PMS – Premenstrual Syndrome
PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome, it’s also known as PMT Premenstrual Tension. It’s one of the most common things I see as an Acupuncturist, so it’s no surprise that the majority of people think that painful menstruation and PMS is normal.
So is it normal to experience PMS?
Chinese Medicine considers it natural for women to feel different at each stage of their menstrual cycle. This doesn’t make us crazy, this movement and changeability is what’s beautiful about women. As women we experience the four seasons of the year each month in our Menstrual cycle. In our modern lives with high expectations for productivity might not appreciate that leading up to menstruation (when PMS is occurs) our energy naturally is declining and we generally feel less social. Our bodies naturally withdraw from activity both physically and mentally. This is the Winter of the cycle and it’s a time we must conserve energy and rebuild. So if we aren’t living in harmony with our cycles, these changes become more intense. Check out my article on Winter to get an idea of how Chinese Medicine views and recommend we do during this phase of our cycle.
So what is PMS?
These are the common “symptoms of PMS” they can start 10 – 4 days before bleeding and usually subside once bleeding begins. For some women these symptoms may get worse once bleeding begins.
Physical Symptoms of PMS:
- fluid retention (swollen fingers or ankles)
- bloating around the abdomen
- breast swelling and tenderness
- skin problems such as acne
- headaches and/or migraines
- poor coordination or clumsiness
- tiredness, lethargy, insomnia
- increase in weight
- constipation and/or diarrhoea
- food cravings
- aches and pains
Emotional Symptoms of PMS:
- anxiety
- nervous tension
- lower coping ability
- difficulty concentrating
- lower libido
- reduced interest in work and social life
- mood swings
- depression
- aggression & irritability
PMS and Chinese Medicine
Chinese Medicine is all about balance and harmony. It’s nature based, meaning, we’re affected by our external environment and in particular the seasons. As women we experience the four seasons, each month as our menstrual cycle. Each of these phases has a different energy, for example Winter feels different to spring and autumn. This is important because what we do in each season effects the next season and so on. For example, if we don’t rest and stay warm during winter, when spring and summer comes we don’t have the energy for the intensity of those seasons.
This is important because in the Chinese Medicine understanding of healing, first we start by making changes to our lifestyle, our diet and by honouring the cycles changeable nature. They believe this is the foundation of our menstrual health and wellbeing.
Finding help
Bo is an acupuncturist and herbalist and has a special interest in women’s health, fertility, gut health & digestion, emotional and mental health. If you’d like to book in for a session with Bo in her clinic in Byron Bay, please call on 0413 936 024.