Postpartum lochia that does not stop
AliasPostpartum hemorrhage that does not stop
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Postpartum Lochia Retention, also known as Postpartum Hemorrhage, is a category of gynecological diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. It is defined as a condition where, after childbirth, the lochia (postpartum discharge) persists for a duration longer than the normal period (usually around three weeks postpartum), accompanied by excessive amount, pale color, and thin consistency. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain and lower backache. This condition is often caused by postpartum weakness of Qi and blood, instability of the Chong and Ren meridians, and obstruction of blood stasis.
In TCM clinical practice, postpartum lochia retention is a common condition. The core pathogenesis is postpartum Qi-blood weakness and instability of the Chong and Ren meridians, leading to failure of the blood sea to close normally, resulting in continuous lochia discharge. Common triggers include birth trauma during delivery, postpartum overexertion, and emotional distress. During syndrome differentiation, attention should be paid to the following key points:
1. Cold, heat, deficiency, and excess: Qi deficiency syndrome manifests as lochia lasting beyond the normal period, copious in amount, pale in color and thin in texture, fatigue and shortness of breath; blood stasis syndrome manifests as lochia lasting beyond the normal period, scanty in amount, dark in color with clots, lower abdominal pain that worsens with pressure.
2. Accompanying symptoms: Qi deficiency syndrome is often accompanied by a pale complexion, palpitations and insomnia; blood stasis syndrome may be accompanied by a purple-dark tongue and a choppy pulse.
Overall direction of regulation: In TCM clinical practice, treatment should follow the principles of tonifying Qi to secure blood and stabilizing the Chong meridian to stop bleeding, adopting corresponding methods based on different syndrome types. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that through syndrome differentiation and treatment, Qi and blood can be harmonized and the stability of the Chong and Ren meridians restored, thereby achieving the therapeutic goal.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Deficiency of Qi syndrome
Main Manifestations: Leukorrhea that does not stop on time, large amount, pale color, thin consistency, fatigue, shortness of breath
Management Approach: Tonify Qi and Stop Bleeding, Fortify the Collateral and Stop Bleeding
Blood Stasis Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Leukorrhea persists beyond the normal duration, with small amount, dark color, and clots, accompanied by lower abdominal pain and resistance to palpation.
Management Approach: Promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, regulate blood and return to meridians
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
For patients with postpartum lochia retention, treatment should focus on invigorating blood and resolving stasis, while also addressing the need to secure and astringe.
— Zhu Yongbing Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)