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PMS is a condition involving discomfort that arises just before the onset of the menstruation, at the end of the monthly cycle. PM usually develops in the 5-11 days leading up to menstruation. Constipation and other changes in bowel function, food cravings, edema (retention of water), weight gain, breast tenderness, depression, irritability, and moodiness are some of its symptoms.
PMS points to an imbalance in the function of the endocrine system and liver although a lot of women accept this as a "fact of life." If a woman’s menstrual cycle is healthy, it will not produce any significant discomfort. Dietary changes, Chinese herbs, and acupuncture, are able to greatly lessen or eliminate premenstrual discomfort.
Liver Function
The liver, in Chinese medicine, is the organ that regulates the free flow of menstruation. During the menstrual cycle large fluctuations in the levels of hormone add to the burden of detoxification of the hormones by the liver. Diet, emotions, and stress can impair the function of the liver, which contributes to PMS.
The liver, in Chinese medicine, is the organ that regulates the free flow of menstruation. During the menstrual cycle large fluctuations in the levels of hormone add to the burden of detoxification of the hormones by the liver. Diet, emotions, and stress can impair the function of the liver, which contributes to PMS.
In most instances, PMS entails some degree of liver chi stagnation. Symptoms of signs of this stagnation include stomach bloating, rib side discomfort, alternating episodes of loose stools and constipation, frustration, and irritability.
A Chinese study headed by Chou discovered that women manifesting such signs during PMS experienced constant low levels and substantial low peak secretions of progesterone and estradiol during both the preovulatory (follicular) and (postovulatory (luteal) phases.
Cholesterol which forms the basis for production of progesterone and estradiol is produced in the body by the liver. A weak functioning liver will not produce enough cholesterol which may affect hormone production required for a smooth menstrual cycle.
Bile which is important for the smooth digestion of fats is produced and released also by the liver; if bile flow is weak it causes poor digestion of fat which in turn will lead to stomach bloating. Bile is also essential for a smooth bowel movement to eliminate waste matter. A weak functioning liver will result in constipation and bloating.
Diet
A female’s caloric needs can rise as high as 500 calories a day during the premenstrual phase. If she fails to boost her consumption of food intake appropriately using nutrient-rich foods especially high quality carbohydrates, she may experience food cravings, particularly for fat and sugar.
A female’s caloric needs can rise as high as 500 calories a day during the premenstrual phase. If she fails to boost her consumption of food intake appropriately using nutrient-rich foods especially high quality carbohydrates, she may experience food cravings, particularly for fat and sugar.
Refined vegetable oils, sweeteners, and sugar all contribute to increased blood viscosity and inflammation, while providing zero micronutrients important essential for healthy hormone production or liver function.
Herbal Medicine
PMS treatment using herbal medicine aims to stimulate digestion, improve the liver functions, boosting female hormone levels and facilitate the assimilation of foods (notably fats),. Practitioners utilize herbs such as peppermint, root of angelica, and bupleurum root to attain these goals.
PMS treatment using herbal medicine aims to stimulate digestion, improve the liver functions, boosting female hormone levels and facilitate the assimilation of foods (notably fats),. Practitioners utilize herbs such as peppermint, root of angelica, and bupleurum root to attain these goals.
Acupuncture
PMS symptoms can be relieved with acupuncture treatment as it can stimulate endocrine, digestive, and liver function, induce a parasympathetic response, and release body tension.
PMS symptoms can be relieved with acupuncture treatment as it can stimulate endocrine, digestive, and liver function, induce a parasympathetic response, and release body tension.
A Chinese study headed by Yu analyzed eight controlled clinical trials involving 807 women who were all suffering from PMS. Seven out the eight studies revealed that acupuncture had far superior therapeutic results compared to Chinese herbs and Western medicine.