Acupuncture For PMS

How Acupuncture Can Help Alleviate PMS: A Natural Path to Relief

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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects many women and can cause a range of physical and emotional symptoms in the days leading up to menstruation. Symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, and fatigue can be disruptive and challenging to manage. While conventional treatments often involve medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments, acupuncture is increasingly being recognized as a valuable complementary therapy for alleviating PMS symptoms naturally.

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Acupuncture, a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of "Qi," or vital energy. According to TCM, PMS symptoms are often related to imbalances in the body’s energy pathways and hormonal fluctuations. By targeting these imbalances, acupuncture helps to regulate hormonal levels, reduce inflammation, and alleviate the discomfort associated with PMS.

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Unlike conventional treatments that may focus primarily on symptom relief, acupuncture offers a holistic approach by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of PMS. This therapy can help restore balance and harmony within the body, leading to more effective and comprehensive relief from PMS symptoms.

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Benefits of Acupuncture for PMS

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Reduced Physical Discomfort: Acupuncture can help alleviate common PMS symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, and cramps by reducing inflammation and improving circulation.

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Mood Stabilization: By promoting emotional balance and reducing stress, acupuncture can help manage mood swings, irritability, and anxiety associated with PMS.

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Improved Sleep Quality: Many women experience sleep disturbances during PMS. Acupuncture can enhance sleep patterns and reduce insomnia, leading to better overall rest.

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Enhanced Hormonal Balance: Acupuncture helps to regulate hormonal fluctuations that contribute to PMS symptoms, supporting a more balanced and stable menstrual cycle.

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Complementary to Conventional Treatments: Acupuncture can be safely used alongside conventional PMS treatments, such as medications and lifestyle changes, to enhance their effectiveness and support a holistic approach to managing symptoms.

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What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session

 

1. Please eat a moderate amount of food 1 to 1.5 hours before your appointment. Acupuncture moves a lot of energy in your body so eating something prior to your appointment will insure your body has energy to move. If you can’t have a meal, a nutritious snack is OK. A bag of chips and a can of soda do not count as a nutritious snack.

2. Arrive 5- 10 minutes early so you can fill out your Patient Condition Assessment and use the rest room prior to your treatment.

3. If you require a refill of your herbs, please notify the front desk at this time.

4. Take everything with you to the appropriate treatment room.

5. You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks and adjust your clothing as necessary. We ask that you wear loose clothing so there is easy access to your legs up to mid-thigh, arms including shoulders, abdomen and back. If you prefer, you can change clothes in the treatment room or change into a gown provided by Best Acupuncture. If you are uncertain, ask the acupuncture assistant how clothing should be moved, ie: moving pant legs above the knee, etc. You may be instructed to lie on your stomach for a face down treatment; the acupuncture assistant will assist you with a gown and provide you with instruction.

6. Whenever possible, arrange your schedule so you do not have to rush to, or away from your appointment.

7. If you must leave right away or earlier than the allotted time, please tell us at the beginning of your appointment.

8. Please do NOT brush or scrape the coating from your tongue on that day of your treatment. Tongue analysis is one of the unique aspects of Chinese medical diagnosis, and seeing the tongue in its natural state will greatly assist the acupuncturist in establishing a treatment strategy.

9. Cell phones should be turned off to ensure maximum relaxation for yourself and others once you have entered the treatment room.

 

To Make Your Treatment Most Effective, please remember the following:

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1. Do not submerge in water (shower, bath, hot tub, etc) for at least 8 hours after.

2. No rigorous activities or exercise for at least 8 hours after.

3. Drink plenty of water to help flush the toxins released during you treatment. There are eight basic ways the body can eliminate toxins: through the skin, ears, nose, mouth, eyes, digestive system, urination, and the reproductive organs.

4. Reserve your energy and try to rest as much as possible This energy is for you; try not to give it away.

5. Please make us aware if you start or stop any of the following activities: exercise, diet, supplements and medications throughout your treatments with us.

6. Pay close attention to your body’s response over the next 24-48 hours. Your feedback is vital in identifying your body’s rate of response. Pay close attention to the frequency, intensity and duration of your top three primary complaints.

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