OMG it's PMS

In a sense, it can be a blessing for women, that we can use our hormones to explain those times when we feel utterly miserable for no discernable reason. Despite the protestations to the contrary I have heard, I have no doubt men experience these swings of mood as well. Any cosmic benefit, however, is small comfort for the average woman experiencing the symptoms of irritability, depression, swollen breasts, headaches, insomnia, bloating, cramping, skin breakouts and general misery that we know as 'Premenstrual Syndrome" or PMS.

Chinese medicine generally understands the constellation of pre-menstrual symptoms as connected to the Liver system. The Liver in TCM reaches far beyond the functions of the organ as western medicine sees it. The Liver is known as the General, and directs movement throughout the body, regulating the flow of Qi (energy) and the cycles of the body such as hormonal shifts. Before a woman's period, energy begins to gather. If there are blockages or deficiencies impeding the Liver's movement, that energy begins to build up, becoming congested, or overflowing into areas it is not meant to be. Like a restless army on leave, the energy causes trouble when the General fails to direct it properly.

As with all health issues, preventing PMS is much easier than curing it. If you are in the midst of it, acupuncture to relieve the symptoms, as well as a herbal prescription from your acupuncturist, can make an enormous difference. But what can you do now about next month?

1. STRESS. No surprise here. Stress aggravates all our physical problems, but especially ones like PMS. Contemplate how you deal with stress. Do you have people you can talk to? Do you make space for stillness in your life, with calm walking, meditation, or a practice such as yoga or tai qi? Do you do the things that give you pleasure, such as hobbies, socializing, recreating, or are those always last on your list?

2. Exercise. Regular exercise moves the Qi! Find something you enjoy, and that fits your lifestyle. There is no need to become Flo-Jo overnight. If you are sedentary, start by walking more, taking the stairs, parking further away. If you have an exercise routine, maybe it is time to crank it up - try out that spin class you've been eyeing. A Qi Gong practice one of my teachers gave me to help break up that stagnant energy hanging around and making you miserable goes like this:

Stand with your feet slightly apart. As you breathe in, bring your arms up over your head. As you breathe out, bring your hands down to the sides of your body and make a forceful "Hoh!" sound with your exhale. Try to do this 20-25 times, especially in the morning. You can do it a few times during the day if you feel you are reaching the end of your rope. Just don't do it in front of someone, or they will think you are calling them names, and the situation is likely to deteriorate.

3. Diet. Caffeine is a notorious PMS aggravator. In TCM, sour flavours help calm Liver energy run amuck - so even though you may be craving sweets at this time of the month, try adding some lemon juice to your water and eating sour fruits like tart apples. If you particularly suffer from irritability, breast distention and muzzy-headedness, be careful to avoid fatty and spicy foods. If you are weepy, with headaches, constipation and/or insomnia, make sure you are getting enough nourishment: protein rich foods, rich red foods like beets and kidney beans, and not too many cold foods like salads and icey drinks.

Working with a practitioner of Chinese medicine on you PMS can not only help relieve the symptoms. Helping to understand the mind-body connection, becoming more in tune with your body and your spirit, can make a big difference, especially when the emotional symptoms become overwhelming. It's not just in your mind, you can't just get over it or wish it away. But you can discover more control, and more peace, than you thought.

Be well!