Dysmenorrhea - Cold with Blood Stasis Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for dysmenorrhea with
Dysmenorrhea · Cold with Blood Stasis Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Pelvis
Pattern Overview
Cold with Blood Stasis is a common pattern in dysmenorrhea,
characterized by **cold-induced uterine vasoconstriction, menstrual pain
relieved by warmth, cold extremities, and dark menstrual blood with
clots. The core pathogenesis is Cold invading the uterus causing
Blood stasis**, leading to uterine vasoconstriction, ischemia, and
severe cramping pain.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
cold extremities |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
complexion, cold lower back |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Cold invading the uterus causing Blood stasis |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
constitutional Cold |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Guanyuan (RN4) | 3 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
supplements Yuan Qi |
| Qihai (RN6) | 1.5 cun below the umbilicus |
|---|
the lower abdomen |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
for gynecological conditions; regulates menstruation |
| Diji (SP8) |
|---|
meridian | Xi-Cleft point of Spleen; treats acute menstrual pain |
| Shiqizhui (EX-B8) |
|---|
of L5 | Extra point for painful menstruation |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; heavy
moxibustion is strongly recommended to warm the uterus and disperse
Cold.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Wen Jing Tang (温经汤) or Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
(少腹逐瘀汤)
Composition (Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang):
Fennel Seed (Xiao Hui Xiang), Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), Myrrh (Mo Yao),
Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Cinnamon (Rou Gui),
Trogopterus Dung (Wu Ling Zhi), Pollen Typhae (Pu Huang)
Action: Warms the uterus, disperses Cold, invigorates blood, and
resolves stasis.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe cold pain | Add Fu Zi, Gui Zhi to warm Yang and disperse Cold |
|---|
| Dark blood clots | Add Tao Ren, Hong Hua to invigorate blood |
|---|
| Cold extremities | Add Gui Zhi, Sheng Jiang to warm the meridians |
|---|
| Weakness | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Cold-induced uterine artery vasoconstriction causing ischemia and
hypoxia, with increased uterine artery resistance and decreased blood
flow. Cold with Blood Stasis corresponds to dysmenorrhea with cold
sensitivity, where cold-induced vasoconstriction and reduced uterine
blood flow contribute to ischemia and pain.
References
1. Gynecology of TCM - Dysmenorrhea with Cold Coagulation and Blood
Stasis.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Cold Coagulation belongs to Excess
Pattern - Clearing and Warming.
3. WHO. (2023). Women's health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for menstrual
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM women's health.
Related TCM Patterns for Dysmenorrhea
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.