Benefits of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for PMDD

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that affects a significant number of women worldwide. Symptoms of PMDD can be debilitating, including mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and physical discomfort. While conventional treatments such as medication and therapy exist, many individuals seek alternative therapies like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to alleviate PMDD symptoms. 

This review aims to explore the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in managing PMDD and provide treatment samples based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles.

A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (JACM) found that acupuncture significantly reduced PMDD symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and pain when compared to a control group receiving sham acupuncture or no treatment (Chen et al., 2017). Acupuncture points commonly used for PMDD include Spleen 6 (SP6), Liver 3 (LV3), and Conception Vessel 6 (CV6), targeting areas related to hormonal regulation and emotional balance.

Chinese herbal medicine, another pillar of TCM, involves the use of plant-based formulas to address underlying imbalances in the body. Herbal remedies for PMDD typically target liver Qi stagnation, blood deficiency, and emotional disturbances, which are common patterns in TCM diagnosis for this condition.

One study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM) evaluated the efficacy of a Chinese herbal formula which consist of herbs like Bupleurum, Peony, and Dong Quai, demonstrated significant improvements in mood, physical symptoms, and overall quality of life for PMDD patients (Sun et al., 2012).

Based on TCM principles, a sample acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treatment plan for PMDD may include:

Acupuncture Sessions:

• Weekly acupuncture sessions targeting SP6, LV3, CV6 and additional points based on individual symptom presentation for 8-12 weeks.

Chinese Herbal Formula:

• Prescription of a customised herbal formula based on TCM diagnosis.
• Dosage and duration tailored to individual needs, usually taken daily for one menstrual cycle.

Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations:

• Emphasize a balanced diet with foods promoting Qi and blood circulation, such as leafy greens, lean proteins, and warm soups.
• Stress management techniques like meditation, gentle exercise (e.g., yoga, tai chi), and adequate sleep hygiene.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer valuable therapeutic options for managing PMDD by addressing underlying imbalances and promoting holistic well-being. Existing evidence and clinical experience support their efficacy in reducing PMDD symptoms and improving overall quality of life for affected individuals.

References:

1. Chen, Y., Li, L., Wu, X., & Tang, L. (2017). Acupuncture for premenstrual dysphoric disorder: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(11), 877-884.
2. Sun, X., Sun, J., Song, X., & Zhang, J. (2012). Influence of a Chinese herbal remedy on premenstrual syndrome syndrome and quality of life: A pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1-5.