Tender breasts, a short fuse, sugar cravings, the urge to cry… many women go through it every month. In TCM, it’s Liver qi stuck in a traffic jam.
Some weeks everything feels fine. Other weeks, everything gets on your nerves. Count back, and it often lines up with the days right before your period.
For Women, Blood Is the Foundation and the Liver Leads
In TCM, the menstrual cycle is most closely tied to Liver blood. Before your period, blood needs to move downward. If Liver qi isn’t flowing smoothly, it pushes upward instead: think tender breasts, a full, tight head and a quick temper.
Care That Follows Your Cycle
The week before your period: have a cup of rose and aged tangerine peel tea in the afternoon, and press Tai Chong (LV3) on the top of your foot, 36 times per side.
During your period: stay warm and skip icy drinks. Rub your palms together until warm, then rest them over Guan Yuan (CV4) on your lower belly for 3 minutes.
The week after your period: enjoy blood-nourishing foods like red dates (jujubes), longan and spinach, and get to bed early.
If your cramps are severe, your flow is noticeably unusual, or your cycle is very irregular, please consult a gynecologist.
Shop the ritual: Mood & Cycle Set →
Keep reading
- Why Stress Lives in Your Shoulders: What TCM Says About Anger and the Liver
- The Five Scents: Chinese-Style Aromatherapy for Your Moods
- Grief and the Lungs: Why Sadness Makes You Want to Sigh Deeply
We don't promise. We don't cure. We align. This article is for everyday wellness and cultural education only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a health concern, talk with your doctor first.
