- 01
- Jun
- 2021
How To Treat PMS With Acupuncture
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms that many women get about a week or two before their period. PMS is one of the most common disorders among women of reproductive age. In 2020, over 31 million women in the US reported menstrual/period pain or PMS. Most women know all about PMS, as 90% of pre-menopausal women experience at least one symptom most months and about 50% get several symptoms each month.
PMS symptoms are different for every woman. You may get physical symptoms, such as bloating, headaches, or menstrual cramps. There may also be emotional symptoms, such as irritability or sadness. Some women experience both physical and emotional symptoms. Your symptoms may also change throughout your life.
Physical symptoms of PMS can include:
- Swollen or tender breasts
- Cramping or backache
- Headache
- Lower tolerance for noise or light
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Bloating or a gassy feeling
- Clumsiness
Emotional or mental symptoms of PMS include:
- Irritability or hostile behavior
- Feeling tired
- Sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little)
- Appetite changes or food cravings
- Trouble with concentration or memory
- Tension or anxiety
- Depression, feelings of sadness, or crying spells
- Mood swings
- Less interest in sex
For some women, these symptoms may be so severe that they miss work or school, but other women are not bothered by milder symptoms. On average, women in their 30s are most likely to have PMS.
There are many possible causes of PMS. The most obvious cause is hormonal imbalance. At the Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center, we offer a comprehensive saliva hormonal test that measures estrogen and progesterone levels at 11 intervals throughout your cycle. This convenient take-home test reveals when hormones are out of balance during the menstrual cycle. The test makes it possible for the balance to be corrected at precisely the right time in your cycle. We use hormone supplements that are 100% plant-based and bio-identical to your own hormones.
In Chinese Medicine, the Liver plays an important role in regulating your cycle. The Liver stores and releases the Blood, so the timing of the menses (as well as its healthy flow) is under the Liver’s control. Acupuncture and herbal medicine restore balance to the Liver. By doing so, PMS symptoms can be significantly improved.
The Spleen and Kidneys also play an important role in menstrual health. In Five Element acupuncture, we treat the root cause of the energy imbalance. The underlying cause may come from the Liver (Wood), Spleen (Earth) or Kidneys (Water), or it may come from the Fire or Metal Elements. By treating the root cause, the symptoms improve over the long term.
Five Element acupuncture also balances the mind and emotions as it heals the body. Your mood swings, such as irritability or emotional sensitivity, can become much more stable with a course of Five Element acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine is the most holistic approach to treating your PMS.
Treat your PMS naturally now. Call us today at the Acupuncture & Holistic Health Center for an appointment at (904) 296-9545.