PMS and Chinese Medicine
Estimates by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists state that at least 85 percent of menstruating women have one or more symptoms of PMS during their monthly cycle. Some women experience only mild symptoms one or two weeks before their period, and will require no treatment for them. PMS may, however, be so severe for others that they can hardly get through the day and may even have to take time off work. Western medical doctors suggest changes in lifestyle, diet and medications, but offer few concrete answers to a problem that has been happening to women for thousands of years. Oriental medicine, which goes to the root cause of the problem rather than only treating the symptoms, recognizes that no one treatment will work for every woman. However, it does simplify PMS as a syndrome that is almost always caused primarily by dysfunction in the liver.
When the liver function of maintaining a smooth flow of qi is impaired, there will be disharmony in the menstrual cycle. If there is emotional stress, in particular anger and frustration, the liver becomes depressed and qi stagnates. Moodiness and intense emotions occur as stagnant qi accumulates in one area. If qi descends along the liver meridian and is stuck in the lower abdomen, it causes abdominal bloating, pain and cramps; if it moves horizontally into the chest region, breast swelling and pain are felt; and if an accumulation of qi is found also in the liver’s paired meridian, the gallbladder, tension headaches and migraines develop.
As the liver controls the spleen in the Five Element theory, any upset in the liver will eventually cause imbalance in the spleen or worsen any existing weakness caused by improper diet, lack of exercise, excessive worry or fatigue. When the spleen’s functions are compromised it is unable to produce and transform blood sufficiently for menstruation. This may give rise to sweet cravings, fatigue, water retention, bloating, and breast tenderness. Over time chronic liver and spleen disharmony may lead to irritable bowel syndrome, anemia, benign and malignant breast lumps and cancerous tumors in the uterus.
Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for PMS by breaking up qi stagnation. Xiao Yao Wan (Hsiao Yao Wan) is a common Chinese herbal remedy for easing pain and emotions associated with the menstrual cycle. It sedates the liver, relieves qi stagnation, nourishes the blood, and strengthens the spleen. Tai chi, qigong and meditation can all help relax and calm the mind and body and invigorate qi flow. Maintaining a mental awareness of any issues causing anger and frustration and trying to accept them for what they are without blowing them out of proportion will aid in keeping the liver from being emotionally distressed.
Foods to avoid if suffering from PMS and which are damaging to the spleen are those that are too dampening, too sweet, or uncooked and chilled. Ice cream and pasta with tomato sauce and cheese are two of the worst foods to eat when the spleen is weak and damp. Other foods to minimize are:
fruit juices, candy, especially chocolate, milk, butter, yogurt, raw salads, sweet juicy fruits, tomatoes, fatty meats, fried foods, yeast, wheat pasta, nuts, and alcohol.