PMS or premenstrual syndrome is a condition characterized by uncomfortable symptoms such as tension, irritability, depression, headache, anxiety and loss of self-control.

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It occurs in the period preceding menstruation, which varies from one week to one day before. The main cause of PMS is the female hormonal change, which interferes with the central nervous system. Remembering that hormone comes from Latin and means humor. It is easy to understand that hormonal variations will affect mood. Another factor is that in this period there is a drop in the levels of serotonin that a neurotransmitter (hormonal) that works with states of pleasure, mood and well-being. It can also originate from low levels of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins E and B6 and also from calcium and magnesium in the body. Excess salt in food, drinking alcohol or caffeine.

 

Emotional Symptoms:

• On the body: Sensitive and swollen breasts, acne, drowsiness, insomnia, lethargy, changes in appetite, fatigue, excessive hunger or loss of appetite, weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds, swelling, difficulty concentrating, headache, low back pain and in the pelvic region;

• In the gastrointestinal tract: constipation, fluid retention or excessive amounts of gases;

• In the mood: Willingness to cry, irritability / mood swings, hopelessness, anxiety or general discontent, depression.

 

From the view of traditional Chinese medicine, premenstrual tension is a syndrome originating from two factors:

• Stagnation of liver Qi (energy) and Xue (blood);

• Deficiency of kidney yang and spleen-pancreas yang.

 

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the liver has a direct influence on this syndrome:

• Nourishes the uterus through the Chong Mai meridian;

• Maintain the free flow of Qi (energy) and emotions;

• Store and release Xue (blood) according to the organic need.

 

Reflexology will approach a therapeutic line based on the knowledge of conventional and Chinese medicine. For this, we will provide stimuli in all reflex areas of the hormonal system and, also, in the reflex areas of the liver, kidneys and spleen-pancreas. For reflexology, the spine is very important, as it establishes a good part of the sympathetic and parasympathetic communication between the control areas in the brain and the affected organs. Therefore, the vertebrae through which the nerves exit to the organs must be given emphasis on stimuli. Some organs affected by hormonal and energetic changes should be worked on, such as the intestines, sympathetic and parasympathetic enervations. In the intestinal area is where our body produces almost all serotonin (hormonal). The reflex circulatory system should be well stimulated with some areas impacted by the liver imbalance, such as the joints. If the woman is experiencing swelling, the reflex area of ​​the lymphatic system should be worked on.

 

Some foods can alleviate these symptoms and the treatment of PMS. In general, it is enough to have and maintain a balanced diet, rich in nutrients such as fatty acids, in addition to practicing physical exercises and in some cases more severe, to take allopathic medications and supplement vitamins and minerals.

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It is important during this period, mainly, to give preference to foods with little salt to not retain liquids.

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Another very important tip is rest.

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To contain irritability and anxiety you should try to eat foods that contain complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, bread and brown rice. In addition to being nutritious, they contribute to the proper functioning of the intestines and consequently will help to reduce irritability (less boredom).

 

Academic Articles attesting to the benefits of reflexology in the treatment of PMS:

a) DO FOOT REFLEXOLOGY AND RELAXATION TRAINING DECREASE PREMENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS IN ADOLESCENT FEMALES

Authors : Marwa A. Mohamed, PT.D. Asmaa M. El Bandrawy, PT.D. Amir A. Gabr, MD

DOI : https://doi.org/10.15621/ijphy/2016/v3i5/117433

Publication : International Journal of Physiotherapy; VOL 3, ISSUE 5, 2016

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