Augmented Four Substances encourages a healthy condition and flow of Blood, and vigorously moves both Qi and Blood. Deficient Blood, which is not plentiful enough, does not flow well, leading to the concurrent pattern of Blood stasis. Together, this insufficiency and stasis of the Blood in the womb leads to menstrual irregularity, often with a shortened cycle, and lower abdominal and periumbilical menstrual cramps, usually at the start of the menstrual flow, with dark or purplish, sticky menstrual blood. When this pattern lingers long term hard abdominal masses may form which, in turn, further obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood, causing recurrent pain. While this formula was designed for menstrual irregularities, it is appropriate for both men and women when the flow of Blood and Qi is impeded.* (Kan Herb Company)