Do Your Hormones Play Tricks on You Once a Month?

Although premenstrual syndrome is a modern Western medical disease category, both Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine and acupuncture have been used to resolve the issue for thousands of years. Some of the signs of PMS can include:

• Nervous tension and Fatigue
• Breast Distention, Pain and Lumps
• Abdominal Distention and Pain
• Headache and Body Pain
• Diarrhea, Vomiting and Nausea
• Constipation and Bloating
• Nosebleeds, Bloody Stools and / or Urine
• Fever, Asthma or Recurrent Colds
• Rashes and Acne
• Changes in Appetite and Cravings

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory can account for the mechanisms in the body that are causing these symptoms. For example, premenstrual breast distention is usually due to stagnation within the liver and stomach channels which connect with the breasts, while premenstrual acne is most often due to heat in the lungs which rule the skin.

The good news is that there are specific herbal formulas that can be employed whenever the signs and symptoms occur. These can be used in conjunction with dietary changes, exercise and lifestyle modifications.

Typically the course of herbal formulas spans 3-4 menstrual cycles, depending on the reaction of the body to the herbs, how the diet, exercise and lifestyle changes are coming along. It has been my experience that the herbs do not suppress the symptoms but rebalance the body / organ systems that are causing them. With internal harmony come vibrant good health. PMS is real, it is not in your imagination! If anyone were to tell you this, there is a wealth of clinical research available to bury someone with!

Western medicine describes its mechanisms in terms of hormones, prostaglandins and neurotransmitters. While all of these may be true, such biochemical descriptions do not enlighten and empower women. Although the Chinese concepts and theories of PMS may sound primitive and unscientific, they have proven their value for over 100 generations. Using TCM concepts, women are enlightened and empowered on a very practical and human level. No one can control their secretion of estradiol, but in many cases liver Qi stagnation can be remedied by exercise, relaxation and the right combination of Chinese herbals.

Before embarking on any course of action regarding PMS, discuss the issue(s) with your primary health care provider. If you are currently taking any prescription medications prescribed for PMS, do not stop taking them without discussing this with the prescribing physician. Herbal formulas CAN NOT provide birth control and can not protect your from sexually transmitted diseases. Always let common sense be your guide and never take anything without understanding the rewards and risks of being on any program regardless of it's source.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us either by phone or email.

"The author of this article does not advocate nor endorse self-treatment by laypersons. One should seek out a qualified practitioner in herbs, chiropractic, acupuncture and check with their primary healthcare provider prior to making any changes in their health care approach"