Dublin based
Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Specialist

Menstrual Problems

Menstrual Problems

May 15th, 2011 | Posted in Female Problems

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional disturbances that occur after a woman ovulates and ends with the onset of her menstrual flow. Common PMS symptoms include depression, irritability, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings. For some women PMS symptoms can be controlled with medications and lifestyle changes such as exercise, nutrition, and a family and friend support system.

The most common mood-related symptoms are irritability, depression, crying, oversensitivity, and mood swings with alternating sadness and anger. The most common physical symptoms are fatigue, bloating, breast tenderness (mastalgia), acne, and appetite changes with food cravings.

What causes PMS?

PMS remains an enigma because of the wide-ranging symptoms and the difficulty in making a firm diagnosis. Several theories have been advanced to explain the cause of PMS. None of these theories have been proven, and specific treatment for PMS still largely lacks a solid scientific basis. Most evidence suggests that PMS results from the alterations in or interactions between the levels of sex hormones and brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters.

PMS does not appear to be specifically associated with any personality factors or specific personality types. Likewise, a number of studies have shown that psychological stress is not related to the severity of PMS.

Acupuncture The “Liver” in Chinese Medicine:

  • Stores the blood and aids in the proper circulation of the blood during movement:
  • Controls the flow of “qi,” or “energy”, in the body:

This means the circulation of blood and energy for movement and digestion (secretion of bile, for example), but also the smooth flow of emotions (which are also a form of “qi” or “energy”).  PMS and moodiness are a unique relationship to the liver’s role in the smooth circulation of blood and energy (qi) in the body from a Chinese Medicine perspective. Treatment of PMS with acupuncture focuses on this understanding of the role of the Liver in promoting the movement of blood and ‘qi’, thus regulating menstruation and alievating pain.

 

Other menses problems, also treatable with Acupuncture.

 

    • PMT— Pre-menstrual Tension/ See PMS above

 

  • Dysmenorrhea — Painful Periods. Symptoms start 1 week before menses and there is no pain during menses.  irritation, insecurity, headache, insomnia, constipation or diarrhoea, scanty urine (fluid retained), digestion problems, vomiting, tiredness.
  • Amenorrhea — Loss of Period.  May be due to a long term illness; multiple burns; psychological reasons leading to a gradual loss of period over time; anorexia; excessive physical training; after coming off ‘the pill’.
  • Mettorrhagia — Bleeding between periods.Can be due to
    • an ‘excess’ condition—excess heat,
    • exposure to ‘hot’ food,
    • irregular eating; or too much greasy,spice food or alcohol,
    • emotional unrest,  worry.