In Chinese medicine, threatened miscarriage is often a case of deficiency – specifically, deficiencies in vital life energies that the mother and developing child both rely on during pregnancy. If these deficiencies aren’t corrected, it can lead to miscarriage, or even recurring miscarriages.
To ensure the mother and fetus both remain stable through pregnancy, Chinese medicine practitioners rely on a combination of acupuncture and herbal therapies to maintain optimal health, including Shou Tai Wan.
What Causes Threatened Miscarriage in Chinese Medicine?
It’s obvious that the developing fetus depends on the mother for sustenance and to remain in stable health. This takes a toll on the mother’s body, whose Qi, Yang and blood are all expended during the process. As many people are deficient in one or more of these health-giving energies, pregnancy can tax an already taxed mother. If the Qi, Yang or blood become dangerously deficient, it can lead to severe health consequences for both mother and child.
Further, pregnancy increases the risk of certain pathological states in Chinese medicine. This includes excess heat, dampness and phlegm, all of which can lead to health complications if they aren’t kept in check.
How Can Shou Tai Wan Help Women Experiencing a Threatened Miscarriage?
Shou Tai Wan is a modern herbal formulation, first introduced in the 20th century. By Chinese medicine standards, that makes it one of the newer herbal therapies available, and it can be helpful for women with threatened pregnancies.
This formulation consists of four separate herbs, though they’re aimed at the same purpose. All four herbs in Shou Tai Wan tonify the kidney and liver Yin. Two tonify the blood, as well, and one of the four herbs (Tu Si Zi) is effective at strengthening the Yang as well.
Together, these herbs work to fortify the mother while stabilizing and calming the fetus. And though effective, Shou Tai Wan should only be administered by an experienced Chinese medicine practitioner to minimize the risk of adverse complications.