It’s been more than 5,000 years since the Chinese introduced acupuncture to the world. This revered healing art has been successfully used to treat scores of conditions including women’s health issues such as PMS. PMS or premenstrual syndrome is usually marked by chronic symptoms that portends the onset of the menstrual cycle. Its symptoms include food cravings, mood and skin changes, cramping, discomfort and pain.
Some Ways to Treat PMS
Reducing consumption of coffee and vitamin, eating a diet high in nutrients, exercise and stress reduction techniques are some of the common ways to treat PMS. Sadly however, these lifestyle modifications are oftentimes not enough to allay the pain and discomforts chronic PMS sufferers’ experience each month.
The good news though, is that conditions such as PMS have been treated with acupuncture for over tens of hundreds of years. This wonderful therapy helps alleviate monthly symptoms by restoring vitality and clearing out blockages to the flow of energy. A qualified and experienced acupuncturist can offer a permanent cure for the disharmonies that are related to this condition.
Natural Remedies for Symptoms of PMS
Lifestyle Activities
Qi Gong, Tai Chi and other Chinese exercises can help improve the flow of energy in the body and make the body more resilient to illnesses. When energy or Qi circulates unhindered, discomforts and diseases are drastically reduced.
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbal formulas can help bring back balance and harmony to the body systems. For PMS, the herbal formula Hsiao Yao Wan is most commonly used. It is designed to relieve pain, calm the Liver, fortify the Spleen, nourish the Blood and address Qi stagnation. Hsiao Yao Wan, in English, means Free and Easy Pill. This herbal remedy is readily available at health food stores all over the United States.
Acupuncture
Your acupuncturist focuses his/her treatment on the clearing out of blockages that cause Qi stagnation and other problems that lead to PMS. He/she is trained to select the acupoints to be treated to help bring back balance in the body. After a few months of acupuncture, you may see a complete resolution of your PMS.
Improving Your Quality of Life
A lot of people mistakenly think that PMS is due to a woman’s way of living and there is little she can do to better her situation. Talking to a qualified and licensed acupuncturist can significantly improve your vitality and well-being.
Ivelisse DeJongh is a Miami acupuncturist and the medical director at DeJongh Acupuncture Clinic.