Utilizing Acupuncture and Natural Therapies for Treating Premenstrual Syndrome and Menstrual Cramps

PMS and dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps) are very common reasons women seek treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

Chinese medicine and acupuncture have a long and rich history of successfully treating gynecological issues. Even today, many women seek this style of treatment for a number of female health concerns. Acupuncture is an all-natural, holistic method that is an effective, safe option that responds well to the treatment of PMS and menstrual cramping. The key is to give it ample time before discerning if it is working. In our experience, the time of progress is typically based on how long one’s symptoms have been present. The longer they have been there, the longer the treatment could take. It has been our experience that women younger than 25 typically respond fairly quickly, while women in their 30s and 40s may need a bit more time. Even in a worst-case scenario, where the woman has had long-term and severe symptoms, we would expect that the woman’s overall health should improve greatly within 2 months of weekly treatment.

Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Chinese Medicine, PMS and cramping are most often attributed to an underlying liver imbalance that is based on qi/energy and blood stagnation. The liver is responsible for balancing circulation within the body. Pain from cramping and PMS are indications that the blood is congealed and qi has become stuck. The primary reason for liver qi and blood stagnation is emotional in nature and is specifically related to the suppression of frustration and anger. When you feel stuck in your life and you don’t have a creative outlet, the natural byproduct is anger and frustration. Continued attachment to these emotions makes us feel stuck on all levels, and the body will mirror this stagnation by impairing the circulation of qi and blood through the liver meridian, thus causing pain, mood swings, and further emotional distress.

Blood stagnation in the liver causing cramping can also be caused by abuse at the onset of menses. Whether it is physical, sexual, or verbal abuse, these external reinforcements can shut down blood circulation as a protective measure against injury of any kind. In our practice, we have seen women with severe and prolonged cramping who have confided that they experienced some form of abuse. When we explain that their menstrual imbalances are probably related to this, many of them intuitively resonate with this as true, which is the first step in starting the healing process.

Many women do not realize that this is not normal and that they do not have to resign themselves to just putting up with the uncomfortable symptoms each month. When we explain that acupuncture and herbs work very well, many women do not believe it until they start to see changes in their cycles. They no longer double over in pain for days.

How It Works

Acupuncture is exceptional at moving stuck qi and blood. The needles’ primary function is to disperse energy and promote the circulation of qi and blood, thus balancing the flow of qi in the liver meridian. To enhance the acupuncture and make it more powerful, we use a variety of Chinese herbal formulas. Below is a list of the most common ones we use. Please keep in mind when reviewing these suggestions that it is always best to pursue natural treatments under the guidance of a skilled practitioner.

Chinese Herbs

• Xiao Yao Wan: This is the quintessential gynecological formula and one of the most popular herbal formulas throughout Chinese medical history. It regulates liver qi and strengthens the spleen. Excellent for PMS with mild to moderate cramping, mood changes, fatigue, and bloating during menses.

• Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan: This formula adds herbs to clear heat. Symptoms may be more severe such as cramping, irritability, headaches, and possible increased body temperature.

• Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang: Moves liver blood and warms the lower abdomen. Cold in the lower abdomen may cause cramping, which is alleviated by adding heat.

• Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan: Used for treating fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, and cramping.

Nutritional Supplements

• Krill Oil: Essential fatty acids are excellent for reducing inflammation and pain, stabilizing mood, and helping regulate estrogen and progesterone (especially krill oil). If krill oil is too expensive or not available, standard fish oil at 3,000mg daily is acceptable.

• 5-HTP: A natural precursor to serotonin, helpful for stabilizing moods, reducing cravings, insomnia, and fatigue.

• Calcium: Proven to improve mood and reduce water retention (1000–1336 mg/day).

• Magnesium: Deficiency is associated with PMS (360 mg 3x/day).

• Vitamin E: Daily use of 100–400 IU has been shown to reduce PMS symptoms.

• Vitamin B12: Women are often deficient in B12 and folic acid, which can lead to blood imbalances from the Chinese medicine perspective.

Dietary Recommendations

Food therapy can go a long way in healing PMS and cramping. The traditional American diet creates a host of problems including hormonal imbalances, slow metabolism, and low serotonin levels. Here are a few suggestions to consider:

• Eat an organic, whole foods diet: Free from pesticides, added hormones, and synthetic additives. Changing this one thing in your diet can profoundly benefit your health.

• Avoid processed sugar: Refined sugar and processed foods should be avoided.

• Avoid coffee and caffeine: Coffee can aggravate cysts and fibrocystic conditions and is an irritant to the liver and colon, causing blood stagnation. Green tea is a better alternative.

• Drink plenty of water: Everyone should drink approximately half their body weight in ounces daily to circulate qi and blood properly.

• Get plenty of exercise: Stress management is key. Aim for at least 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Yoga and meditation are especially beneficial in improving circulation and moving blockages.

We hope that after reading this article you feel encouraged that there are steps you can take to relieve the symptoms of PMS and cramping. Natural therapies take time and have a cumulative effect over a few weeks. Be consistent in your treatment (often with professional guidance) and you should see significant improvements.