Health

Acupuncture and PMS

October 6, 2014

The premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects most women at some point in their lifes. Acupuncture is an effective and natural alternative to treat its signs and symptoms.

The list of PMS symptoms is long and diversified. However, the duration and intensity of these symptoms vary from one woman to another. For some, this recurrent syndrome is very troublesome, and it can also be difficult to live with for their friends and family.

Acupuncture, a global medicine

Acupuncture is a holistic medicine. In other words, it sees the person as a whole by taking both physical and psychological aspects into consideration.

On your first appointment with your acupuncturist, he will ask you many questions about your PMS but also about your global health, your lifestyle and your background. Then, he will draw your energetic profile.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a balanced person is a healthy person. When a person becomes unbalanced, troubles appear.

Acupuncture aims to rebalance your body and heal your SPM-related symptoms.

Deficiency or fullness?

Most PMS symptoms stem from an energetic unbalance of the Liver: Liver Qi stagnation. The Liver in TCM rules the smooth flow of energy and blood through the body. It makes sure that the energy and blood get to the right place at the right time.

Several external causes can lead to a blockage, a stagnation of the Liver energy:

  • Stress
  • Frustration
  • Anger
  • Grudges
  • Alcohol
  • Coffee
  • Spicy food

In such cases, the Liver is in Fullness.

Some internal causes can also lead to a Liver blockage. For example, a woman who just gave birth and breastfeeds is tired and doesn’t always eat well… her body is in Deficiency. The Liver can’t feed and loses its roots. The underlying Deficiency leads to Stagnation.

The importance of pinpointing causes

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is important to identify the sources of unbalance. Finding these causes allows the acupuncturist to confirm his diagnosis and to advise women on changes to bring to their lifestyle: diet, exercise, relaxation, etc.

Causes of SPM according to TCM:

  • Emotional stress: (main cause) anger, frustration, grudges and stress can lead to Liver stagnation.
  • Food: too many dairy products and fats lead to the production of phlegm in the thorax and breasts and obstruct the mental = breast swelling, chest oppression, confusion…
  • Overwork and excessive sexual activity: both weaken the Kidney and Liver energy reserves and cause Liver Qi stagnation.
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