Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS symptoms occur monthly between an ovulation and a period and are thought to be due to fluctuations in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

Acupuncture has been proven to be effective at controlling many of the individual symptoms of PMS – including headache, anxiety & depression, fatigue, pain & discomfort from bloating – and several studies have been done to explore how they work in conjunction. One such study concluded that the severity of PMS symptoms can be reduced by more than 50% with regular acupuncture treatments. Typical acupuncture points for controlling PMS symptoms include the arms & legs, abdomen, and back. Many calming points are placed in the ears and scalp.

A long list of herbal remedies is also effective in treating the symptoms of PMS. Some of the most effective include:

• Chasteberry for breast pain, fluid retention, irritability, and mild depression
• Mimosa for depression and anxiety
• Black Cohosh for emotional regulation
• St. John’s Wort for depression and anxiety
• White Peony for cramps and headaches

Massage therapy is useful in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal remedies and has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and pain almost immediately, while longer-term treatments show a reduction in water retention and other distressful PMS symptoms.

When should you get acupuncture treatment for PMS?

Timing of acupuncture treatments in relation to the onset of PMS symptoms and the period is a critical factor in your treatment plan.  Acupuncture may be recommended mid-cycle (ovulation) or 7 days before the onset of the period, depending on your symptom pattern. Timed treatments are recommended to bring and maintain the optimal therapeutic effect and prevent breakthrough symptoms. Most patients report a tremendous reduction of symptoms within 2 menstrual cycles.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is described as an imbalance of androgenic sex hormones (reproductive hormones) which results in enlarged ovaries and small cysts on the ovaries. The causes are not fully understood, but the symptoms are well-documented and include irregular periods, excessive hair growth, weight gain/metabolism problems, acne, and infertility. PCOS may also raise the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

Infertility is often the most devastating of these side effects, but acupuncture has been shown to improve ovulation rate and help regulate periods along with several other benefits related to treating infertility. Traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, teas, food-grade supplements, and massage are highly effective in reducing the inflammatory symptoms of PCOS and re-regulating the menstrual cycle, as well as reducing cardiovascular risk.