovulation)
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
Some women become particularly aware of menstrual irregularities when considering the possibility of pregnancy.
For individuals experiencing these symptoms, consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is essential. Depending on the diagnosis, medical or surgical treatment may be recommended. However, many people who have not achieved satisfactory results through conventional treatment eventually seek acupuncture and moxibustion as a complementary therapeutic option.
Based on our 45 years of clinical experience, we have observed that many individuals suffering from irregular menstrual cycles show signs of weakened “Pi-Zang” (the Spleen System) as understood in Traditional East Asian Medicine. We believe that regularly supporting the function of the Pi-Zang can help the body regain a more consistent and balanced menstrual rhythm.
In Western medicine, the term organ generally refers to a specific anatomical structure. In Traditional East Asian Medicine, however, the concept of Zang-Fu encompasses not only the physical organs themselves but also their physiological functions and interrelationships within the body.
The Pi-Zang (Spleen System) therefore refers not only to the spleen and stomach as physical organs, but also to the broader network of functions associated with digestion, nutrient transformation, energy production, and the maintenance of overall physiological balance. This functional system plays an important role in supporting healthy menstrual function and reproductive health.