Bao Mai – The Heart and Uterus Connection
The Bao Mai
Have you ever noticed after a period of high stress, anxiety or an emotional upheaval that your menstrual cycle has been impacted? That your period comes too early, too late, or is accompanied with cramps or PMS symptoms?
Do you wonder why this happens?
It’s the Bao Mai.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, there is a direct link between our heart and uterus called the Bao Mai channel.
What is the Bao Mai?
TCM theory tells us that the heart governs blood and houses the Shen. Shen can be described as a person’s spirit or energy, a combination of one’s psychological, emotional and physical consciousness. Because of this, the Shen makes the heart particularly vulnerable to emotional stress.
In TCM, the uterus is considered an extraordinary organ, encompassing the fallopian tubes, ovaries and cervix. It stores blood to prepare for conception, and also releases it for menstruation or childbirth.
How the Heart and Uterus Connect
Every month, blood flows from the heart via the Bao Mai channel to the uterus. For this to happen smoothly:
The heart needs to be stable and balanced in order to send the blood
The Bao Mai needs to be open and unobstructed for the blood to flow through freely
Once in the uterus, this blood provides nourishment for ovulation, embryo implantation, or menstruation.
What Happens When There’s Disruption?
If the heart does not function optimally, it can directly impact gynaecological processes.
In TCM terms, heart-related pathologies caused by emotional stress can include:
Worry and pensiveness → may lead to anovulation and infertility (heart blood deficiency, heart yin deficiency, heart Qi stagnation)
Overwork → may cause amenorrhoea (heart yin deficiency, heart Qi stagnation, or rebellious heart Qi)
Sadness → may lead to menorrhagia (heart yin deficiency with floating yang or Qi stagnation)
A blockage in the Bao Mai can result in:
Irregular periods
Painful periods
PMS symptoms
Infertility
All of this impacts the uterus and can affect embryo implantation or normal menstruation.
Managing Stress for Menstrual Health
It’s easy to see how stress, anxiety and emotional upheaval can influence our menstrual cycles.
That’s why it’s so important to manage and minimise stress for optimal gynaecological function. Of course, this isn’t always easy given the current state of the world.
But this is where TCM can help.
Through acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, diet and lifestyle support, TCM aims to rebalance the body and reduce the physical toll of emotional stress.
Want Support for Your Bao Mai?
Lisa is available every Wednesday, Friday and alternate Saturday at our St Leonards clinic and Thursday and alternate Saturday at our Dural clinic.
Book online to secure your space.
