bubble_chart Concept

Limb spasms during menstruation that resolve after the period are referred to as menstrual spasms.

bubble_chart Pattern Analysis

1. Blood Deficiency︰The symptoms are mild, accompanied by numbness, and return to normal after menstruation. The menstrual flow is heavy and pale in color, with a pale complexion, a pale tongue texture, and a thin, weak or thin, slippery and weak pulse. This is due to constitutional blood deficiency, compounded by blood loss during menstruation, leading to further depletion of liver blood and malnutrition of the sinews, resulting in symptoms such as limb convulsions, numbness, and brief convulsions, along with a pale complexion, pale tongue texture, and a thin, soft, weak pulse, all indicative of blood deficiency. The treatment should focus on nourishing yin and blood, using the Eight Precious Ingredients Decoction with the addition of magnetite and dragon's teeth. After menstruation, the Major Tonifying Pill should be taken for recuperation. For liver depression qi stagnation convulsions, there are often abnormal mental changes before the onset, such as restlessness and sleep disturbances. During the episode, there are convulsions in the limbs lasting for a longer duration, followed by dizziness, limb weakness, and lack of strength. Patients often have a history of visceral agitation. The treatment should aim to relieve stagnation, soothe the liver, support the spleen, and nourish blood, using the Licorice, Wheat and Jujube Decoction combined with the Peripatetic Powder and the addition of immature orange fruit and salvia. After menstruation, the Guipi Pill should be used for regulation.
2. Liver Depressionblood Deficiency︰During menstruation, emotional agitation, inner restlessness, and disturbed sleep may occur, followed by convulsions in the limbs. The episodes last for a relatively long time, and after the onset, dizziness, lack of strength, limb weakness, and frequent constipation are observed. The tongue texture appears dark red or slightly pale, with scant coating, and the pulse is thin and wiry. This condition arises from excessive worry and depression, leading to stagnation of liver qi. Prolonged stagnation damages yin and blood, resulting in malnutrition of the tendons and vessels, which triggers convulsions. The key points for pattern identification are:
3. Wind Phlegm︰Chest tightness and nausea during menstruation, dizziness with blurred vision, followed by limb convulsions and unconsciousness, with a white and greasy or thin and greasy tongue coating, and a wiry and slippery pulse. This is often caused by pre-existing wind phlegm, weakened healthy qi during menstruation, internal disturbance of wind phlegm, and obstruction of the meridians. Symptoms include premenstrual chest tightness, nausea, dizziness with blurred vision, general fatigue, followed by limb convulsions and unconsciousness, a white and greasy tongue coating, and a wiry and slippery pulse. Treatment should focus on extinguishing wind, clearing phlegm, calming the heart, and opening the orifices. The recommended formula is Epilepsy-Stabilizing Pill combined with Arisaema cum Bile, Pinellia Ternata, Stiff Silkworm, and Uncaria.

Regarding the differentiation of postpartum spasms, generally speaking, a pale and lusterless complexion often indicates a blood deficiency syndrome. Those who have long been troubled by worry and depression, and exhibit abnormal mental changes before spasms, are mostly suffering from the syndrome of liver depression and qi stagnation. If there is chest tightness, nausea, dizziness, and headache before spasms, it is likely the wind-phlegm syndrome. The treatment should generally avoid excessive use of warm and dry substances to prevent further damage to yin and blood.