Female, 21 years old, thin body, pulse slippery, significant guan (middle) and chi (distal) positions, left cun (proximal) like a bean, right cun large, both pulses not floating, middle pulse taken, came for diagnosis due to severe dysmenorrhea before late menstruation.
Initially used Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 15g, Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga) 12g, Huang Qi (Astragalus) 30g, Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 20g, Dang Gui (Angelica) 15g.
After three days, no effect.
Considering blood stasis, used Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus) 25g, Xiang Fu (Cyperus) (forgot the dosage, same reasoning applies), Yu Jin (Curcuma) 6/8g, Dang Gui, Bai Zhu 12g, Huang Qi 10g, Fu Ling (Poria), Pu Huang (Typha) 6g.
Four doses, after taking two doses, menstruation came on time, with dark blood clots, no delay.
Then, she originally had very low emotions, wanted to express anger but couldn’t, feeling very uncomfortable; once menstruation started, she said it felt like a burden was lifted off her.
Her skin was originally very hard, dark, and rough; after menstruation, the skin became soft, lighter, and appeared yellow.
It was very clear that blood stasis was obstructing the uterus, causing poor circulation throughout the body. Qi and blood were rising against the flow and could not disperse, hence the symptoms of liver qi stagnation.
Unfortunately, a long time has passed, and I had not yet understood what collateral vessels were; I have almost forgotten the pulse patterns and medications. Just take a look.