"Pre menstrual syndrome (PMS) and menstrual cramps in Chinese medicine"
By Ellika Shilling, L.Ac.
Brewster, NY
Do you experience cramping pain, breast tenderness, emotional outbursts or bloating around the time of your period? Many of us do, and some can say "all of the above". But you do not have to suffer, because acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help. Instead of using pain medication and feel as the world is against you for up to a week every month, you can begin to notice results after as short time as a couple of months. And this is true healing of your imbalances, not just applying a temporary band aid. Acupuncture treatments weekly and Chinese herbal medicine works really well for PMS. It is important to be consistent because the effect of the treatments is cumulative and the results may reveal themselves after two or three menstrual cycles.
PMS symptoms are signs of an imbalance in your body's energy (qi) and blood flow. When qi and blood do not flow smoothly, then the PMS symptoms occur. The liver governs qi movement throughout your body. If the liver energy is compromised by too much stress or emotions that are not experienced and then released, then symptoms such as moodiness, breast tenderness, bloating and food cravings may arise. If the liver does not move qi, then the blood movement will be slowed and possibly stagnated. Cramping pain is a typical sign of blood stagnation.
Many women have resigned themselves to simply putting up with these uncomfortable symptoms every month. They simply think that this is normal and that there is no treatment available for it. When I tell women that acupuncture and herbs work very well, many do not believe me until they start to see miraculous changes in their cycles. They no longer feel like the world is ending and they are no longer doubled over in pain for 3 days; How could this be? Well, this is actually one of the easier conditions to treat since acupuncture excels at moving stuck qi and blood. Needles disperse energy and promote circulation. That is their primary function. By harmonizing the flow of qi in the liver meridian, order is restored the woman’s body and mind. Along with acupuncture, here are a few herbs that I recommend. It is always best to pursue natural treatments under the guidance of a skilled practitioner. With that said, consider the following:
Chinese Herbs
Xiao Yao Wan: Also called Free and Easy Wanderer, this is the quintessential gynecological formula in Chinese herbal medicine and one of the most popular herbal formulas throughout history. This formula combines a variety of herbs that regulate liver qi and strengthen the spleen. Therefore, it is good for PMS, mild to moderate cramping, mood swings, fatigue, and bloating during menses.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan: This is Free and Easy Wanderer Plus, which adds to heat-clearing herbs to the original formula. This makes it suitable for more severe symptoms of irritability, headaches, cramping, and possibly elevated body temperature.
Women’s Chamber: This is a variation of a Chinese herbal formula called gui zhi fu ling wan that is used for fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, and cramping. This formula moves liver blood, warms the uterus, and dissipates phlegm accumulations (cysts and fibroids).
You took the first step on your journey towards good health by reading this article. The power to get healthy is in your own hands and you can influence the outcome by taking a look at your diet. What we put in our bodies every day is vital for our health.
Eating an organic whole foods diet which is free from added hormones, toxic fertilizers and pesticides will enhance your health. Drink plenty of water. Avoid refined sugar as it is very harmful to your body. Coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated) irritates your colon and liver, thus creates stagnation over time.
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