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:
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.
