Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that can be truly debilitating for many women. While conventional medicine often falls short in addressing this complex condition, acupuncture offers a promising alternative approach.
The Shortcomings of Conventional PMDD Treatments
Conventional medicine typically offers a limited toolbox for PMDD:
1. Birth control pills: These aim to regulate hormones but can come with side effects and don’t address underlying imbalances. Many women don’t even realize they are not having a menstrual cycle at all while on the pill. It works by suppressing ovulation, and the bleed that occurs when the placebo pill is taken is a withdrawal bleed not menstruation.
2. Antidepressants: While they may help mood symptoms, they don’t target the root cause and can have significant side effects.
These treatments often provide only partial relief and fail to address the complex interplay of factors contributing to PMDD. Many women are frustrated by this symptomatic approach that doesn’t resolve the core issues.
Acupuncture: Targeting the Root Cause
In contrast, acupuncture takes a holistic view of PMDD, seeking to identify and treat the underlying imbalances. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees PMDD as a result of disrupted energy flow and organ system imbalances, particularly involving the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
How Acupuncture Addresses PMDD:
1. Liver Qi Stagnation: Many PMDD symptoms are attributed to stagnant liver energy. Acupuncture aims to smooth this flow, potentially alleviating irritability, breast tenderness, and emotional volatility.
2. Spleen Deficiency: A weak spleen usually creates weak digestion, which can lead to fatigue, bloating, and food cravings. Acupuncture points can strengthen spleen function to improve digestion.
3. Kidney Qi and Yang: Underlying many hormonal imbalances is what we call Kidney deficiency. For long term relief and to help you feel more in control, less pain, and more yourself, the kidney energy may need to be addressed in treatment with acupuncture or often, with herbal medicine.
4. Blood Stasis: Acupuncture can promote healthy blood flow, which helps to relieve cramps and reduce clots.
By addressing these fundamental imbalances, acupuncture seeks to not just mask symptoms, but to restore overall harmony in the body. This approach may lead to more comprehensive and lasting relief.
What to Expect from Acupuncture Treatment
Unlike the quick-fix promise of a pill, acupuncture is a process:
– Initial assessment: Your practitioner will conduct a thorough evaluation, considering your entire health picture, not just PMDD symptoms.
– Individualized treatment: Points selected will be tailored to your specific imbalances.
– Ongoing care: Regular treatments, often timed with your menstrual cycle, allow for adjustments and cumulative benefits.
– Lifestyle guidance: While acupuncture is incredible, it’s not a be all fix all! Your acupuncturist may suggest dietary changes, stress management techniques, and herbs as part of your treatment plan.
While results can vary, many women report significant improvements in both physical and emotional PMDD symptoms over time. Importantly, these changes often feel more integrated and sustainable compared to the temporary relief of conventional treatments.
Is Acupuncture right for you?
For women frustrated by the limited options and side effects of conventional PMDD treatments, acupuncture offers a different paradigm. By seeking to correct underlying imbalances rather than just managing symptoms, our patients find through acupuncture therapy that symptoms become less severe, and they get pieces of their life back. We all need our hormones, but our hormones don’t have to control our lives. Call us to discuss if this is right for you.
