Pre-menstrual Symptoms

In the run up to the period, there are a whole variety of signs and symptoms that can occur – mood change, breast tenderness, abdominal bloating, constipation, cramping, headaches, tiredness, to name a few.

Many women consider these signs to be perfectly normal and believe there is nothing that can be done to improve them. This is simply not true. There is no need to have these distressing symptoms.

In Chinese medicine the majority of these signs are seen as stagnation of the flow of qi. At a time when energy should be flowing smoothly it is becoming stuck, giving rise to the above symptoms. If the qi stagnation becomes more severe it transforms into heat giving signs such as increased appetite, rasied temperature or becoming emotionally more volatile, literally becoming fiery and hot headed.

The stuckness that occurs is most easily seen when the period arrives. When the blood begins to flow and everything begins to move, these symptoms can disappear almost immediately because free flowing movement has been restored.

By ensuring the smooth flow of qi throughout the cycle, acupuncture and herbal medicine can see a dramatic improvement in premenstrual signs.

Occurring anywhere from mid cycle onwards, premenstrual constipation can be an unpleasant symptom, making life uncomfortable during the day and at night.

Caused by hormonal changes and imbalances throughout the cycle, this can cause both constipation prior to the period, followed by excessive loosening of the bowels when it arrives. For many women it last for a day or two, for many others it can be longer. Continuing constipation can also lead on to hemorrhoids.

Chinese medicine draws no distinction between physical signs and emotional ones. Both are seen as stagnation of qi and as such premenstrual constipation is treated very similarly to premenstrual mood change , bloating or breast tenderness. They all reflect stagnant energy. In this case stagnant qi in the channels causes the pain, while stagnant flow of water around the body causes the swelling.

This is why when the period arrives and the blood begins to flow, the energy all begins to move and the premenstrual symptoms can suddenly disappear. This can mean the arrival of the period comes as quite a relief. However because the digestive system is relatively weak, the bowel movement can often swing too far and become very loose.

By aiding the smooth flow of qi throughout the menstrual cycle, many patients can see a great reduction in all of their premenstrual symptoms. Both acupuncture and herbal medicine can be of great benefit in this case. For further description of how Chinese medicine views the menstrual cycle, please click here.

Both acupuncture and herbal medicine can be of great benefit for reducing premenstrual constipation. Like any digestive disorder, close attention to diet may also be necessary.