Chiropractor Chandler AZ

Acupuncture Helps PMS Symptoms

The discomfort associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is usually painful periods, cramping, headaches, bloating, irritability, and mood swings. The periods can last around one week. The severity of the symptoms can vary from month to month. Acupuncture can help ease the discomfort. By inserting needles into certain points associated with specific meridians, the natural flow of energy can be restored.

It is believed that cramping during the menstrual cycle occurs due to stagnant liver qi. When there is an imbalance of flow of qi or blood, it can cause pain. When liver qi isn’t flowing properly, blood becomes collected in the uterus, causing the discomfort. Stagnant liver qi can cause heavy bleeding, mood swings, etc. Signs of blockage include bloating, spotting, and irritability. When qi becomes stagnant it can make menstrual flow heavy and lead to increased thirst, constipation and increased mood swings. If qi stagnation leads to blood stagnation, the pain can be more intense and localized.

The liver produces cholesterol which is the basis of estrogen and progesterone formation. If the liver has suppressed cholesterol production, it might impair the production of hormones necessary for a smooth menstrual cycle. The liver also produces and releases bile required for fat digestion. Decreased bile flow results in poor fat digestion and possible abdominal bloating. Bile aids in stimulating bowel movements, therefore liver stagnation can result in bloating and constipation.

Symptoms tend to appear each time before a cycle starts and disappear with or shortly after the beginning of menstruation. These symptoms include diarrhea or constipation, insomnia, breast tenderness, headaches, weight gain, and fatigue.

The main causes of PMS include stress and poor nutrition. A decrease in serotonin during the menstrual cycle could lead to depression, fatigue, insomnia, and hormonal changes. An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone could cause anxiety and irritability.

Massage and chiropractic care before and during the menstrual cycle can help relax the muscles and ease cramping.

The video below describes how acupuncture is performed and commonly asked questions. Many people seek acupuncture for their forearm muscle and elbow joint pain, it is also very effective when combined with conservative therapy and medical treatments.

Learn more about Acupuncture in our Chandler AZ Clinic. Chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture can be used alone or combined to enhance many types of treatments and injuries. Many women find relief from PMS symptoms when combining these treatments.

Alpha Chiropractic and Physical Therapy provides treatment for many patients in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, and Maricopa. Most patients have never seen a clinic that combines treatments from different providers into improving your pain. Chiropractic Adjustments are enhanced with physical therapy exercises and stretches.

Many patients are amazed how their muscle pain and “knots in their low back muscles” are quickly improved with Graston Technique treatments combined with massage. Graston Technique helps break up scar tissue and enhance tendinopathy healing. Massage therapy helps decrease muscle spasms in the low back and hips, which often contribute to increasing low back pain associated with PMS.

Low level lasers are excellent treatments for many conditions and injuries involving nerve control and balance. Some women find relief when combing Class IV Cold Lasers; which produce a specific frequency and wavelength of energy that decrease inflammatory molecules. Learn more about cold laser treatments.

Therapy and treatments for many types of conditions can be improved with a combination of acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy. Learn more about our unique Chandler Chiropractic Clinic.