Acupuncture for PMS in Hamilton, NJ
For many women, that “time of the month” does not just pertain to their actual menstruation. In the one or two weeks prior to their period, they could have symptoms of PMS or premenstrual syndrome.
Premenstrual syndrome symptoms may include:
- Mood swings that may include depression
- Sadness, irritability, crying
- Anger, frustration
- Cravings (especially for sweets or salt)
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea and /or constipation
- Abdominal bloating
- Breast swelling and tenderness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Recurrent catching of a cold during the premenstrual time
- Fogginess in the head and clumsiness
These symptoms can subside or diminish abruptly at the onset of the period.
PMS is a reasonably simple syndrome to treat with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM, the basic circulation imbalance which causes premenstrual syndrome is “liver qi congestion.” Acupuncture and Chinese herbs often provide enormous relief from PMS by helping relieve congestion and create circulation of hormones.
There are some excellent classic Chinese herbal formulas, particularly, the formula “Free and Easy Wanderer” that if taken regularly can greatly reduce the symptoms of PMS. Acupuncture is very good at quickly relieving the symptoms of depression and bloating.
In addition to the use of acupuncture and herbs in the treatment of PMS, one may want to look at its underlying cause, which often is due to your lifestyle or the way in which you relate to the world.
Therefore, our approach to treating PMS will include exploring ways to reduce stress, increasing exercise (which increases blood), using relaxation techniques such as Tai Chi, yoga or meditation, and eating a balanced diet with lots of fresh natural foods.