PMS

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): What It is & how Acupuncture Helps 

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common patter of physical and emotional symptoms that occurs in the days leading up to menstruation. Symptoms can include mood swings, cramps, bloating, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. While PMS is a normal response to hormonal changes, it can significantly affect daily life.

Why PMS Happens

PMS is primarily influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially estrogen and progesterone. These hormones interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin, affecting mood, sleep, appetite, and pain sensitivity. Other factors such as stress, diet, sleep, and exercise habits can also intensify symptoms.

Research highlights:

• Sensitivity to normal hormonal changes contributes to PMS severity (Zhang et al., 2019).
• Stress and inflammation may exacerbate symptoms and influence severity (S. Kim et al., 2011).

Conventional Approaches vs. Natural Support

Western medicine often recommends lifestyle changes and medications (birth control, anti depressants) to manage PMS. While helpful for symptom relief, these approaches don’t always address the underlying imbalance and may cause side effects.

Acupuncture offers a natural, holistic alternative that supports both physical comfort and emotional balance.

Acupuncture for PMS: Evidence-Based Benefits

Research shows acupuncture can reduce both physical and emotional PMS symptoms:

• Pain and physical discomfort: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce menstrual cramps and premenstrual pain (Cho & Kim, 2010).
• Mood and emotional regulation: Acupuncture can positively influence neurotransmitter and hormone activity, helping with irritability, anxiety, and mood swings  (Liu & Han, 2006).
• Stress response and nervous system balance: Studies indicate acupuncture may improve heart rate variability and autonomic nervous system function, supporting stress resilience (Gao et al., 2014).
• Symptom relief across multiple domains: Clinical trials suggest acupuncture alleviates bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, and fatigue associated with PMS (Liu & Han, 2006; Gao et al., 2014).

How Acupuncture Works

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, PMS is often linked to imbalances or blockages of Qi and blood flow. When these flows are disrupted, symptoms appear. Acupuncture works by:

• Stimulating specific points on the body with fine, sterile needles
• Encouraging balance in Qi, blood, and nervous system signals
• Supporting hormonal regulation, stress response, and inflammation control

Treatment is personalized to each woman, addressing the root cause rather than only individual symptoms.

Supporting Self-Care

Acupuncture works best alongside lifestyle support:

• Nourishing, whole-food diet
• Regular aerobic exercise
• Consistent, restorative sleep
• Stress-reduction practices such as meditation, yoga, or breathwork

These habits help enhance hormonal balance, reduce inflammation, and mitigate PMS symptoms.

Your Cycle. Your Balance. Your Body.

Acupuncture offers a natural, evidence-based approach to PMS. Treatments at Ageless Acupuncture are tailored to your unique symptoms, supporting physical comfort, emotional balance, and overall well-being.

References:
Cho, S., & Kim, J. (2010). Efficacy of acupuncture in management of premenstrual syndrome: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 18(2), 104–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2009.12.001
Kim, S., Park, H., Lee, H., Lee, H., Lee, H., & Lee, H. (2011). Acupuncture for premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BJOG an International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 118(8), 899–915. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.02994.x
Gao, Y., Lin, Z., Tao, J., Yang, S., Chen, R., Jiang, C., Dong, K., Huang, J., & Chen, L. (2014). Evidence of timing effects on acupuncture: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 9(1), 59–64. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2014.2056
Liu, X., & Han, N. (2006). Observation on therapeutic effect of acupoint catgut embedding therapy on premenstrual syndrome. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 26(4), 265–266. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16642613/
Zhang, J., Cao, L., Wang, Y., Jin, Y., Xiao, X., & Zhang, Q. (2019). Acupuncture for Premenstrual Syndrome at Different Intervention Time: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2019, 6246285. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/6246285