Understanding the Body’s Signals: Decoding PMS

By registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner: Dr. MIchelle Zhang

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) encompasses a wide range of symptoms that occur in conjunction with the monthly menstrual cycle. These can include:

• Emotional fluctuations
• Exhaustion
• Breast discomfort
• Abdominal swelling
• Cranial pain
• Dietary desires
• Appetite changes
• Sleep irregularities
• Muscular and joint discomfort
• Skin eruptions

Beyond signaling an impending menstrual period, PMS may indicate underlying bodily imbalances. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) identifies two primary imbalances associated with PMS:

• Insufficiency: Lack of Qi and Blood

1. 1. • Renal Insufficiency: Impacts hormonal equilibrium and reproductive health
      • Splenic Qi Insufficiency: Affects nutrient processing and distribution

• Congestion: Obstructed Qi and Blood Flow

1. • Hepatic Qi Congestion: Disrupts smooth Qi circulation
   • Blood Stasis: Impedes blood circulation

Often, insufficiency and congestion coexist, particularly in relation to mood swings, bloating, and sleep disturbances. Why do these symptoms manifest primarily before menstruation? The premenstrual phase involves a preparatory process where Qi and blood are directed towards the uterus, causing an energy shift. In a balanced body, this shift goes unnoticed. However, existing imbalances may become more pronounced during this time, manifesting as various symptoms. As menstruation begins, energy patterns normalize, and symptoms subside until the next cycle. This monthly occurrence serves as a valuable indicator of underlying imbalances, allowing for early detection and intervention. Our bodies possess innate intelligence; we simply need to interpret these signals correctly.