Conventional Chinese language Drugs (TCM) affords holistic options to varied well being challenges. Among the many many situations it seeks to handle, premenstrual dysphoric dysfunction (PMDD) stands as a major and sometimes neglected concern affecting numerous ladies worldwide.
As PMDD continues to forged a shadow on the standard of life for these it impacts, a rising curiosity in TCM’s distinctive method to well being and steadiness has emerged.
Right here, we converse with Doctor Ong Fang Ying from Pulse TCM Clinic Singapore to seek out out if TCM in managing PMDD, delving into its wealthy historical past, elementary ideas, and promising strategies that goal to revive concord to each physique and thoughts.
How does Conventional Chinese language Drugs view PMDD?
The menstrual cycle is an ebb and circulate of yin and yang power. Let’s use an instance of a 28-day menstrual cycle. Day 1 to day 14 which is the follicular part is dominated by the presence of estrogen which is a hormone with extra “yin” traits. Ovulation happens on day 14. Day 15 to day 28 which is the luteal part is dominated by the presence of progesterone which has extra “yang” traits.
PMDD sufferers might not essentially have irregular hormone ranges however they might be extra delicate to the traditional hormonal modifications inside a menstrual cycle. This might be as a consequence of their underlying physique structure being extra reactive to the elevated yang power within the physique earlier than the onset of menses. That is frequent in those that have stagnation of qi, blood, phlegm-dampness and/or extra warmth.
Stress and sedentary life can result in stagnation throughout the physique. Diets which are excessive in fats and sugar content material, sleeping previous 11pm-12am constantly or insufficient sleep can contribute to warmth increase throughout the physique.
Stagnation may cause signs corresponding to emotions of despair, breast fullness and ache, belly cramping and bloating, fluid retention. Stagnation can even disrupt the traditional circulate of power inflicting nausea and vomiting. Extra warmth within the physique can lead to nervousness, irritability, anger, insomnia and aggravation of pores and skin problems.
What are the principle remedy approaches in TCM for managing PMDD?
1) Figuring out the affected person’s TCM syndrome
As a result of complexity of every particular person’s physique structure and life-style habits, sufferers may have a mixture of stagnation of qi, blood, phlegm-dampness and/or extra warmth. They might additionally current with sure deficiencies within the physique corresponding to yin deficiency which contributes to presence of extra warmth or yang deficiency which additional worsens stagnation.
2) Tailoring remedy for various phases of the menstrual cycle
As a result of cyclical modifications and number of signs in PMDD, remedy may differ significantly amongst sufferers. The next are some examples:
- After menses, there’s a relative deficiency in yin and blood throughout the physique so those that are yin poor require herbs that nourish yin and blood.
- For sufferers who’ve stagnation throughout the physique, herbs and/or acupuncture are given to manage qi and blood circulation, particularly after ovulation. Cupping can be performed to launch rigidity.
- Those that have yang deficiency might require moxibustion which makes use of heat to stimulate acupoints and enhance yang power throughout the physique.
How does TCM deal with the emotional and psychological signs related to PMDD, corresponding to temper swings, irritability, and despair?
Melancholy, emotions of unhappiness are generally as a consequence of qi stagnation coupled with yang deficiency or presence of dampness-phlegm within the physique.
Irritability, nervousness and anger are sometimes as a consequence of qi stagnation with extra warmth and presumably yin deficiency within the physique.
TCM remedy will be performed to handle these situations in keeping with every affected person’s particular syndrome.
What to anticipate at a TCM remedy:
Acupuncture and natural treatment tailor-made to 1’s situation are prescribed to focus on qi stagnation and different related syndromes, serving to in administration of the emotional and psychological signs. Insomnia that’s typically current can also be an vital concern which TCM remedy can deal with. Emotional stress can result in presence of bodily stiffness, aches and pains which will be handled utilizing acupuncture and cupping to launch muscular rigidity and enhance power circulate. Recommendation on life-style modifications from a TCM perspective will even be given.
What you may strive by yourself:
1. Deep-breathing workouts coupled with acupressure can be utilized to handle stagnation.
Place your palms collectively, sides of your thumbs towards the sternum (chest bone) and rub up and down, as you inhale and exhale deeply. Dan Zhong (膻中) is situated on the sternum, on the degree of the 4th intercostal area, normally halfway between the 2 nipples. It’s an acupoint that’s important for qi regulation in the complete physique.
2. Natural Tea
Natural teas utilizing rose(玫瑰花) and Hehuan flower (合欢花) may also help to manage qi stagnation, serving to to enhance the temper.
3. Foot Soaks
Soaking your ft in heat water (40°C), for about 15min, at the very least 1 hour after dinner and 1 hour earlier than bedtime will assist to calm down and calm the thoughts, aiding in sleep. Do take observe to not use cell units, shut the eyes and breathe deeply for higher rest.
Supply: Her World