PMS can feel like the bad prequel to the even less enjoyable main show of menstruation.
But for those of us who menstruate, there are a few at home acupressure points to tide you
over; at least until your next acu appointment. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a collection of symptoms someone can experience anywhere from 2 to 14 days before their period. Symptoms can include any or all of the above, plus acne, irritability and hypersensitivity, and stool changes, and the intensity ranges from slight to severe.

A very common diagnosis in TCM for PMS is Liver Qi Stagnation. The Liver in TCM is responsible for moving the body’s qi, and when that energy of the body is stuck or stagnated, menstruators then experience typical PMS symptoms, plus cramping and clotty menstrual flow.

Liver 3
This point is great for moving stuck qi. That includes PMS related feelings of increased stress, fluctuating emotions, or irritability It’s located just above the webbing of your big toe and toe number two. If it feels really tender, you’ve found it.

Spleen 6
This point is great at helping to reduce menstrual cramps. It’s also really beneficial for PMS time digestive issues like bloating and even cravings.

• Locate this point by finding your inner ankle bone and moving your fingers up the inner lower leg
  about 3 inches.
• Press, massage, and hold these points for 5 minutes a few times a day.
• You can use spleen 6 more often for menstrual pain.

 

Katie Steffensen, LAc MS EAMP