Ways of
Traditional Chinese Mediction for PMS
Acupuncture
will gently break free the stagnation of the
Qi in the body. This also has the effect of easing the
emotions and pain associated with menstruation. As with
many menstrual problems, it may take a few menstrual
periods to regulate the cycle completely, although some
improvement can often be seen after the first month, or
even after the first treatment.
There
is a special Chinese herbal formula which is often
used for PMS called Xiao Yao Wan (sometimes spelled
Hsiao Yao Wan), pronounced "shao yao wan". Confusing,
isn't it? Ironic too, since it translates to "Free and asy
Pill." Many know of individual herbs such as Dang
Gui that are effective for women's health, but this herbis rarely
used alone. Chinese herbal formulas are created with balance and harmony
in mind. Xiao Yao Wan has Dang Gui as well as many other ingredients
to relieve qi stagnation,
nourish the Blood, strengthen the Spleen,
sedate the Liver and relieve pain. They all
support each other to increase their various functions.
Xiao Yao Wan is widely available
at stores that carry Chinese
herbs
Sometimes, an herbal pharmacy will create its own brand of Xiao
Yao Wan and call it something else. The K'an Herbals brand "Free
& Easy Wanderer" is an example of a domestically produced Xiao
Yao Wan.
Tai
Chi or Qi Gong (breathing exercises to amplify and
invigorate the qi energy) helps at the root of the problem. Even
meditation will have this same effect.
Pulling the consciousness into "The Now" makes the
Liver less attached to pre-planned goals. With this added
flexibility, we can become more able to accept obstacles
in life which allows us to find appropriate and creative
solutions consistent with the needs of the moment.
Also, Qi Gong's breathing exercises stimulate the functions of
the Lungs which help to sedate the Liver. in the same way that the Liver
can attack the energy of the
Spleen, so it is that the Lungs can sedate the lver. This is all due to
the way in which the organs relate
to each other within the paradigm of Chinese
medicine.
The
21st century brings with it levels of stress and pain that have never been encountered in the past.However,
because of the unique multi-cultural interactions
available within modern society, we can also
benefit from incredible ancient treatments such as
Chinese medicine for these contemporary disorders.
In
this day and age, you've got options, and when it
comes to PMS, all I really want to do is remind you that
suffering need not be one of them.
Back
|