Treatment of Epistaxis and Hemoptysis at Period Time in Chinese Medicine

Epistaxis and hemoptysis are symptoms that may occur before, during, or after the period. In Western medicine, these symptoms may indicate endometriosis, but they may also occur in the absence of such a disease. In Chinese medicine, they are typically associated with a situation of Qi rebelling upwards and are therefore strongly related to a Penetrating Vessel pathology.

Pathology

The pathology of epistaxis and hemoptysis at period time is mostly related to the Liver channel and the Penetrating Vessel. In women, the Liver stores Blood and this is abundant at the time when the period is due. When affected by emotional stress such as anger, frustration, or resentment, Liver-Qi, and therefore Blood, can stagnate. This can give rise to Liver-Fire, which follows rebellious Qi upwards and damages the Blood-Connecting channels, causing bleeding from the nose or lungs.

Treatment Principles

The treatment principles for this condition are to drain Fire (or clear Empty-Heat), subdue rebellious Qi, and attract blood downwards. These principles apply to both excess and deficiency patterns causing the condition. In cases of Lung- and Kidney-Yin deficiency, it is also necessary to pacify the Liver and subdue rebellious Qi.

Conclusion

Epistaxis and hemoptysis at period time can be treated effectively in Chinese medicine by addressing the underlying pathological factors of stagnant Liver-Qi, Fire, and rebellious Qi. This can be done through the use of specific herbs and acupuncture points, following the principles of draining Fire, subduing rebellious Qi, and attracting blood downwards.