Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the reoccurring set of physiological, emotional and behavioural symptoms in the days preceding menstruation & ending on menstruation.  Symptoms include:  breast tenderness, weight gain, bloating, constipation, insomnia, acne, headache, pelvic pain, irritability, depression, emotional imbalances, poor concentration, confusion, social withdrawal, impulsiveness and appetite changes.  In 10-40% of women, symptoms can severely influence & affect their daily life.  The severity & symptoms depend on each individual & Chinese medicine has a comprehensive & unique way of treating each individual & balancing irregularities, depending on symptoms involved.

Yoga/meditation:

PMS symptoms are generally relieved with movement.  Any type of exercise will help but in particular yoga, meditation & breathing exercises can help to restore balance in the body & mind.  For those with a busy schedule, as little as 10-15 minutes per day can help to relieve symptoms.  As stress/emotional/hormonal imbalances can make symptoms worse, the practice of gentle breathing exercises & finding time to be quiet for a short time during each day can make a huge difference.

Acupuncture:

Acupuncture & Chinese medicine very gently removes energy blockages caused by premenstrual syndrome which in turn balance hormonal & emotional irregularities.  Depending on the symptoms & very specific for each individual, acupuncture restores balance & harmony to those affected by these changes.  Acupuncture also provides deep relaxation that helps to calm the mind & stimulate the body’s natural functions and encourage it to establish optimum balance.

As little as one treatment of acupuncture per month, approximately 7 days before the symptoms would normally occur has been shown to relieve symptoms & allow women to live more harmoniously & balanced both in body & mind, living more energetic & creative lives.

Diet:

Diet is very important and foods such as alcohol, caffeine, sugar, salt, fatty foods should be avoided.

A diet rich in fresh organic fruit & vegetables is necessary for the body to function efficiently during this time.  Where possible, warm, cooked foods will help to aid digestion & put less stress on hormonal function.

Foods which help with the smooth flow of Qi:

Tea for circulation of Qi & Blood:

• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Tangerine peel
• Filtered water

Immerse tea until 1/3 of the fluid has evaporated

This recipe is taken from Daverick Leggert

For more information see http://www.meridianpress.net

Bathing:

Lavender is very beneficial.