PMS and the role of the Liver

by Virginia Prior, L.Ac.
April 20, 2008

PMS. All those cramps, bloating, irritability, headaches, and even depression. While the menstrual period is intended to be a time of renewal, it can involve shifting one's perspective in order to see the blessings within this supposed curse.

Our menstrual cycles reflect our body's intelligence. By harmonizing hormones, we can create the perfect state in which to either conceive or else release that which has been building up over the past month.

So how do we heal our cycles? How do we regulate the hormones, calm our minds and quell the muscle spasms and cramps? How do we strengthen our energy so that we can use this time to our advantage?

Rather than relying on NSAIDS like Alleve or Ibuprofen, acupuncture patients benefit by regulating their energy and opening up blocked channels. Unlike NSAIDS which drain the kidneys and adrenal glands over time, Chinese wisdom (including acupuncture and herbs) offers more natural and holistic ways for women to manage PMS longterm that are safer and have fewer side effects than prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Tuning in to our monthly rhythms allows us to reconnect with nature. Taking cue from the moon, which appears full about every 28 days, we can take a few moments for life review. Regularly, women need to reflect and adjust their energy by tapping into their most clairvoyant and sensitive moments, during this time of renewal. If we don't honor this cyclical opportunity, we risk missing out on what's most important in life, while instead being tossed around on the waves of our emotions.

If we experience constant anger, resentment, frustration, depression or hypersensitivity, it is a sign that our liver energy is out of balance. Because the liver channel traverses the uterus and influences our ability to plan and put forth our life decisions, these previously mentioned negative patterns can all be helped by addressing the liver. When our liver is functioning optimally, we are able to detoxify food, regulate hormones and simplify our lives.

In eastern thought the liver stores blood, and facilitates the smooth flow of "Qi" throughout the body and mind. Spring season, the sour flavor such as lemon, and the color green are all associated with the liver's energy. Therefore, if we do our spring cleaning, eat plenty of green foods, and soothe ourselves with natural water with lemon vs. coffee drinks, we will harmonize our liver energy and make peace with our menstrual cycles.

The most popular herbal formula to treat PMS and relieve congested, toxic energy is "Xiao Yao San," also known as "Free and Easy Rambling Formula." Xiao Yao San eases constrained liver Qi, opens the channels, and lets the body (and mind) flow.

Customized herbal formula: $34.70
No more debilitating cramps: Priceless.