Easing PMS, Naturally
Let us be real: The Premenstrual syndrome, PMS, has become a cultural norm in the Western world. Where monthly cravings for the salty, dark chocolate temporarily counteracts the irritable mood swings and the struggle to button those jeans over the bloated stomach are crampin’ the morning routine. For some, this emotional and physical discomfort brings a dreadful knowing their period is underway. The question is when will the period release the valve of this internal pressure?
Chinese Medicine believes the natural state of the menstrual cycle flows with ease and grace. When physical, or emotional, pain obstructs this natural flow; then, there is an imbalance stopping the natural rhythm of womanhood.
Why does PMS effect “3 out of 4 women at some point in their life?”[i] Usually, PMS starts after ovulating between days 11 to 14 of the menstrual cycle and could last anywhere between 1-2 weeks followed by relief through bleeding.
Chinese Medicine offers a comprehensive, individualized treatment directing the focus on the root cause of PMS. Chinese Medicine focuses on the organ function of the Liver and Kidneys to support a healthy cycle and period. The “mood swings, fatigue, tension, backache, abdominal cramping, and other imbalances that can occur at ovulation, or any time prior to the period, are due to an unbalanced hormonal fluctuation”[ii]. The stagnation of the Liver energy flow causes these symptoms.
What do you mean by flow? Chinese Medicine focuses on the Qi flow of the meridian system. The meridian system is an entire network of channels connecting to the major organs and running along the surface of the body. Each channel on the body has a set of points known as Acupuncture points, which have a treatment purpose. When these Acupuncture points are activated through Acupuncture needles, Acupressure, or laser; the point directs the flow of Qi.
Similar to the flow of the highway, if there is an accident at a specific exit; then, traffic and congestion will form. The Qi of the meridians have a certain way of flowing. If something stops the flow such as poor diet, lingering emotions, stress, lack of exercise, and overworking; then, the flow will build up backing up the system. This can send the other channels and organs to work into overdrive, stressing them out, and leading to pain on the emotional and physical level.
Usually it takes about 3 menstrual cycles to see the full effect of Chinese Medicine with easing of symptoms in each cycle.
1. Chinese Medicine reduces emotional stress such as anger, frustration, and anxiety. Each organ has a main emotion connected to it. If someone feels a certain emotion for a certain time frame; then, there may be an imbalance in the organ. For example, Anger relates to the Liver. If anger arises; then, the Liver congestion effects the period flow. One way to sooth anger is through regular, aerobic exercise throughout the month and breathing exercises[iii]
2. Acupuncture/Acupressure can provide relief for the PMS symptoms: Acupuncture and Acupressure points have the same location on the body. Acupressure could be used at home to provide self-care. How? By pressing, the acupressure point with light-to-medium pressure for a few minutes as needed.
LV-3 known as Great Surge can be used for period headaches, painful cramps, breast tenderness, bloating, and calming Anger, irritability, anxiety, and insomnia
Location: On the top of the foot in a dip between the 1st and 2nd toe.
GB-41 known as Foot Overlooking Tears can be used for breast tenderness, cramping, headaches, opens the pelvis.
Location: on the top of the foot, in a depression on the lateral side of the tendon (found by flexing the toes), in-line with the 4th toe.
3. Oriental Nutritional Guidance can provide the proper nutrients needed to support an optimal menstrual cycle. The type of foods, how they are prepared, and the environment while eating sets the stage for digesting the key nutrients to ease PMS symptoms.
Eating whole, locally grown, and seasonal food; while sitting down in a relaxed environment allows the stomach and spleen to digest and retrieve the much-needed minerals and vitamins. Increase foods enriched with vitamin B’s, vitamin A, and protein “are necessary for a harmonious menstrual cycle” as these “nutrients help the liver convert powerful hormones present before menstruation into less provoking substances”[iv] Foods include: whole grains, green vegetables, dark, leafy greens such as kale, chard, spinach, and deep yellow vegetables such as carrots and yellow bell peppers[v]. Increase foods with a bitter flavor will support the flow of Liver and red foods nourishes blood.
Two weeks before the period, it is best to “avoid foods and drinks with caffeine, salt, refined-sugar, alcohol, smoking, and overconsuming cold, raw food.”[vi]
4. Chinese Medicine offers customized herbal remedies to treat PMS. Herbal blends are made specifically for the individual pattern to address the symptoms and underlying cause of the PMS symptoms. The herbal remedies can be used by single herbs, or blended into multiple herbs, within the form of raw herbs made into a tea, dissolvable granules (grounded up), tea pills, or capsules. Some examples of Chinese herbs useful for PMS includes Dong Quai and Ginger due to their warming nature supporting blood flow.
Dong Quai is a “dried root of Angelica sinensis used to promote blood circulation and treat menstrual disorders”, which decreases cramping and painful periods.
Ginger known as Zingiber officinale has “anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties.” Ginger has been found to have “antispasmodic activities” which supports decrease cramping.[vii]
No woman enjoys the discomfort of PMS crampin’ their lifestyle. May these suggestions and uses of Chinese Medicine provide the necessary tools to re-engage harmony and flow into their life.
Resources:
[i][i] Steiner, M. (2000). Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: guidelines for management. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience; 25(5): 459–468.
[ii] . Pitchford, Paul. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books, Ch 31(3):395, 396, 402.
[iii] El-Lithy, A., El-Mazny, A., Sabbour, A., El-Deeb, A. (2014). Effect of aerobic exercise on premenstrual symptoms, haemotological and hormonal parameters in young women. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; 3: 1–4.
[iv] Pitchford, Paul. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books, Ch 31(3):395, 396, 402.
[v] Pitchford, Paul. (2002). Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. North Atlantic Books, Ch 31(3):395, 396, 402.
[vi] Kaur, G., Gonsalves, L., Thacker, H. L. (2004). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a review for the treating practitioner. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine; 71: 303–5, 312–3, 317–8.
[vii] Botanicals and their bioactive phytochemicals for women’s health”. Dietz, M. Birgit et al. Pharmacol Rev. 2016 Oct: 68(4): 1026-1073.