V. The Uterus
The uterus is located in the lower abdomen. Its lower opening is connected to the vagina,being a female reproductive organ. Its main physiological functions are as fol1ows :
1. Producing Menses
The menses is one of the physiological characteristics of the female. Generally ,during the period of 14 to 49 years of age,females have the physiological changes of menstruation every month,i, e. , "the menses come on schedule. "Menstruation belongs to the physiological function of the uterus. This development of the female body possesses the regular changes, along with the prosperity or decline of kidney-qi When the essential qi of kidney is enriched to a certain extent ,the substance tiangui is produced. When tiangui reaches a certain level,its promoting action influences the uterus to develop to maturity, ensuring proper menstruation and adequate conditions for conception and childbearing. In old age, the changes of physiological function have taken place, along with a decrease of the kidney essential qi,which causes menstruation to gradually cease,and the reproductive function to be lost.
In addition, menstruation is also closely related to the Chong Meridian and Ren
Meridian (Conception Vessel. ) Both belong to the extra meridians and start from the uterus, and are in close relation with the occurrence of menstruation; hence, they are also affected and regulated by tiangui. The Conception Vessel joins with the three yin meridians of the foot in the abdomen, and regulates all the yin meridians of the body. Thus, the Conception Vessel is referred to as "the sea of the yin meridians. " When the tiangui arrives, the qi and blood of the Chong Meridian and Conception Vessel freely flow an become abundant, and empty into the uterus to produce menstruation. Thus, there are sayings that, "The Conception Vessel dominates the nourishment of the fetus," and "The Chong Meridian is the sea of blood. " In aged people, tiangui decreases, and the qi and blood of the Chong Meridian and Conception Vessel become insufficient, causing menstrual irregularity and eventual menopause. In clinical practice, dysfunction of the Chong Meridian and Conception Vessel may lead to pathological changes of menstruation, leading to disorders of the menstrual cycle, amenorrhea, and so on.
2. Cultivating the Fetus
Once a woman's uterus develops to maturity, and her menses are regular, she has the ability to be pregnant and to give birth. Combination of the essences of male and female may be transmitted to the embryo in the uterus, which supplies the nutrients for the growth and development of the fetus until the childbirth.
TCM believes that the physiological function of the uterus also is related to the heart, liver, and spleen, apart from the Chong Meridian and Conception vessel. The reason is that the production of the menses and breeding of the embryo rely on nourishment of the blood. The blood is dominated by the heart, stored by the liver, and commanded by the spleen, while the essence is stored by the kidney. Therefore, only when these four organs function well can the uterus keep its normal physiological functions. Pathologically, dysfunction of these organs and meridians due to various causes will affect function of the uterus, leading to menstrual disorders or sterility. In treatment of these conditions,TCM usually begins by adjusting and replenishing the above organs and meridians.
