Acupuncture and PMT

Acupuncture and PMT/PMS - How does it help?

Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the basic imbalance that causes PMS or PMT (Premenstrual Tension) is liver qi stagnation. The liver in TCM is responsible for the smooth flow of qi (energy), and reflects the rise and fall of hormones in the endocrine system. PMT is characterised by irritability, anxiety, and depression occurring during the 7 to 14 days before the period.

Acupuncture and PMT Research

In a recent acupuncture and PMS study, the success rate of acupuncture in treating PMS symptoms was 77.8%, whereas it was 5.9% in the placebo group. The positive influence of acupuncture in treating PMS symptoms was ascribed to its effects on the serotoninergic and opioidergic neurotransmission that modulates various psychosomatic functions. [1]

 

Causes of PMS and PMT

A hypothesis is that endometrial cells are transported from the uterine cavity, then implant at ectopic sites. Retrograde flow of menstrual tissue through the fallopian tubes could cause intra-abdominal endometriosis and that the lymphatic or circulatory systems could transport endometrial cells to distant sites.

Acupuncture and PMT | Treatment

Fluid retention may be relieved by reducing sodium intake and using a diuretic. For some women, hormonal manipulation is effective by oral contraceptives, progesterone, a long-acting progestin (eg, medroxyprogesterone acetate) or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (eg, leuprolide). Tranquilizers (eg, a benzodiazepine) may be used for irritability, nervousness, and lack of control. Changing the diet (eg, increasing protein, decreasing sugars) and supplementing with vitamin B complex (especially pyridoxine, sometimes with magnesium) may help. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) are drugs used in the management of psychologic and physical PMS symptoms.

Acupuncture and PMT Testimonial

Acupuncture and PMT Case Study

[1] Habek D, Habek JC, Barbir A. Using acupuncture to treat premenstrual syndrome. Arch Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2002 Nov;267(1):23-6.

The London Acupuncture Space has undergone extensive training in Fertility Acupuncture and Obstetrics Acupuncture at the Royal College of Physicians in London and at the reknowned Zita West Fertility Clinic.