It's estimated that 85% of women suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but everyone's experience with it is individual and can feel isolating. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can relieve PMS and give you back your life without pain!
What is PMS?
PMS's causes aren't fully known, but it has been linked to hormonal shifts in the female body that occur over the course of a menstrual cycle. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, diets heavy in salty and/or processed foods, alcohol, and even caffeine can worsen PMS.
Common symptoms of PMS include:
Bloating
Headache
Acne
Irritability/Mood swings
Insomnia
Fatigue
Nausea
Back pain
Joint or muscle pain
Cramps
Depression
Anxiety
This is by no means a fully comprehensive list, as everyone experiences PMS individually. A licensed Chinese medicine practitioner can diagnose PMS with or without these exact symptoms.
Acupuncture and PMS
Part of the PMS diagnosis in Chinese medicine involves poor circulation, which leads to increased pain and heavy menstrual flow. Acupuncture increases circulation throughout the body to relieve pain and lighten monthly menstruation. This process also relieves inflammation, decreasing bloating as well as pain in the muscles or joints caused by inflamed tissue.
Acupuncture directly stimulates nerves located in muscles and other tissues, releasing endorphins to relax the body and improve mood. It also encourages melatonin production to relieve the feelings of insomnia and fatigue that perpetuate the cycle of irritability and mood swings. In one study, more than 75% of patients seeking PMS relief were successfully cured with acupuncture.
Supplements and PMS
Natural supplements also work to relieve symptoms of PMS. Natural progesterone cream and chaste tree berry have been shown to reduce bloating, cramps, and irritability associated with PMS. A custom Chinese herbal prescription incorporating anti-inflammatory, circulation-increasing formulas can also relieve symptoms of PMS, when prescribed by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner.
Diet and PMS
Cutting out alcohol, caffeine, salty foods, and overly sugary or processed foods can reduce the symptoms of PMS, particularly bloating and other digestive troubles. Fiber and healthy fats are necessary to maintain the proper hormone balance in the body.
A diet that won't trigger PMS includes:
Lean proteins (fish, chicken)
Plant foods (fruits and vegetables)
Nuts and seeds
Leafy green vegetables
Calcium (dairy, kale, broccoli)
Avocado and other natural fats
Whole grains
Our blog has several anti-inflammatory, belly-friendly recipes that can be found here.
PMS can be painful and confining, but you don't have to manage it alone. Let us help you live pain-free! Call us at (321) 972-2940 to schedule your initial health consultation today.
Sources:
Pacific College. "The PMS Relief You've Been Looking For: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine." (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/01/25/pms-relief-you’ve-been-looking-traditional-chinese-herbs-and-acupuncture
HealthCMi. "Acupuncture Works for Anxiety, Depression, PMS." (June 12, 2013). Retrieved from http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/778-pmsaxiety
Baker, S. "PMS Relief: Cures for Moodiness and Other Symptoms. (May 4, 2012). Retrieved from https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a19951934/natural-pms-cures/