By: Dr. Scott McFarlane, Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, Certified Massage Therapist

The Infradian Rhythm is an internal clock within the body that regulates the menstrual cycle. It directly impacts all reproductive health including fertility, metabolism, the immune system, and even neurological functions. Infradian rhythm profoundly attunes basic needs, cravings, and capabilities. It also adapts all human behaviors to help one thrive in health and wellness. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), females in general have a unique energetic pattern that creates a distinctive seasonal flow every month.

During the first phase, Qi, Blood, and Essence should flow freely. This easy flow is essential to a female’s long-term longevity and vibrancy. The second phase signifies a time to replenish and nourish the Blood and Yin followed by tonification of the kidneys in order to rebuild the uterine lining and create new follicles. The third phase is about both warming and tonifying the kidneys as well as strengthening the spleen to resolve any dampness that has accumulated. The fourth phase focuses on stimulating the free flow of Qi, invigorating Blood, and warming up the female uterus. In the end, this establishes a lack of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and more of a pain- free time during menstruation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the more attention one pays to the infradian rhythm within the body, the more positive and noticeable the impact in all facets of life. The changing of hormones throughout the menstrual cycle can impact digestion, sleep, energy, moods, and even overall mental health. These changes can cause and create migraine headaches, heavy cramping, and breast pain.

Working with the infradian rhythm involves a deeper understanding of this special and unique cycle. Acupuncture has been widely used for over thousands of years to help regulate this individual cycle and is known to produce remarkable results. It is this natural approach that encourages the body to re-establish regular healthy ovulation and bring hormones back into balance. This is done by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which helps to improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus and relax the body’s nervous system. Optimal results are achieved with weekly acupuncture treatments to help correct any underlying system imbalances.

Being a Doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, my priority is to encourage the complete discharge of the menstrual blood by utilizing acupuncture in combination with herbal medicine. The goal is to have a new endometrial lining that grows both evenly and smoothly. I like to use acupuncture points and herbal formulas in order to first flush out the uterine cavity and second, re-open the uterus to promote strong downward movement and flow. This helps to remove obstructions to relieve any abdominal pain.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, “The Heavenly Waters” refers to the discharge of menstrual blood. When a female is either working on becoming more fertile or wanting to reduce any issues concerning her menstrual cycle, the most important step is to support the monthly discharge of the endometrial lining.

In my time as a practitioner, I enjoy female health and wellness due to treating overall conditions on an individual case-by-case basis. Taking into account both signs and symptoms of my patients, I revel in creating a Chinese medical pattern based on the person as a whole being as opposed to a mere diagnosis.