Acupuncture for PMDD

Feeling angry before your period is a pretty common occurrence. It may be caused by PMT but it may also be a condition called Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) which has been under diagnosed in the past but is now becoming more regularly recognised. People who experience this intense emotion don’t always know how to deal with it. After the PMDD has passed you may feel like your emotions, such as anger, were out of control, or you may feel that it was justified but difficult to manage your response. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) this is often diagnosed as Liver Yang Rising or in extreme cases, Liver Fire Blazing. The intense anger is often combined with a red face and eyes, dry mouth and throat, with a desire for cold drinks. Commonly there is also a headache behind the eyes and insomnia with the mind racing.                                                                        
With Acupuncture, this is treated by descending the Liver Yang with treatments before the onset of PMDD or during the PMDD . However, treatment throughout the menstrual cycle together with the patient following dietary and lifestyle advice will help with this aspect of PMT. Common recommendations will be to do regular exercise as this helps to keep your qi (similar concept to vital force/prana) moving properly. Certain foods aggravate this condition such as sugary foods and spicy foods and it is generally recommended that these foods are eliminated during the course of treatment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
​For tailored advice to your situation and a treatment plan, contact me to book an appointment.
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