Painful Periods (PMS)
Many women experience painful periods and PMS issues.
However, it’s essential to understand that PMS is not a problem or illness but rather a range of responses that occur during menstruation, a regular event in women’s lives.
PMS, or pre-menstrual syndrome, typically occurs once a month, about 10 days before menstruation, and may last for a few days into the start of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms can vary, including low back pain, abdominal cramps, bloating, emotional changes, breast tenderness, and digestive imbalances.
While many women are accustomed to enduring these symptoms, Chinese Medicine recognizes these as imbalances that can be addressed to alleviate PMS with acupuncture for painful periods.
Its holistic approach to treating the entire body and mind sets Chinese Medicine apart. Our goal is to identify the root cause of your symptoms and address the symptoms themselves and the underlying imbalance. In many cases, PMS symptoms and endometriosis pain arise from blocked energy, known as “qi,” within the body. When energy flow is hindered, congestion occurs, leading to imbalances that manifest as abdominal pain, breast distention, lower back pain, bloating, digestive discomfort, and emotional issues. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help by removing these blockages and restoring balance.
Our aim is not simply to alleviate the acute symptoms of PMS but to restore long-term balance so that you no longer suffer monthly.
While unbalanced hormonal fluctuations contribute to PMS, other factors such as stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and sleep, and a hectic or sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate symptoms.
Women may have an increased risk of PMS if they are over 30 years old, experience significant stress, follow a poor diet, have experienced side effects from birth control pills, struggle with weight management, lack exercise, have a history of pregnancy complications such as Toxemia, or have a family history of depression.
The role of certified fertility and women’s health acupuncturist is to investigate the underlying causes of PMS symptoms. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation determines which organ or meridian systems are out of balance. We tailor the treatment for PMS symptoms based on patients’ specific imbalances and concerns with Chinese Medicine, Integrative Holistic Medicine, Energy Medicine, and acupuncture for painful periods and endometriosis pain.
In Western medicine, lifestyle modifications, and medications are commonly recommended to manage PMS symptoms. Medications can manipulate hormone levels and provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root cause of PMS and can have unwanted side effects.
The National Institute of Health research suggests acupuncture can effectively treat menstrual cramps and other PMS symptoms.
Acupuncture helps restore physical and emotional balance and harmony, providing a natural approach to addressing PMS symptoms without medication. Additionally, practitioners may recommend lifestyle changes such as adopting a nourishing organic diet, engaging in regular aerobic exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, and supplementing the diet with vitamins and herbs.
Some common symptoms and signs of PMS include:
- Acne
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Backache
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Cramps
- Depression
- Edema
- Headache/migraine
- Heart palpitations
- Hives
- Impaired memory
- Irritability and anger
- Lack of libido
- Lower abdominal distension
- Mood swings
- Nausea and night sweats
- Rhinitis
- Salt and carbohydrate cravings
- Skin disorders
- Vaginitis
- Vomiting
- Water retention/weight gain
