PMS

Moving onto a more feminine topic, let's talk about PMS!

PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome, which is a result of hormone imbalance in menstruating females. PMS may include any of the following symptoms:

• headache
• abdominal bloating
• abdominal cramping
• fluid retention
• swelling of hands and feet
  
• breast tenderness and swelling
  
• indigestion
• constipation
• anxiety or irritability
• angry outbursts
  
• mood swings
• social withdrawal
  
• stress
• insomnia
  
• acne
• joint or muscle pain
• low back pain
  

One or more of these symptoms must be present for 5 to 10 days before the onset of period, and must not be present for 10 days following the end of a menstrual period in order to be diagnosed as PMS. Also, some females have more severe symptoms than others, and based on the changes of your body condition, the symptoms may disappear over time.

Just want to share a few helpful tips to beat PMS blues!

1. Exercise to move Qi before the onset of period.
2. Take vitamin B3 and B6 (or just a B complex) for improving mood.
3. Eat more fibers, fruits and vegetables.
   
4. Consume less fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar and sodium.
5. Get adequate sleep.
6. Other supplements that help relieve PMS symptoms include: Omega 3, flax seed, Calcium, and Vitamin A.
   

Immune system might be a bit low just before the onset of period, so for some people, herpes simplex virus might act out during this time, or they might catch a cold more easily. Be sure to dress warmly and take vitamins to prevent catching a cold or a cold sore! Avoid exposure to cold, such as swimming or hanging out in the snow.

Acupuncture can also help with making the menses flow smoothly and reduce PMS symptoms, such as bloating , fluid retention or mood swings.