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 painful or erratic cycle 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

The Season of the Kidney

You're Getting Sleepy...

During the winter, it is natural to feel a little sleepier, slower, and possibly less motivated. It is the season of stillness and conservation. It's a period of hibernation and our time to rest, slow down, and revitalize our reserves. Winter is a great time of year to reflect on our health, replenish our energy, conserve our strength, and heal on a deeper level.

According to the traditional theories of the 5 elements, water is the element that is associated with winter and with the Kidneys, Bladder, and Adrenal Glands. Our Kidneys are extremely important organs that have various functions- the main one being that they store our inherited constitution. Consider it your body's internal battery.

According to Chinese Medicine, our internal Kidney batteries are powered up with a supply of energy that will carry and sustain each of us throughout our lives. This power supply is imparted to us from our parents, and provides us with the energy for all of our bodily functions.

It is believed that every action we take depletes energy from this power supply. Some people quickly deplete their reserves; others preserve it. The Kidneys' store of energy is finite, so if not protected, it will be easily wasted and eventually, when it becomes depleted, various symptoms and signs of disease may appear.

During the winter, it is important to conserve our battery reserves. Our bodies are instinctively expressing the fundamental principles of winter- rest, reflection, conservation, and storage. The "downtime" that winter provides gives us an opportunity to slow down, check in, take account as to how our lifestyle supports or detracts from our health, and to recharge our battery.

As for getting some exercise, it is always healthy to get some form daily, but during the winter months it is best to participate in gentler exercise, such as yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, swimming, walking, and other low impact sports. Save the extreme exertion for the spring and summer months.

Onion and Mustard Sauce

This is a warming sauce suitable for pouring over steamed vegetables and a simple grain.

2 onions, chopped

4 Tbs olive oil

2 1/2  Tbs spelt flour

2 cups vegetable stock

1 1/2 tsp tarragon

3 tsp mustard

Saute onions and olive oil until onions are soft and sweet. Stir in flour with the stock until dissolved. Add mustard and tarragon to onion mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally until sauce has thickened.