The uterus in Traditional Chinese Medicine is one of the six extraordinary organs. It regulates reproduction, menstruation and pregnancy. The uterus stores essence or Jing, and during pregnancy stores blood and nourishes the fetus (Yin function). Menstruation and childbirth are expressions of its discharge function (Yang function).
The uterus in Chinese has several names: Zi Bao, Bao Gong (wrapper or container of the baby, containing palace). These names do not refer solely to the structure of the uterus. They include the entire female reproductive system, that is, the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and vagina.
In women, the uterus corresponds to the Dan Tian (field of elixir). The Dan Tian is the energetic centre from which the extraordinary channels Du Mai, Ren Mai and Chong Mai arise.
The uterus is connected to Kidney through an energetic channel called Bao Luo, or uterus luo. It also communicates with Heart through the uterus vessel or Bao Mai. Through Chong Mai it also communicates with Stomach, which explains the relationship with pregnancy nausea and vomiting associated with menstruation.
The uterine functions of menstruation and fertility will be affected by the amount of Qi and Xue it receives. Ren Mai supplies the uterus with Qi while Chong Mai supplies it with Xue. If the Kidney Jing is weak, Ren Mai and Chong Mai will be affected and will alter uterine functions, potentially causing menstrual irregularities, amenorrhoea or fertility problems.
The state of blood in the body also affects uterine functions. Imbalances in Spleen (produces blood), Heart (governs blood) and Liver (stores blood) can cause gynaecological syndromes.
We can diagnose the state of the uterus from its external manifestations, by enquiring about menstruation.