PMS
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is often viewed as a “problem” or illness. It’s not. Instead, PMS is a variety of responses to an ordinary event in women’s lives: Menstruation. PMS usually occurs monthly, accompanied with specific symptoms and signs that can appear seven to 10 days before menstruation and then disappear after the onset of the menstrual flow. To better understand PMS, it is important to look at the whole picture.
Although PMS is due to unbalanced hormonal fluctuations, other factors such as stress, a nutritionally inadequate diet. Lack of exercise, sleep and a hectic or sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate t he symptoms. Because most women exhibit as many as four to 10 symptoms one to two weeks prior to menstruation, their lives – from relationships with family & friends, to work productivity & the ability to appreciate & take pleasure in their own bodies – may become diminished.
To make matters worse, women may be at increased risk for PMS if:
In treating PMS, Western medicine recommends diet & lifestyle changes coupled with medications that manipulate the levels of progesterone and estrogen (i.e. birth control pills), & tranquilizers and/ or antidepressants (for nervousness, anxiety & depression) that affect mood & emotions.
Although prescription medications can sometimes bring immediate relief, they unfortunately do not address the underling cause of PMS & they can cause unwanted side effects that may mimic PMS symptoms.
A natural approach
In 1997, the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued a consensus report that suggested acupuncture is effective in the treatment of menstrual cramps & other symptoms associated with PMS. Acupuncture can address PMS symptoms naturally, without medication by restoring balance & harmony, both physically & emotionally. In Chinese medicine, the root cause of PMS is usually an imbalance or blockage of Qi (or Vital Energy) & blood with specific Organ & Meridian systems. When Qi & Blood become imbalanced or blocked, symptoms & signs associated with PMS will appear.
The role of an acupuncturist is to investigate the underlying causes leading to PMS symptoms. After a thorough diagnostic evaluation to determine what Organ & Meridian Systems are out of balance, they treat PMS symptoms according to each individual patient’s imbalances & concerns.
By inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, an acupuncturist is able to stimulate & activate the movement of Qi & Blood begin to travel freely throughout the body, balance & normal function is restored & PMS symptoms are alleviated. Acupuncture restores hormonal balance & provides deep relaxation to help reduce stress, ultimately encouraging & supporting greater health and well-being of both body and mind.
A practitioner may also recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a nourishing, organic, whole foods diet, getting regular aerobic exercise and adequate sleep, enjoying warm baths, supplementing the diet with vitamins and herbs and practicing deep relaxation exercises such as meditation, breathing exercises and yoga.
Whether you suffer from PMS symptoms on an occasional or a monthly basis, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer a safe, natural and effective approach to alleviating these symptoms. Acupuncture & Chinese medicine may hold the key to a healthier, balanced PMS-free life.
Common PMS symptons & signs
Although PMS is due to unbalanced hormonal fluctuations, other factors such as stress, a nutritionally inadequate diet. Lack of exercise, sleep and a hectic or sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate t he symptoms. Because most women exhibit as many as four to 10 symptoms one to two weeks prior to menstruation, their lives – from relationships with family & friends, to work productivity & the ability to appreciate & take pleasure in their own bodies – may become diminished.
To make matters worse, women may be at increased risk for PMS if:
- they are over 30 years old
- they are experiencing significant amounts of stress
- their nutritional habits are poor
- they have suffered side effects from birth control pills
- they have difficulty maintaining a stable weight
- complicated by toxemia
- they have had children (the more children, the more severe the symptoms)
- they have a family history of depression.
In treating PMS, Western medicine recommends diet & lifestyle changes coupled with medications that manipulate the levels of progesterone and estrogen (i.e. birth control pills), & tranquilizers and/ or antidepressants (for nervousness, anxiety & depression) that affect mood & emotions.
Although prescription medications can sometimes bring immediate relief, they unfortunately do not address the underling cause of PMS & they can cause unwanted side effects that may mimic PMS symptoms.
A natural approach
In 1997, the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued a consensus report that suggested acupuncture is effective in the treatment of menstrual cramps & other symptoms associated with PMS. Acupuncture can address PMS symptoms naturally, without medication by restoring balance & harmony, both physically & emotionally. In Chinese medicine, the root cause of PMS is usually an imbalance or blockage of Qi (or Vital Energy) & blood with specific Organ & Meridian systems. When Qi & Blood become imbalanced or blocked, symptoms & signs associated with PMS will appear.
The role of an acupuncturist is to investigate the underlying causes leading to PMS symptoms. After a thorough diagnostic evaluation to determine what Organ & Meridian Systems are out of balance, they treat PMS symptoms according to each individual patient’s imbalances & concerns.
By inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, an acupuncturist is able to stimulate & activate the movement of Qi & Blood begin to travel freely throughout the body, balance & normal function is restored & PMS symptoms are alleviated. Acupuncture restores hormonal balance & provides deep relaxation to help reduce stress, ultimately encouraging & supporting greater health and well-being of both body and mind.
A practitioner may also recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a nourishing, organic, whole foods diet, getting regular aerobic exercise and adequate sleep, enjoying warm baths, supplementing the diet with vitamins and herbs and practicing deep relaxation exercises such as meditation, breathing exercises and yoga.
Whether you suffer from PMS symptoms on an occasional or a monthly basis, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer a safe, natural and effective approach to alleviating these symptoms. Acupuncture & Chinese medicine may hold the key to a healthier, balanced PMS-free life.
Common PMS symptons & signs
- Acne
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Appetite changes
- Backache/Sore back
- Bloating & weight gain
- Breast tenderness & swelling
- Constipation and/or diarrhea
- Cramps
- Depression
- Edema
- Headache / Migraine
- Heart palpitations
- Hives
- Impaired Memory
- Irritability & anger
- Joint pain & swelling
- Lack of clear thought & concentration
- Lack of libido
- Heart palpitations
- Lower abdominal distension
- Mood swings