Central Earth Treatment Services

PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD) TREATMENT

PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER TREATMENT

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects one in 20 women of childbearing age. In some studies, it has even been reported that one in 12 women is an accurate estimate. It is characterized by intense emotional and physical symptoms that can significantly disrupt daily life. Nowadays, many women are turning to alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, to find natural relief for their PMDD symptoms

Acupuncture offers a range of potential benefits for managing PMDD, including regulating hormones, reducing stress, and improving mood. PMDD is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder that occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the second of the two main phases of the menstrual cycle, and lasts anywhere from 10 to 16 days. It affects about 3–8% of menstruating women and can cause intense emotional and physical symptoms.

ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT FOR PMDD

Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical practice, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to restore the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee"), the body's vital energy. Many women have reported positive experiences with acupuncture as a natural and effective way to manage PMDD symptoms.

Traditional acupuncture's stimulation of specific points related to the reproductive system may help regulate hormonal imbalances commonly seen in PMDD. By restoring balance to the endocrine system, acupuncture can potentially mitigate the severity of hormonal fluctuations, leading to a reduction in mood swings and emotional disturbances during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER (PMDD) INCLUDES:

Severe mood swings

Irritability and anger

Anxiety and tension

Depression and feelings of hopelessness

Fatigue and lack of energy

Changes in sleep patterns

Physical symptoms like bloating and breast tenderness

While the exact cause of PMDD is not fully understood, hormonal fluctuations and neurotransmitter imbalances are believed to play a significant role in triggering these symptoms.

HOW ACUPUNCTURE CAN HELP PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER SYMPTOMS

Stress is our body’s emotional response to external stimuli, and it causes actual physical changes in our bodies, specifically within our nervous system. However, acupuncture has been shown to activate the body's parasympathetic nervous system, inducing a state of relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety.

Traditional acupuncture's impact on neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine may help stabilize mood and counteract feelings of depression and hopelessness associated with PMDD. By promoting the release and uptake of these mood-regulating chemicals, acupuncture could contribute to a more positive emotional state and enhance overall well-being during the challenging premenstrual phase.

For women seeking a natural and holistic approach to managing PMDD symptoms, acupuncture offers a promising alternative. Our licensed acupuncturist Dr. Annie (Han) Yang 杨 and the team of Oahu Acupuncture Clinic in Honolulu will work closely with you to explain the whole process and come up with a treatment plan that suits you and your needs.

HISTORY OF ACUPUNCTURE

The ancient practice of acupuncture started in China approximately 3000 years ago. The first documentation of acupuncture that described it as an organized system of diagnosis and treatment is in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which dates back to 100 BCE

With the rising popularity of acupuncture throughout Asia, it spread to many other regions and by the 6th century C.E., acupuncture had spread to Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultures and then out West. From there, acupuncture has made its way through the centuries and has been on the rise in the U.S. since the 1970’s.