In Depth Health and Wellness Strategies for
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

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COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

WESTERN INTERPRETATION AND TREATMENT

Until recently, PMS was considered a form of hysteria and often labeled psychosomatic, but studies convincingly demonstrate that the symptoms are caused by deficient progesterone production, most likely due to a “luteal phase defect” involving the corpus luteum. The emotional instability so often associated with PMS is created by relative imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels. The syndrome tends to intensify with age but resolves with menopause. Western treatments include progesterone therapy (Provera) for general symptoms, diuretics for bloating, painkillers for headaches, tranquilizers for anxiety, and antidepressants or psychotherapy for depression.

FIVE ELEMENT HEALING INTERPRETATION

The Chinese offer two interpretations of PMS, which can occur independently but often coexist:

  1. Constrained Liver chi creates blockage and stagnation, which leads to symptoms such as irritability, breast pain, headaches, bloating (especially in breasts).
  2. Deficient Spleen and Kidney chi creates the symptoms of general bloating, chronic depression, fatigue, lassitude, aches and pains throughout the body, and intensified sugar cravings.
    PMS also reflects an imbalance in the world around us, in which estrogen comes to us in myriad forms, from dairy, eggs, meat and poultry which have been added to our foods, from chemical additives which break down into harmful synthetic estrogenic molecules, and microwaving in plastic containers which leach estrogen. It has been shown that even excess stress can stimulate extrogen, so it is no wonder that fibroids, PMS and exacerbated menopausal symptoms are so out of control. Acupuncture, herbal remedies and stress reduction work beautifully to balance your hormones.

COMPLEMENTARY TREATMENTS

SUPPLEMENTS

  • Gamma linoleic acid, or GLA has well-documented anti-inflammatory actions and a balancing effect on the immune system. As many researchers and clinicians theorize, arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are caused in part by the body’s inability to manufacture GLA and other essential fatty acids. So this is a particularly important supplement for arthritis patients. GLA is available in oil of evening primrose, borage seed oil, and black currant seed oil. Take 1,500 mg. daily. GLA and omega-3′s work well together and are often found in combined formulas. Whether you take them separately or in one formula, make sure you get 1,500 mg. of each daily.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA): These anti-inflammatory agents have general supportive effects on the circulatory system and a specific ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Omega-3′s reduce the joint stiffness and soreness caused by rheumatoid arthritis and improve flexibility. They are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, anchovies, sardines, and tuna. Eat two or three servings offish weekly, or take a 1,500-mg. supplement daily.
  • Vitamin B6 (100 mg twice daily; always take any single B vitamin with a B-complex 100 vitamin*)

*The B:100 designation indicates that the product contains 100 mg each of the B vitamins. ReColJ1 mended dosage is one tablet per day, or as directed.

  • Vitamin E, alpha tocopherol (400 iu/day)
  • Magnesium and calcium (Take two units of magnesium for every unit of calcium. Try 500 mg/day of calcium and 1,000 mg/day of magnesium; increase magnesium to 1,500 mg/day with onset of menses until symptoms abate.)

EXERCISE

Because PMS is considered a form of stagnation, exercise is essential .to keep the energy and blood flowing. Walk, jog, work out gently on exercise machines at least three times every week. Whenever possible, exercise outdoors as fresh air and natural light appear to reduce the intensity of the symptoms.

HERBAL ALLIES

SSad-OsteoThe following herbs may be used alone or combined in equal parts to make a wonderful tonic:

  • Nettles, (Urtica dioica) also called stinging nettles, have a strong spiritual heritage and were used traditionally to remove curses or spells, directing them back to the sender (thus the sting). An extremely powerful and invasive plant, nettles extract high concentrations of nutrients from the soil and are especially rich in iron, vitamin C, calcium, and chlorophyll; these and other nutrients in the plant have powerful and diverse effects on the human body. Nettles have been used with great success to treat arthritic diseases and inflammations, to support kidney and bladder functions, and to control hemorrhaging. The Native Americans used nettles primarily as a gynecological herb and general womb tonic to increase fertility, support pregnancy, control bleeding during childbirth, and ease the transition through menopause.
Common Uses:

• Promotes fertility
• Stimulates milk in nursing mothers
• Acts as a superfood to ensure good nutrition and health during pregnancy
• Establishes regular menstrual cycles
• Stems heavy bleeding or hemorrhages from the womb (also used for nosebleeds, coughing up of blood, and other hemorrhages)
• Nourishes the kidneys and adrenal glands (excellent for arthritis and gout, helping to excrete uric acid and other toxic metabolites)
• Creates strong. flexible bones
• Strengthens nervous system, increasing stamina and energy without stressing nerves
• Relieves menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, irritability, mood Swings, and exhaustion
• Thickens and nourishes vaginal tissues
• Reduces vaginal itch and burning associated with yeast infections

  • Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), a plant rich in silica, which is essential to healthy bones. Also known as bottlebrush, and shavegrass, was used by both Native Americans and Chinese Herbalists for centuries. Traditionally it has been used topically for the treatment of wounds and broken bones and internally, because of its high mineral content for the repair and reinforcement of bone structures. Though Silica is vital and essential for growth and nourishment of human connective tissues (which includes bone, cartridge, skin)  it is extremely rare to find a naturally occurring source of it that is bio-available to the cells.  Horsetail by far stands alone in this regard.
Common uses:

• Used for the growth and repair of human connective tissue
• Used as a poltice for wounds and broken bones
• Used as an effective treatment of urinary tract infections
• Has been used in the treatment of arthritis particularly gout

As Osteoporosis is often a complication of menopause, these herbs would be best utilized in combination with menopausal balancing herbs.  Please see our In Depth Solution for Menopause.

CHINESE PATENT REMEDIES

  • Woman’s Precious Pills and/or Wu Chi Pai Feng Wan (Black Cock, White Phoenix Pills) for PMS with signs of deficiency (pale, bloated tongue and chronic symptoms such as lethargy and weak pulses)
  • Hsiao Yao Wan (Relaxed Wanderer Pills) or Ji Xue Ten Qin Gao Pian (Milletia Reticulata Liquid Extract, excellent for more severe PMS symptoms) for stagnant Liver or stagnant blood signs (red or purplish tongue and more acute symptoms such as stabbing pains, chronic depression, hopelessness)

ACUPOINTS

  • Spleen 6,
  • Spleen 8,
  • Spleen 10,
  • Conception Vessel 4,
  • Conception Vessel 6,
  • Liver 3.
  • For mood swings, press Heart 7 and Pericardium 6.
  • For sweet cravings or digestive problems, add Stomach 36.

MIND/BODY/SPIRIT CONNECTIONS

The symptoms might be expressing these questions:

  • “How am I blocking my creativity from expressing itself?”
  • “How do I prevent myself from receiving warmth and nourishment from others?”
  • “I need time and space to rest, reflect, and dream-how am I neglecting to take care of myself?”