CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Female infertility - menstrual phase formula

 

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Regulates menstruation and treats related complications

* Relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and eliminates water accumulation

 

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Invigorates blood circulation and relieves pain

* Regulates the chong (thoroughfare) and ren (conception) channels

* Regulates menstruation

 

DOSAGE

Take 4 to 6 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach. Discontinue use when the patient becomes pregnant.

 

INGREDIENTS

Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)

Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra)

Chong Wei Zi (Fructus Leonuri)

Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong)

Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)

Fu Ling (Poria)

Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi)

Ze Lan (Herba Lycopi)

 

FORMULA EXPLANATION

Blossom (Phase 1) is to be used during phase 1 - menstrual phase, the week of menstruation. This formula contains herbs that are mild yet effective to regulate the menstrual flow and promote healthy shedding of endometrial tissue. Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) tonifies and moves blood. Chong Wei Zi (Fructus Leonuri) promotes blood circulation, and regulates menstruation. When combined with Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), they treat various types of gynecological disorders ranging from irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea to postpartum abdominal pain. Ze Lan (Herba Lycopi) moves blood to dispel clots. It also works with Fu Ling (Poria) to reduce water retention and edema associated with menstruation. Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) and Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) also treat a wide variety of gynecological disorders by relieving pain. Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi) enters the Liver and regulates qi to relieve bloating and emotional imbalances during the menstrual period. Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) nourishes blood, softens the Liver and has an antispasmodic effect to relax the uterus and relieve pain.

        In short, Blossom (Phase 1) moves qi and blood to regulate the menses and ensure proper shedding of the uterine lining during the menstrual phase.

 

CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS

* This formula should be discontinued when the patient becomes pregnant.

* This formula may cause more bleeding in some patients. In cases where there is excessive bleeding, reduce the dosage to half or discontinue its use temporarily.

* This herbal formula contains herbs that invigorate blood circulation, such as Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis). Therefore, patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (warfarin), should use this formula with caution, or not at all, as there may be a higher risk of bleeding and bruising.[1]^,[2],[3]

 

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Traditional Points:

* Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Shenshu (BL 23), Taixi (KI 3), Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC 6)

 

Classic Master Tung's Points:

* Infertility: Fuke (T 11.24), Huanchao (T 11.06), Tongshen (T 88.09), Tongbei (T 88.11), Tianhuang (T 77.17), Dihuang (T 77.19), Renhuang (T 77.21), Jiemeiyi (T 88.04), Jiemeier (T 88.05), Jiemeisan (T 88.06), Mufu (T 88.38)*, Tianhuang (T 88.13), Minghuang (T 88.12), Qihuang (T 88.14). Moxa the lower abdomen for at least 30 minutes each day.

* Menstruation (excess amount): Fuke (T 11.24), Xinling (T 33.17)*, Tianhuang (T 77.17), Dihuang (T 77.19), Renhuang (T 77.21)

* Menstruation (scanty amount): Fuke (T 11.24), Wanshunyi (T 22.08), Wanshuner (T 22.09), Jiemeiyi (T 88.04), Jiemeier (T 88.05), Jiemeisan (T 88.06), Tianhuang (T 77.17), Dihuang (T 77.19), Renhuang (T 77.21), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Minghuang (T 88.12), Qihuang (T 88.14)

* Menstruation (delayed): Linggu (T 22.05), Renhuang (T 77.21), Sihuashang (T 77.08), Menjin (T 66.05). Moxa the sacral area.

* Menstruation (absence): Fuke (T 11.24), Jiemeiyi (T 88.04), Jiemeier (T 88.05), Jiemeisan (T 88.06), Tianhuang (T 77.17), Dihuang (T 77.19), Renhuang (T 77.21), Tianhuang (T 88.13), Minghuang (T 88.12), Qihuang (T 88.14)

* Menstruation (flooding and spotting): Jiemeiyi (T 88.04), Jiemeier (T 88.05), Jiemeisan (T 88.06), Liuwan (T 66.08), Yinbai (SP 1), Renhuang (T 77.21), Dihuang (T 77.19)

 

Master Tung’s Points by Dr. Chuan-Min Wang:

* Infertility: Huanchao (T 11.06), Fuke (T 11.24), Tongshen (T 88.09)

 

Balance Method by Dr. Richard Tan:

* Left side: Hegu (LI 4), Linggu (T 22.05), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Lougu (SP 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6)

* Right side: Neiguan (PC 6), Lieque (LU 7), Tongli (HT 5), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40)

* Alternate sides from treatment to treatment.

 

Auricular Medicine by Dr. Li-Chun Huang:

* Infertility: Uterus, Kidney, Liver, Endocrine, Lower Jiao, Ovary, Gonadotropin, Thalamus, Pituitary

* Irregular menstruation: Pituitary, Endocrine, Ovary, Uterus, Kidney, Liver, Lower Jiao, Gonadotropin

* Hypomenorrhea and amenorrhea: Uterus, Ovary, Exciting, Pituitary, Endocrine, Kidney, Liver, Sympathetic, Gonadotropin, Coronary Vascular Subcortex, Nervous Subcortex

* Excessive menstruation or bleeding in between periods: Uterus, Spleen, Diaphragm, Endocrine, Pituitary, Liver, Kidney, Ovary, Adrenal Gland

 

NUTRITION

* During this stage, it is especially important to not eat foods that are cold (sushi, uncooked vegetables, salad, tomatoes, watermelon, cucumbers, winter melon, strawberries, tofu, crabs, bananas, pear, soy milk, kiwi, ice cream, cold beverages) or sour (all citrus) in nature. They create stagnation and cause pain.

 

The Tao of Nutrition by Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease:

* Make a fertility-enhancing trail mix consisting of equal parts of dried cranberries, walnuts, sesame seeds, longan fruits, and cashews.

 

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTION

* During menstruation, avoid sports that may expose the body to the cold environment, such as skiing or cold-water sports.

* Wear clothing that promotes warmth in cold weather, and covers the abdomen and low back.

 

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Blossom (Phase 1) is the first of four formulas to treat infertility. It is formulated with herbs that have a marked influence to regulate the menstruation. According to several studies, administration of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) is associated with both stimulating and inhibiting effects on the uterus, thereby exhibiting an overall regulatory effect on menstruation.[4] Furthermore, use of Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) in essential oil form was effective in relieving menstrual pain with a 76.79% rate of effectiveness among 112 patients.[5] The mechanism of this action is attributed in part to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the herb, which has been cited to be similar or stronger than acetylsalicylic acid.[6]

        In addition to Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), many other herbs are used in this formula to treat menstruation-related symptoms. For example, Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi) has an inhibitory effect on the uterus to relax the muscles and relieve pain.[7] Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) and Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) have an antispasmodic effect to alleviate spasms and cramps.[8],[9] Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi) and Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) have analgesic effects to effectively relieve pain.[10],[11] Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) and Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) have antiplatelet effects to reduce clotting and pain.[12],[13] Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) and Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi) have sedative effects to relieve stress, anxiety and general discomfort.[14],[15] Lastly, Fu Ling (Poria) has a diuretic effect, and is helpful to reduce water accumulation and treat edema.[16]^,[17]

            In short, Blossom (Phase 1) is an excellent formula for phase 1 - menstrual phase. It contains herbs to regulate menstruation and treat related complications.