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Predmenstrualni sindrom (PMS) je kombinacija simptomov, ki jih veliko žensk občuti teden ali dva pred začetkom mesečnega perila. Ali ste vedele, da vam lahko pri tem pomaga TKM?
Večina žensk (preko 90%) pravi, da se pri njih pojavijo določeni predmenstrualni simptomi, kot so napihnjenost, glavoboli in nihanja razpoloženja.[1] Pri nekaterih ženskah so ti simptomi tako hudi, da ne morejo v službo ali šolo, medtem ko so pri drugih simptomi blažji. Povprečno se pri ženskah PMS simptomi najpogosteje pojavljajo v 30-ih. [2]
Pred menstruacijo se nivo estrogena zniža. Ta hormonska sprememba vodi do pojava PMS. Slednji lahko na žensko telo vpliva tako fizično kot tudi psihično, kjer se simptomi izražajo kot:
nihanje razpoloženja, razdražljivost in stres
spremembe na koži, npr. Akne
občutek večje utrujenosti kot običajno
glavoboli, migrene, težave s spanjem
slabša prebava, napihnjenost, prebavni vetrovi, krči, občutljivost v prsih
spremembe v apetitu in spolni sli
Kako so po teoriji TKM jetra povezana s PMS
Izvajalci tradicionalne kitajske medicine (TKM) pri vsakem pacientu analizirajo pretok energije oz. qi energije ter krvi. Tu je namen identifikacija neravnovesij, ki so kriva za ženskine bolezni ali zdravstvena stanja. Menstrualni krči se pogosto pojavljajo zaradi stagnacije qi energije. Primanjkljaj qi energije ali krvne energije na določenih meridianih lahko vodi do bolečine kot posledica nakopičene vročine ali hlada znotraj telesa.
Glede na celotni pretok telesne energije je poglavitna energija jetrna qi. Ko je ta oblika qi energije blokirana, se kri nakopiči v maternici, kar okrepi občutek neprijetnosti ob mesečnem perilu. Znaki takšne blokade zajemajo napihnjenost, blage krvavitve in razdražljivost. Po teoriji TKM je lahko menstrualni tok močan zaradi stagniranja jetrne qi energije, kar povzroči močnejšo žejo, zaprtost in nihanje razpoloženja v smeri jeze. Če se stagnacija qi energije spreobrne v krvno stagnacijo, lahko postane bolečina močnejša in točkovna.
Dokazi za učinkovitost akupunkture pri lajšanju PMS
Že na tisoče let izvajalci tradicionalne kitajske medicine (TKM) uporabljajo akupunkturo za lajšanje vseh vrst težav, ki segajo od telesnih do duševnih. Temelječ na sistemu 12 meridianov uporabljajo akupunkturisti iglice za stimulacijo različnih akupunkturnih točk vzdolž meridianov. S takšnim pristopom se neposredno loti reševanja telesnih in čustvenih težav, kar nudi olajšanje.
Prav tako verjamejo, da akupunktura nudi olajšanje zaradi obravnave izvora težave in ne le simptomov. Tako se sproži naravni telesni mehanizem zdravljenja. Zdi se, da je ena izmed specifičnih koristi njena sposobnost, da ublaži vnetje, kar lahko izloči tudi simptome, ki se jih lajša z NSAID (nesteroidne protivnetne učinkovine, op.prev.).
Študije so prav tako pokazale, da akupunktura deluje na um. Zato lahko pomaga pri reševanju razpoloženjskih nihanj, ki so povezana s PMS. Nedavni recenzijski članek Armourja in sodelavcev (2018) [3] so povzema pregledal petih študij, kjer so kot obliko zdravljenja za PMS uporabili akupunkturo. Pri tem niso opazili neugodnih stranskih učinkov zdravljenja. Ob tem pa so dozdevanja, da akupunktura zmanjša tako telesne kot tudi z razpoloženjem povezane simptome, ki so posledica PMS.
Kitajska zeliščna zdravila za PMS
Obstaja precej zelišč, ki pomagajo pri lajšanju PMS simptomov in nudijo dolgoročno olajšanje. Pomnite, da morajo biti zelišča predpisana s strani profesionalnega izvajalca.
Chai Hu (prerast): znano zelišče, ki se ga lahko vključi v vsakodnevno rutino. Prav tako ga lahko najdemo v večini kitajskih zeliščnih formul. Njegova funkcija je, da pretok jetrne energije postane glajši in spodbudi pozitivno razmišljanje.
Dang Shen (Codonopsis): je odlično zelišče, ki pomaga pri razreševanju krvnih strdkov in spodbudi kroženje cirkulacije qi energije. Prav tako okrepi stene krvnih žil.
Bai Shao (bela potonika): neguje jetrno energijo in nadzoruje jetrno qi energijo skupaj z lajšanjem kakršnekole stagnacije qi energije.
Zhi Qiao (grenka pomaranča): deluje tako, da razbije strdek in omogoči qi energiji, da teče v pravo smer.
Dang Gui (angelika): Angelica sinesis, običajno poznana tudi kot dong quai ali ženski ginseng, deluje na področju negovanja krvne energije in izboljšuje krvno cirkulacijo.
Viri
1. Winer, S. A., Rapkin, A. J. (2006). Premenstrual disorders: prevalence, etiology and impact. Journal of Reproductive Medicine; 51(4 Suppl):339-347.
2. Dennerstein, L., Lehert, P., Heinemann, K. (2011). Global study of women's experiences of premenstrual symptoms and their effects on daily life. Menopause International; 17: 88–95.
3. Armour M, Ee CC, Hao J, Wilson TM, Yao SS, Smith CA. Acupuncture and acupressure for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD005290. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005290.pub2.
prevod: Tanja Topić
vir fotografij: internet
PMS - A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of symptoms that many women get about a week or two before their period. Did you know that TCM could help you treating those symptoms?
Most women, over 90%, say they get some premenstrual symptoms, such as bloating, headaches, and moodiness.[1] For some women, these symptoms may be so severe that they miss work or school, but other women are not bothered by milder symptoms. On average, women in their 30s are most likely to have PMS.[2]
Before menstruation, estrogen levels in the body are reduced, this change in hormones in most cases leads to PMS. PMS can affect your body physically as well as mentally such as showing symptoms such as:
mood swings, irritability, anxiety and stress
the difference in the appearance of skin e.g acne
feeling more tired than usual
headaches, migraines, trouble sleeping
indigestion, bloating, gas, cramps, breast tenderness
changes in appetite and sex drive
How Is Liver Linked With PMS according to TCM?
Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) analyze the flow of energy or qi, and Blood in each patient as a means of identifying imbalances that are to blame for their diseases or medical conditions. Cramping associated with the menstrual cycle or menopause is often due to the stagnation of qi. Deficiency of either qi or Blood in certain meridians can lead to pain, as can a buildup of internal Heat or Cold.
The Liver Qi is central to the overall flow of energy through our bodies. When this qi becomes blocked, Blood pools in the uterus, increasing the discomfort of monthly periods. Signs of this blockage include bloating, spotting, and irritability. According to TCM, when the Liver Qi becomes stagnant, it can make menstrual flow heavy and lead to thirst, constipation, and angry mood swings. If the qi stagnation turns to Blood stagnation, pain can become more intense and localized.
Evidence for Acupuncture as PMS Treatment
Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been using acupuncture for thousands of years to address all types of physical and mental ailments. Based on a system of 12 meridians, acupuncturists use needles to stimulate different points along the meridians in order to address physical and emotional problems and provide relief.
It is also believed that acupuncture provides relief by prompting the body’s natural healing mechanisms and by treating the root cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. One specific benefit seems to be its ability to reduce inflammation, which could eliminate the same symptoms targeted by NSAIDs.
Studies show that acupuncture also works on the mind, which can help to alleviate the mood swings associated with PMS. A recent review article from Armour and colleagues (2018) [3] looked at five studies that used acupuncture in the treatment of PMS. They observed no adverse side effects from the treatment and found that acupuncture seemed to reduce both the physical and mood-related symptoms associated with PMS.
Chinese Herbal Remedies For PMS
There are many herbal ingredients that can help ease PMS symptoms and provide long term relief. Please note that herbs should be prescribed by a professional practitioner.
Chai Hu (Bupleurum): is a famous herbal ingredient which can be incorporated in your day to day routine. It is also found in most Chinese herbal formulas. It works to smoothen Liver Qi, promote positive thinking.
Dang Shen (Codonopsis): is a great ingredient which works to reduce blood clot and promote Qi circulation, and improve blood vessels strength.
Bai Shao (White Peony): Nourish the Liver Yin energy and controls Liver Qi, along with eliminating any Qi stagnation.
Zhi Qiao (Bitter orange): work to break down the blockage and allow the Qi energy to flow in the right direction.
Dang Gui (Angelica): Angelica sinensis, commonly known as dong quai or female ginseng works for nourishing the blood energy and improving blood circulation.
Reference
1. Winer, S. A., Rapkin, A. J. (2006). Premenstrual disorders: prevalence, etiology and impact. Journal of Reproductive Medicine; 51(4 Suppl):339-347.
2. Dennerstein, L., Lehert, P., Heinemann, K. (2011). Global study of women's experiences of premenstrual symptoms and their effects on daily life. Menopause International; 17: 88–95.
3. Armour M, Ee CC, Hao J, Wilson TM, Yao SS, Smith CA. Acupuncture and acupressure for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD005290. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005290.pub2.