PMS

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, typically one to two weeks before menstruation. Symptoms can include bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, and food cravings. The severity of PMS varies among women, and its exact cause remains unclear in Western medicine.

In Chinese medicine, PMS is viewed as a symptom of an underlying imbalance in the body's energy, or "Qi," and the flow of blood. The most common imbalances associated with PMS include:

1. Liver Qi stagnation: The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. Emotional stress or an unhealthy lifestyle can cause liver Qi stagnation, leading to symptoms like mood swings, irritability, and breast tenderness.

2. Blood deficiency: Poor nutrition, overwork, or chronic illness can result in blood deficiency, manifesting as fatigue, dizziness, and pale complexion during PMS.

3. Kidney deficiency: The kidneys play a crucial role in reproductive health. A deficiency in kidney energy, often due to aging or overwork, can cause symptoms like lower back pain and fatigue during PMS