PMS is not just "part of being a woman".

Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and PMS

Are you one of the estimated 85% of menstruating women who suffer from at least one symptom of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in the week or two prior to your period? PMS can be mild or manifest itself in the form of severe Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Whether your symptoms are a minor bother or have a large impact on your life, acupuncture treatments can provide relief.

Common symptoms of PMS include:

• tender, swollen breasts
• fatigue or insomnia
• acne
• headaches
• back pain
• cravings, or other changes in appetite
• joint or muscle pain
• cramps
• depression or anxiety
• bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
• mood swings or crying spells
• irritability, anger, or tension

While all of the causes of PMS have not yet been identified, the main factors include the changes in hormones during your cycle, and possible alterations in brain chemistry. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, high salt consumption, alcohol and caffeine use, and other lifestyle factors are thought to worsen symptoms. There is no need to allow PMS to get in the way of your daily activities.

A study published in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics reported that the success rate for treating PMS symptoms with acupuncture was 77.8%, as compared to 5.9% in the placebo group. Some of the women no longer had PMS after 2 acupuncture treatments, depending on the severity of their condition, and compliance with the treatment plan. The researchers concluded that "the positive influence of acupuncture in treating PMS...can be ascribed to its effects on the serotoninergic and opiodergic neurotransmission that modulates various psychosomatic functions".

From a traditional Chinese medical perspective, acupuncture is thought to stabilize hormone levels. In addition, treatments help to encourage relaxation, which harmonizes the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person. By encouraging the body's natural healing mechanisms, balance is achieved, thus alleviating symptoms. Painless menstruation requires proper circulation. Stimulating certain acupuncture points will restore this circulation and ease pressure.

In addition to acupuncture, we will look at the ROOT CAUSE of PMS and examine your lifestyle. Chinese herbal formulas, dietary changes, nutritional supplementation, exercise, and stress reduction techniques will be recommended. For example, many acupuncturists will tell patients to avoid or strictly limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugar in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when PMS occurs.

Unlike medications prescribed to control PMS, such as NSAIDs, acupuncture does not pose a threat of side effects. It is a relatively painless and completely natural way to relieve your discomfort. 

I am always available to consult with you or a loved one or friend to discuss how we can get your PMS under control, and get you back to optimal health and well-being.

Kathy E Thomas

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795

Allergies - Acupuncture Can Provide Relief

Allergies, seasonal or year round, are an ongoing problem for many individuals. Seasonal allergies typically affect people during a particular season or time of year. They are also referred to as outdoor allergies and are generally triggered by tree, grass and weed pollens or outdoor mold spores. Year round allergies also known as indoor allergies are typically brought on by animal dander, dust mites, mold spores or insect allergens. There are also food allergies, which occur as a result of eating a culprit food, and can also create physical and/or emotional symptoms such as body hives, swelling, itching or redness of the skin, depression and/or moodiness.

No matter what kind of allergy you suffer from, environmental or food related, acupuncture can provide needed relief. While medications (over-the-counter or prescribed) often come with unwanted side-effects, acupuncture does not. This makes acupuncture an appealing option for people looking for a new way to combat allergies.

According to Chinese medical theory, the symptoms and signs that indicate a Western diagnosis of allergies relate to imbalances in the meridian and Organ Systems of the body. These imbalances may stem from a variety of causes, including stress, poor diet, foods that don’t agree with your body, constitutional weakness, pollutants and environmental toxins.

Over time, if imbalances remain within the body, they will affect the functions of the Organ Systems. Some of these Organ Systems are involved in the production of Wei Qi (pronounced “way chee”). According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, it is important to have the correct quality and quantity of Wei Qi circulating around the body in order to stay healthy.

What is Wei Qi?

What is Wei Qi? The Chinese concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign substances, that if not caught can lead to allergies. When Wei Qi is strong and abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes deficient, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as dust, mold, animal dander, bacteria, viruses and pollen. People who have a Wei Qi deficiency are prone to allergies and frequent colds.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it through the body, symptoms and signs related to allergies could be greatly reduced or eliminated.

What will an Acupuncturist do?

What will an acupuncturist do? An acupuncturist will conduct a thorough exam, taking a complete health history. He/She will then develop a unique treatment plan that will address your specific concerns. The goals of the treatment plan will be to eliminate visible symptoms and signs, while addressing the root cause(s) and underlying imbalances affecting the quality and quantity of Wei Qi.

Acupuncture treatments may be combined with herbs, dietary changes, massage (tuina), or exercise. These therapies accelerate the healing process in order to balance, build, and support the health and functioning of your body’s systems.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a drug-free, safe, natural and effective way to eliminate hay fever, allergies or the common cold.

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Allergies according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Allergies according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be due to a variety of factors. Below are some of the more common TCM diagnoses that your acupuncturist may discover and treat.

⁃ Wei Qi deficiency

⁃ Spleen weakness

⁃ Kidney deficiency

⁃ Lung deficiency

Seasonal allergy tips:

1. Flush your nose with a Neti pot.

2. Add spicy foods and omega-3’s to your diet.

3. Keep your windows closed during allergy season to prevent dust and pollen from entering.

4. Put on a dust mask when you are doing yard or house work.

5. Do not hang your clothes out to dry in the sun, as they will gather dust, mold and pollen.

6. Come in for an acupuncture tune-up.

If you suffer from food allergies:

1. See an allergist and get tested for a proper diagnosis of a food allergy.

2. Avoid the foods that cause your reaction.

3. Peanuts, the proteins in cow’s milk, shellfish, tree nuts, fish, eggs, gluten, wheat and soy are the most common food allergens.

4. It is possible to outgrow some food allergies.

5. Ask about ingredients at restaurants or when eating food prepared by another person.

6. Read food labels carefully.

I look forward to helping you or someone you care about to resolve environmental allergies through Traditional Chinese Medicine. 

Kathy E Thomas, AP, MSOM

Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726

352-323-0795