How can Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture help PMS?

Acupuncture offers a natural approach to treating PMS and without any side-effects. Acupuncture effects the menstrual cycle by resetting balance in the neuroendocrine system. The acupuncture point combinations used release nerve signals that send messages for the release of hormones and neutrotransmitters responsible for the regulation of the menstrual cycle as well as the accompanying uncomfortable symptoms. The symptoms that are caused by high levels of estrogen in the luteal phase of the cycle will disappear as the progesterone and estrogen levels become more balanced and regular with each cycle.

We know that premenstrual when the levels of estrogen drop, serotonin levels follow. Many of the symptoms PMS sufferers experience are from a decreased amount of serotonin premenstrually. These symptoms include depression, irritability, headaches, sleep disorders, increased appetite, digestive disorders, and libido issues. Research has shown that acupuncture and herbs balance the body's regulatory centers and the hormones and neurotransmitters they produce.

Progesterone along with estrogen levels fluctuate throughout a women's cycle. Many of the PMS symptoms people experience are also thought to be caused by problems with progesterone and progesterone receptors, which lab tests may not be able to detect. Progesterone receptors are present at the sites of PMS Symptoms. Symptoms ease during pregnancy when high levels of placental progesterone are present and return immediately after pregnancy when there is a sudden loss of placental progesterone, often resulting in postpartum depression.

Progesterone receptors do not function in the presence of adrenaline, low glucose levels and synthetic progestins. Thus, stress, birth control pills, hormone injected meats and plastics all effect our hormonal balance. The synthetic progestins in the birth control pill cannot be transported to the nuclei by progesterone receptors and thus the body cannot function properly. A progesterone receptor cannot transport, or bind to, a molecule of progesterone if there has been a drop in blood sugar. A drop in blood sugar causes a release of adrenaline, which automatically moves sugar from cells into the blood, raising the blood sugar level. All cells contain sugar, and if sugar goes into the blood, water replaces it and enters the cell. The cells swell up, causing a feeling of bloatedness, and later, weight gain. This adrenaline release contributes to the PMS tension. With these systems balanced, the bodies craving for excess food, caffeine, smoking and other addictive behavior diminishes.

PMS and Maya Abdominal Massage
There is no doubt that a displaced uterus is a major contributing factor for PMS. If the uterus is out of place, its circulation is congested. Therefore there is a delay in receiving chemical signals from the brain. This is the hormonal feedback loop between the hypothalamus and the reproductive organs. Once the brain has received the message that it is time to send down either estrogen or progesterone, the uterine lining and the ovaries in turn send back a chemical message that the appropriate amount of hormones has been sent and duly received.

PMS is caused by an excess or sensitivity to estrogen in the body. Some foods can dramatically increase the symptoms of PMS such as excess soy products, alcohol, and sugar. At Tao of Venus, we believe living a lifestyle of balance, and to not necessary cut out these foods, but use this information as a guide when making food and lifestyle choices.

Exercise has a profound effect on our hormones and it stimulates the production of endorphins, a natural feel-good chemical in our bodies. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we believe that exercise keeps the qi (energy) moving, and when when our energy is stagnant, we will feel tired and irritable and often experience pain, depression and PMS.

The following supplements are also very important to maintain a PMS Free lifestyle:

Calcium. Consuming 1,200 milligrams (mg) of dietary and supplemental calcium daily, such as chewable calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids, others), may reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS. Regular, long-term use of calcium carbonate also reduces your risk of osteoporosis.
Magnesium. Taking 400 mg of supplemental magnesium daily may help to reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating in women with premenstrual syndrome.
Vitamin B-6. A daily dose of 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B-6 may help some women with troublesome PMS symptoms.
Vitamin E. This vitamin, taken in 400 international units daily, may ease PMS symptoms by reducing the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause cramps and breast tenderness.

Your acupuncturist will advise you of other supplements to help with PMS such as Vitex, Omega 3's and other formulations.

Menopause
Most women who experience peri-menopause are in a state of estrogen dominance. The progesterone levels have declined but their estrogen levels remain unchanged. Once a women's estrogen level declines and the menstruation ceases, menopause has entered her life. Along with that, often many uncomfortable side-effects enter as well.

Oriental Medicine can return the body's delicate endocrine system
back to balance naturally!

PMS is caused by an excess or sensitivity to estrogen in the body. Some foods can dramatically increase the symptoms of PMS such as excess soy products, alcohol, and sugar. At Tao of Venus, we believe living a lifestyle of balance, and to not necessary cut out these foods, but use this information as a guide when making food and lifestyle choices.

Exercise has a profound effect on our hormones and it stimulates the production of endorphins, a natural feel-good chemical in our bodies. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we believe that exercise keeps the qi (energy) moving, and when when our energy is stagnant, we will feel tired and irritable and often experience pain, depression and PMS.

The following supplements are also very important to maintain a PMS Free lifestyle:

Calcium. Consuming 1,200 milligrams (mg) of dietary and supplemental calcium daily, such as chewable calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids, others), may reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS. Regular, long-term use of calcium carbonate also reduces your risk of osteoporosis.
Magnesium. Taking 400 mg of supplemental magnesium daily may help to reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating in women with premenstrual syndrome.
Vitamin B-6. A daily dose of 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B-6 may help some women with troublesome PMS symptoms.
Vitamin E. This vitamin, taken in 400 international units daily, may ease PMS symptoms by reducing the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause cramps and breast tenderness.

Your acupuncturist will advise you of other supplements to help with PMS such as Vitex, Omega 3's and other formulations.

Menopause
Most women who experience peri-menopause are in a state of estrogen dominance. The progesterone levels have declined but their estrogen levels remain unchanged. Once a women's estrogen level declines and the menstruation ceases, menopause has entered her life. Along with that, often many uncomfortable side-effects enter as well.

Oriental Medicine can return the body's delicate endocrine system
back to balance naturally!