Acupuncture and PMS – Suffering with PMS? Did you know acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can greatly reduce and sometimes eliminate the symptoms associated with PMS? Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is the cyclic recurrence of a group of symptoms that peak 7 to 10 days before menstruation and disappear a few hours after the onset of the menstrual flow. They are caused by an imbalance in hormonal fluctuations. The good news is that a healthy diet, moderate exercise, and emotional balance, along with acupuncture and Chinese herbs can correct these imbalances and bring long term relief. The most common types and symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome are listed below:
Physical symptoms
– Breast pain
– Bloated feeling
– Insomnia or inability to sleep
– Abdominal discomfort and pain
– Nausea
– Headache
– Pain in the joints
– Backache
– Abnormal weight gain
Psychological symptoms
– Mood swings
– Anxiety
– Low libido
– Emotional upset
– Low self esteem
– Tiredness or fatigue
PMS symptoms gradually improve once your periods begin then usually disappear completely until the start of the next menstrual cycle. If the symptoms persist, they have a great impact in causing chronic illnesses to take root deeper. Some of the chronic illnesses that are influenced by PMS symptoms include migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome and allergies. Moreover, severe symptoms lead to Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PDD). PDD lasts for 3 days though has extreme symptoms like acute depression, extreme sense of hopelessness and tension.
Common Causes of Premenstrual Syndrome
Various causes are claimed to be behind PMS. However, only a few common causes exist which have been reported by doctors to affect over 93% of women globally. They are explained below.
Hormone change – Reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, rising and falling, affect the duration and intensity of PMS symptoms. This is a fact since PMS has been noted to improve after menopause and during pregnancy due to stabilization of estrogen levels.
Change in chemical levels in the brain – Chemical levels in the brain are directly affected by changes in the hormone levels. A brain chemical like serotonin is interfered with causing depression or anxiety. Being a chemical responsible for regulating mood, its reduction instantly translates to mood swings. Many doctors prescribe antidepressants such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. When taken, SSRIs rebalance the serotonin level leading to improved PMS.
Lifestyle factors – Various lifestyles and activities cause or can exacerbate PMS symptoms. They include weight gain. For women with a BMI of 30 and above or those who exercise rarely, symptoms may be worse. Stress and poor diet also provoke PMS symptoms. A diet rich in salty foods increases the chances of boating while alcohols and caffeinated liquids interfere with energy levels. Moreover, fluctuation of mineral and vitamin levels encourage the occurrence of PMS.
Western Medical Treatment for PMS
Western Medical Treament heavily relies on pharmaceuticals to treat PMS. Among the drugs a doctor will prescribe include Ketoprofen Aspirin, Sertraline, Naproxen, Fluoxetine, Ibuprofen and Paroxetine. However, at times PMS advances to PDD and drugs prescribed change to Buspirone or Alprazolam, Bromocriptine (Parlodel), Diuretic such as Spironolactone, Fluoxetine or Prozac and Mefenamic (Ponstel). Some recommend a Progesterone Therapy together with anti-inflammatory drugs. At times, drugs such as Lupron or Synarel and Nonsteroidal are prescribed. While the above drugs can be effective, they often have side effects while at times they may fail to function as expected.
Acupuncture and PMS
Acupuncture takes a holistic approach when used as a remedy for PMS. In combination with Chinese Medicine, patterns are identified to pinpoint the root cause of the condition. With PMS it usually related to the energies of the Spleen, Liver, Heart and Kidney. Once the imbalance is identified fine, sterile, painless needles are placed in appropriate points and retained for a short period of time. Relief from the symptoms of PMS could be seen rather quickly, especially if Chinese herbs are prescribed as well.
We have had so much success treating this condition. Visit Boca Raton Acupuncture for a free consultation and free yourself from PMS slavery.
