Natural Hormone Balance for Women
By Darrell Miller
The majority of women are affected by moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms and premenstrual syndrome
(PMS) at some point in their life. PMS that is clinically diagnosed consists of symptoms that are so severe and
pervasive that careers, social interactions, and family lives are negatively affected. This occurs in eight to twenty
percent of women in the Western world. Menopause and PMS are both characterized by a severe fluctuation or
major falling of the female hormones estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin. Since many examples of women
who are barely affected by natural changes exist, it can be logically inferred that female hormones are capable of
remaining close to balanced, while others experience hormones that swing abruptly from one extreme to the
next, causing severe mood swings. Although changes in hormone levels are the reason menopause and PMS occur, women do have
some control over the severity of their symptoms.
There are many natural approaches to hormone balance along with other medical interventions that can be used either separate or
together. However, one must remember that women are biologically programmed to have multiple children, which therefore, would limit
the number of menstrual cycles in a lifetime. Additionally, women are now living thirty years past menopause, an experience that is
relatively new. Also, a lot of the pain and anguish that is associated with menopause and PMS is actually related to obesity, high-calorie
eating habits, and inactivity. Normal body weight and regular exercise often leads to mild or inconsequential PMS.
In 2002, estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy, which is the standard treatment for menopausal symptoms, came
under scrutiny after the publication of research that found that supplementation of estrogen significantly increases the risk for breast and
ovarian cancer. Supplementing estrogen also does not protect against cardiovascular disease. As a result, US-dispensed prescriptions
for estrogen declined from ninety-one million in 2001 to fifty-seven million in 2003. It has been found that a lot of the excess risk for breast
and ovarian cancer was due to prescriptions being refilled indefinitely instead of hormone replacement therapy only being used at the
onset of menopause. Additionally, supplemental estrogen was not paired and balanced with progesterone, causing a greater risk. Either
way, the door to natural alternatives was opened wide, especially for those patients who have a family history of reproductive cancer.
Natural therapy for menopause and PMS is based upon phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that contain chemical structures which resemble estrogen. These plant compounds can exert weak
estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects. Isoflavones from legumes such as soybean, red clover, licorice, as well as lignans like flaxseed and
milk thistle are the most common and familiar phytoestrogens. Black cohosh has been shown to have antiestrogenic effects only.
Phytoestrogens have been proven to reduce the risk for estrogen-dependent breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers as well as hot flashes,
night sweats, and sleep disturbances. Although phytoestrogens do a good job at protecting women from symptoms of excess estrogen,
phytoestrogens cannot replace estrogen when there isn’t enough. They don’t help with vaginal wall atrophy and dryness, thinning hair, lack
of sexual desire, menopause-related urogenital itching, or infertility. For the best results, supplements of soy and red clover isoflavone
should be taken 2-3 times daily. Although there are no herbal alternatives that actually raise levels of estrogen, natural medicine such as
dong quai, licorice, milk thistle, ginseng, pycnogenol, and pollen for menopause and calcium, magnesium, B6, chastre tree, dong quai,
and ginseng for PMS can balance existing female hormones and provide relief from symptoms.
By Darrell Miller
The majority of women are affected by moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms and premenstrual syndrome
(PMS) at some point in their life. PMS that is clinically diagnosed consists of symptoms that are so severe and
pervasive that careers, social interactions, and family lives are negatively affected. This occurs in eight to twenty
percent of women in the Western world. Menopause and PMS are both characterized by a severe fluctuation or
major falling of the female hormones estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin. Since many examples of women
who are barely affected by natural changes exist, it can be logically inferred that female hormones are capable of
remaining close to balanced, while others experience hormones that swing abruptly from one extreme to the
next, causing severe mood swings. Although changes in hormone levels are the reason menopause and PMS occur, women do have
some control over the severity of their symptoms.
There are many natural approaches to hormone balance along with other medical interventions that can be used either separate or
together. However, one must remember that women are biologically programmed to have multiple children, which therefore, would limit
the number of menstrual cycles in a lifetime. Additionally, women are now living thirty years past menopause, an experience that is
relatively new. Also, a lot of the pain and anguish that is associated with menopause and PMS is actually related to obesity, high-calorie
eating habits, and inactivity. Normal body weight and regular exercise often leads to mild or inconsequential PMS.
In 2002, estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy, which is the standard treatment for menopausal symptoms, came
under scrutiny after the publication of research that found that supplementation of estrogen significantly increases the risk for breast and
ovarian cancer. Supplementing estrogen also does not protect against cardiovascular disease. As a result, US-dispensed prescriptions
for estrogen declined from ninety-one million in 2001 to fifty-seven million in 2003. It has been found that a lot of the excess risk for breast
and ovarian cancer was due to prescriptions being refilled indefinitely instead of hormone replacement therapy only being used at the
onset of menopause. Additionally, supplemental estrogen was not paired and balanced with progesterone, causing a greater risk. Either
way, the door to natural alternatives was opened wide, especially for those patients who have a family history of reproductive cancer.
Natural therapy for menopause and PMS is based upon phytoestrogens.
Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that contain chemical structures which resemble estrogen. These plant compounds can exert weak
estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects. Isoflavones from legumes such as soybean, red clover, licorice, as well as lignans like flaxseed and
milk thistle are the most common and familiar phytoestrogens. Black cohosh has been shown to have antiestrogenic effects only.
Phytoestrogens have been proven to reduce the risk for estrogen-dependent breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers as well as hot flashes,
night sweats, and sleep disturbances. Although phytoestrogens do a good job at protecting women from symptoms of excess estrogen,
phytoestrogens cannot replace estrogen when there isn’t enough. They don’t help with vaginal wall atrophy and dryness, thinning hair, lack
of sexual desire, menopause-related urogenital itching, or infertility. For the best results, supplements of soy and red clover isoflavone
should be taken 2-3 times daily. Although there are no herbal alternatives that actually raise levels of estrogen, natural medicine such as
dong quai, licorice, milk thistle, ginseng, pycnogenol, and pollen for menopause and calcium, magnesium, B6, chastre tree, dong quai,
and ginseng for PMS can balance existing female hormones and provide relief from symptoms.
| Professional Edition Volume 2 Issue 8 August 20, 2008 |
Newsletter for Acupuncture Practitioners sponsored by Ashi Research |
Olympics / News - Canadian coach happy to get the needle
By Zhang Qi
Canadian gymnastics team coach Tony Smith was amazed yesterday when his back pain vanished after just one
acupuncture session at the Olympic Village clinic.
"It really does work," he said. "I will definitely recommend it to my athletes."
Smith, who has long suffered from lower back pain, had just about given up hope after none of the various treatments
he tried made any difference.
"I thought I should give Chinese acupuncture a try, and found it really relieves the pain," he said.
"I'll try it again this week. If it still works, I'll carry on with the treatment when I get back to Canada."
The village clinic provides a 24-hour free service, including outpatient surgery, dermatology and dentistry, for athletes and officials from
June 20 to Sept 20.
Chinese massage, acupuncture and other forms of traditional Chinese medicine are also available.
Acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years. It consists of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points
of the body.
"This is the first time an Olympic Village has offered acupuncture," said Wang Weidong, director of the clinic's department of Chinese
traditional medicine. "I hope the service we provide here relieves athletes' aches and pains, and also expands the influence of traditional
Chinese medicine.
"Acupuncture relieves pain and is a therapeutic treatment of chronic injuries. It is also an effective remedy for headaches and insomnia,"
he said.
Four qualified Chinese acupuncturists from Guang'anmen Hospital, within the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, work at the
Olympic village clinic.
Smith lay on the bed in the small acupuncture treatment room, with Chinese acupoint diagrams on its walls, as Xu Hairong, dressed in her
white and blue volunteer uniform, inserted needles in his face, arms and legs.
Xu, who has been an acupuncturist for six years, said she had received encouraging feedback from visitors.
"At first only a few officials and coaches came in, but even the athletes want to give it a try now.
"A chef de mission's wife has been coming here for the past few days to get treatment her arthritic shoulder," Xu said.
"She is so pleased with the results she has recommended it to others. A swimmer from her country came in just yesterday."
"People are telling us that the one bed in the acupuncture room won't be enough once more athletes move in to the village" Yu Jinna, one
of her colleagues, said.
By Zhang Qi
Canadian gymnastics team coach Tony Smith was amazed yesterday when his back pain vanished after just one
acupuncture session at the Olympic Village clinic.
"It really does work," he said. "I will definitely recommend it to my athletes."
Smith, who has long suffered from lower back pain, had just about given up hope after none of the various treatments
he tried made any difference.
"I thought I should give Chinese acupuncture a try, and found it really relieves the pain," he said.
"I'll try it again this week. If it still works, I'll carry on with the treatment when I get back to Canada."
The village clinic provides a 24-hour free service, including outpatient surgery, dermatology and dentistry, for athletes and officials from
June 20 to Sept 20.
Chinese massage, acupuncture and other forms of traditional Chinese medicine are also available.
Acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years. It consists of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points
of the body.
"This is the first time an Olympic Village has offered acupuncture," said Wang Weidong, director of the clinic's department of Chinese
traditional medicine. "I hope the service we provide here relieves athletes' aches and pains, and also expands the influence of traditional
Chinese medicine.
"Acupuncture relieves pain and is a therapeutic treatment of chronic injuries. It is also an effective remedy for headaches and insomnia,"
he said.
Four qualified Chinese acupuncturists from Guang'anmen Hospital, within the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, work at the
Olympic village clinic.
Smith lay on the bed in the small acupuncture treatment room, with Chinese acupoint diagrams on its walls, as Xu Hairong, dressed in her
white and blue volunteer uniform, inserted needles in his face, arms and legs.
Xu, who has been an acupuncturist for six years, said she had received encouraging feedback from visitors.
"At first only a few officials and coaches came in, but even the athletes want to give it a try now.
"A chef de mission's wife has been coming here for the past few days to get treatment her arthritic shoulder," Xu said.
"She is so pleased with the results she has recommended it to others. A swimmer from her country came in just yesterday."
"People are telling us that the one bed in the acupuncture room won't be enough once more athletes move in to the village" Yu Jinna, one
of her colleagues, said.
| Ashi Pain Relief Products New Solution for Practitioners! Click here to order |
CONTENTS
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Nurse's Guide: Arthritis Pain Relief - The Diet That Worked For Me
Arthritis sufferers today are continually seeking relief from their arthritis pain. I got rid of my arthritis symptoms
and arthritis pain years ago by making a change in my diet and lifestyle.
Arthritis pain is most usually experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used. Arthritis is usually found in
the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine. In osteoarthritis, any one or more of the affected joints
can experience a progressive loss of cartilage, which is the slippery material that cushions the ends of bones.
The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans creates a
resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement.
Cartilage is the slippery tissue that coats the ends of the bones. Cartilage contains a high percentage of water and decreases with age.
An inflammatory response causes cytokines to gather in injured areas and cause inflammation and damage to body tissue and cells. It's
known to play a role in a systemic form of arthritis - rheumatoid arthritis, and other muscle and joint problems associated with autoimmune
diseases. Aging cells could be a significant factor in the development of arthritis and specifically osteoarthritis. Although osteoarthritis
generally does go along with aging, osteoarthritic cartilage is chemically different from normal aged cartilage.
Natural arthritis treatment is usually a better choice - it's non-invasive and usually anti-inflammatory if living plant foods are consumed. I
know quite a few people who are treating and relieving their arthritis pain by drinking tart cherry juice made from a concentrate; make sure
it's the tart kind. Some of the foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives,
soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, refined, packaged and processed food.
Many people have told me that going off of dairy products and foods containing gluten, like wheat, barley and rye especially, relieved them
of arthritis pain entirely. An acidic diet, that is any foods that are not alive, is considered to be inflammatory to one's joints. Try avoiding
seven of the eight most allergic foods - wheat, which is the most allergenic, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish and shellfish.
If you're not already doing so, make a big effort to change your diet. Watch your diet closely - load-bearing joints are affected by excessive
weight; hips, knees, feet and spine.
Many people, including one well-known professional golfer, still wear copper bracelets and swear by them. And a recent study in Great
Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil in osteoarthritis for relieving pain and stiffness, and beginning the reversal of the
destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours.
Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible. But be
careful in the morning; you may need an hour or more of moving around first; you can start by moving your limbs around in bed a few
minutes before you get out of bed. If you have pain and swelling in your fingers, try squeezing Thera-putty which is made for this purpose, or
exercising them with two chime balls. Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall good
health. Fight arthritis through lots of movement and exercise!
The important exercises for arthritis include: range-of-motion exercises, isometrics, and some weight-bearing exercises. For arthritic
fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together, press hard and release, then repeat several times. Exercise all your affected
joints every day, to keep them fluid and flexible.
Once you become completely informed about arthritis you'll be able to plan an arthritis treatment program that's right for you - natural or
conventional or a combination of both. And only you know which arthritis treatments are best for you. Be aware that the use of pain relievers
like NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors do not halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset; additionally the side effects may
outweigh any benefits.
But changing my diet totally to a raw diet of plant foods - that is fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, stopped all my arthritis pain and stopped
the damage to my joints to this day. The biggest secret to arthritis pain relief is a change in the diet; eat plant foods that are alive not
cooked. Your treatment plan should include an anti-arthritis diet, movement, exercise, and a positive mental attitude. The right diet may
stop the progression of your arthritis and stop the pain that goes with it.
By Twin Peak
Arthritis sufferers today are continually seeking relief from their arthritis pain. I got rid of my arthritis symptoms
and arthritis pain years ago by making a change in my diet and lifestyle.
Arthritis pain is most usually experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used. Arthritis is usually found in
the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine. In osteoarthritis, any one or more of the affected joints
can experience a progressive loss of cartilage, which is the slippery material that cushions the ends of bones.
The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans creates a
resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement.
Cartilage is the slippery tissue that coats the ends of the bones. Cartilage contains a high percentage of water and decreases with age.
An inflammatory response causes cytokines to gather in injured areas and cause inflammation and damage to body tissue and cells. It's
known to play a role in a systemic form of arthritis - rheumatoid arthritis, and other muscle and joint problems associated with autoimmune
diseases. Aging cells could be a significant factor in the development of arthritis and specifically osteoarthritis. Although osteoarthritis
generally does go along with aging, osteoarthritic cartilage is chemically different from normal aged cartilage.
Natural arthritis treatment is usually a better choice - it's non-invasive and usually anti-inflammatory if living plant foods are consumed. I
know quite a few people who are treating and relieving their arthritis pain by drinking tart cherry juice made from a concentrate; make sure
it's the tart kind. Some of the foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives,
soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, refined, packaged and processed food.
Many people have told me that going off of dairy products and foods containing gluten, like wheat, barley and rye especially, relieved them
of arthritis pain entirely. An acidic diet, that is any foods that are not alive, is considered to be inflammatory to one's joints. Try avoiding
seven of the eight most allergic foods - wheat, which is the most allergenic, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish and shellfish.
If you're not already doing so, make a big effort to change your diet. Watch your diet closely - load-bearing joints are affected by excessive
weight; hips, knees, feet and spine.
Many people, including one well-known professional golfer, still wear copper bracelets and swear by them. And a recent study in Great
Britain touted the beneficial effects of cod liver oil in osteoarthritis for relieving pain and stiffness, and beginning the reversal of the
destruction of joint cartilage within 24 hours.
Stretching and warming up the joints should always be the first step in your exercise routine to make your joints more flexible. But be
careful in the morning; you may need an hour or more of moving around first; you can start by moving your limbs around in bed a few
minutes before you get out of bed. If you have pain and swelling in your fingers, try squeezing Thera-putty which is made for this purpose, or
exercising them with two chime balls. Even the lightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall good
health. Fight arthritis through lots of movement and exercise!
The important exercises for arthritis include: range-of-motion exercises, isometrics, and some weight-bearing exercises. For arthritic
fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together, press hard and release, then repeat several times. Exercise all your affected
joints every day, to keep them fluid and flexible.
Once you become completely informed about arthritis you'll be able to plan an arthritis treatment program that's right for you - natural or
conventional or a combination of both. And only you know which arthritis treatments are best for you. Be aware that the use of pain relievers
like NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors do not halt the progress of osteoarthritis and may even hasten the onset; additionally the side effects may
outweigh any benefits.
But changing my diet totally to a raw diet of plant foods - that is fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, stopped all my arthritis pain and stopped
the damage to my joints to this day. The biggest secret to arthritis pain relief is a change in the diet; eat plant foods that are alive not
cooked. Your treatment plan should include an anti-arthritis diet, movement, exercise, and a positive mental attitude. The right diet may
stop the progression of your arthritis and stop the pain that goes with it.
By Twin Peak
Premenstrual Syndrome and Back Pain
By Cannone
It's no secret that many women suffer through their monthly periods, experiencing cramps, bloating, and
lower back pain, to name just a few. But a large number of them—estimated at anywhere from 30 to 90
percent—also endure the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Most women feel some discomfort
before their periods. But if you have PMS, you may feel so anxious, depressed, or uncomfortable that you
can't cope at home or at work.
What causes PMS?
No one knows for sure what causes PMS or why some months are worse than others, but PMS is often linked to the changes in hormone
levels that happen during a woman's menstrual cycle. PMS is not caused by stress or psychological problems, though these may make the
symptoms worse.
"We probably don't get nearly enough magnesium from out diet," says Dr. Carolyn Dean, who specializes in managing and healing
commonly misdiagnosed and chronic conditions such as hormone imbalance, and mood swings. "The Recommended Daily Allowance
for magnesium is 350-400 milligrams (mg) per day, but for optimal health you may need twice as much."
Dean, who serves on the medical advisory board of the Healthy Back Institute, suggests taking magnesium supplements to prevent or
ease PMS symptoms, including back pain due to water retention. She recommends magnesium citrate and taurate, as well as spraying on
magnesium oil that is absorbed through your skin.
Some researchers have found that calcium levels are lower in women with PMS and that calcium supplementation may reduce the severity
of symptoms. One study, for instance, reported that 300 mg of calcium carbonate four times a day significantly reduced bloating,
depression, pain, and mood swings.
How is PMS diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose PMS, but because thyroid disease is common in women of childbearing age, and because some of the
symptoms of PMS—such as weight gain—are similar to symptoms of thyroid disease, your doctor may do a thyroid test. This can help rule
out a thyroid problem as the cause of your symptoms. Often, a doctor will suggest that you keep a diary to track your symptoms for a few
months.
How is PMS usually treated?
Medicines that are commonly prescribed include diuretics to help the body rid itself of extra sodium and fluid, which can ease bloating,
weight gain, breast pain, abdominal pain, and back pain. Antidepressants can help with the severe irritability, depression, and anxiety that
some women have with PMS. Doctors often prescribe birth control pills to help reduce some PMS symptoms by evening out hormone
levels during your cycle.
Experts also suggest making some simple diet and lifestyle changes. These include eating more complex carbohydrates (such as whole
grain breads, pasta and cereals), more fiber and protein, and more foods rich in potassium (such as fish, beans, and broccoli). Other
things you can do: cut back on sugar and fat; avoid iodine salt (to reduce bloating and fluid retention) try sea salts, eliminate or cut back on
caffeine and alcohol, get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and get regular aerobic exercise—even a short walk every day can help. In
fact, research has shown that frequency—rather than intensity—of exercise can decrease PMS symptoms.
Are there alternative treatments?
According to a 2004 study in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a drugless intervention that may provide relief from PMS
is something called "external qigong." First, a little background: Human qi comes from two primary sources: one, your parents; and, two,
essential substances in nature such as air, water, and food. Both of these qi sources—inherited and acquired vital energies—are refined
and transformed by our organs.
By eating a healthy diet and breathing fresh air, the theory goes, the body extracts their most valuable essences and uses them to help
form the vital energy. Following these simple principles are the first steps towards creating a healthy balance in the body.
In external qigong, a trained practitioner directs his or her own qi outward, with the intention of helping patients' clear blockages, remove
negative qi, and balance the flow of qi in the body, thus relieving pain and helping the body to rid itself of certain diseases. Scientists in
South Korea report that qigong can improve many of the symptoms associated with PMS, and that it may work as well as more traditional
methods of relief.
Other techniques—such as breathing exercises, meditation, aromatherapy, and yoga—focus on reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
It this regard, it is also advisable (where practical) to schedule events you expect will be stressful—that big family reunion, for example—for
the week after your period. And because many women seem to be more sensitive in the weeks before their menstrual period, relaxation
experts suggest setting aside personal time to unwind, let out pent-up emotions, and focus on things that will nourish your spirit.
You may also want to try evening primrose oil, a plant oil that contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 essential fatty acid.
Gamma-linolenic acid is involved in the metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that regulate pain and
inflammation in the body. Other natural remedies commonly used for PMS: ginkgo, vitamin E, royal jelly, dandelion, wild yam, oligomeric
proanthocyanidins(OPCs), uva ursi, St. John's wort, progesterone cream as well as Proteolytic Systemic Enzymes.
By Cannone
It's no secret that many women suffer through their monthly periods, experiencing cramps, bloating, and
lower back pain, to name just a few. But a large number of them—estimated at anywhere from 30 to 90
percent—also endure the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Most women feel some discomfort
before their periods. But if you have PMS, you may feel so anxious, depressed, or uncomfortable that you
can't cope at home or at work.
What causes PMS?
No one knows for sure what causes PMS or why some months are worse than others, but PMS is often linked to the changes in hormone
levels that happen during a woman's menstrual cycle. PMS is not caused by stress or psychological problems, though these may make the
symptoms worse.
"We probably don't get nearly enough magnesium from out diet," says Dr. Carolyn Dean, who specializes in managing and healing
commonly misdiagnosed and chronic conditions such as hormone imbalance, and mood swings. "The Recommended Daily Allowance
for magnesium is 350-400 milligrams (mg) per day, but for optimal health you may need twice as much."
Dean, who serves on the medical advisory board of the Healthy Back Institute, suggests taking magnesium supplements to prevent or
ease PMS symptoms, including back pain due to water retention. She recommends magnesium citrate and taurate, as well as spraying on
magnesium oil that is absorbed through your skin.
Some researchers have found that calcium levels are lower in women with PMS and that calcium supplementation may reduce the severity
of symptoms. One study, for instance, reported that 300 mg of calcium carbonate four times a day significantly reduced bloating,
depression, pain, and mood swings.
How is PMS diagnosed?
There is no single test to diagnose PMS, but because thyroid disease is common in women of childbearing age, and because some of the
symptoms of PMS—such as weight gain—are similar to symptoms of thyroid disease, your doctor may do a thyroid test. This can help rule
out a thyroid problem as the cause of your symptoms. Often, a doctor will suggest that you keep a diary to track your symptoms for a few
months.
How is PMS usually treated?
Medicines that are commonly prescribed include diuretics to help the body rid itself of extra sodium and fluid, which can ease bloating,
weight gain, breast pain, abdominal pain, and back pain. Antidepressants can help with the severe irritability, depression, and anxiety that
some women have with PMS. Doctors often prescribe birth control pills to help reduce some PMS symptoms by evening out hormone
levels during your cycle.
Experts also suggest making some simple diet and lifestyle changes. These include eating more complex carbohydrates (such as whole
grain breads, pasta and cereals), more fiber and protein, and more foods rich in potassium (such as fish, beans, and broccoli). Other
things you can do: cut back on sugar and fat; avoid iodine salt (to reduce bloating and fluid retention) try sea salts, eliminate or cut back on
caffeine and alcohol, get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and get regular aerobic exercise—even a short walk every day can help. In
fact, research has shown that frequency—rather than intensity—of exercise can decrease PMS symptoms.
Are there alternative treatments?
According to a 2004 study in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a drugless intervention that may provide relief from PMS
is something called "external qigong." First, a little background: Human qi comes from two primary sources: one, your parents; and, two,
essential substances in nature such as air, water, and food. Both of these qi sources—inherited and acquired vital energies—are refined
and transformed by our organs.
By eating a healthy diet and breathing fresh air, the theory goes, the body extracts their most valuable essences and uses them to help
form the vital energy. Following these simple principles are the first steps towards creating a healthy balance in the body.
In external qigong, a trained practitioner directs his or her own qi outward, with the intention of helping patients' clear blockages, remove
negative qi, and balance the flow of qi in the body, thus relieving pain and helping the body to rid itself of certain diseases. Scientists in
South Korea report that qigong can improve many of the symptoms associated with PMS, and that it may work as well as more traditional
methods of relief.
Other techniques—such as breathing exercises, meditation, aromatherapy, and yoga—focus on reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
It this regard, it is also advisable (where practical) to schedule events you expect will be stressful—that big family reunion, for example—for
the week after your period. And because many women seem to be more sensitive in the weeks before their menstrual period, relaxation
experts suggest setting aside personal time to unwind, let out pent-up emotions, and focus on things that will nourish your spirit.
You may also want to try evening primrose oil, a plant oil that contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 essential fatty acid.
Gamma-linolenic acid is involved in the metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that regulate pain and
inflammation in the body. Other natural remedies commonly used for PMS: ginkgo, vitamin E, royal jelly, dandelion, wild yam, oligomeric
proanthocyanidins(OPCs), uva ursi, St. John's wort, progesterone cream as well as Proteolytic Systemic Enzymes.
This is a free service for posting educational events related to Chinese medicine . Contact tcm@ashi-resarch.com for the service.
