Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a medical condition that affects a woman’s emotional, physical, psychological health and behavioral changes during certain days before the onset of the menstrual cycle. These groups of symptoms are seen usually after the ovulatory phase and disappear with the onset of menstrual flow. But in some women the symptoms can be severe which may interfere with their lives. This type of PMS is called as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)/late luteal phase dysphoric disorder.

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology defines PMS as “The cyclic occurrence of symptoms that are sufficiently severe to interfere with some aspects of life, and that appear with consistent and predictable relationship to the menses [menstrual period].”

Causes of Premenstrual syndrome:

According to Modern science:

There is no known exact cause of PMS. However it seems to be related with the fluctuating hormonal level, including estrogen and progesterone, at the beginning of the menstrual cycle. An increase in these hormones can cause mood swings, anxiety, irritability, etc.

According to Ayurveda:

Increased intake of oily, spicy, and hot foods, and overindulgence in physical activities, sedentary lifestyle causes accumulation of toxins in the body. These toxins circulate in different channels of the body creating obstruction and causing various symptoms of PMS.

Signs and Symptoms of Premenstural syndrome:

A great variety of symptoms have been attributed to PMS. The number and severity of symptoms vary from woman to woman. The duration and severity of symptoms can vary from cycle to cycle. The most frequent and common of PMS symptoms include:

• Aggression
• Fatigue
• Bloating
• Oversensitivity
• Breast tenderness (mastalgia)
• Weight gain
• Lack of concentration
• Headaches/backaches
• Change in appetite-Food cravings/overeating
• Fatigue
• Tearfulness
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Mood swings- anxiety or depression
• sleep disturbances -sleeping too much or too little (insomnia)
• Abdominal bloating pain
• Constipation/diarrhea
• Sensitive to light and sound, etc.

Ayurveda Body Cure’s treatment plan for PMS:

Your treatment plan will be recommended after your detailed consultation by our Specialist Ayurvedic Consultant and according to your concerned disorder and its severity. Your main line of treatment plan will include the administration of herbs which acts as aphrodisiac, stimulant and averting premature ejaculation. Along with the herbal medication subtle detoxification/Panchkarma, herbal massage based therapies, dietary and lifestyle changes, Yoga and other exercises, etc. are also recommended.

Herbal medication:

Herbal medication is given considering your individual body constitution, climatic conditions, daily routine, lifestyle, etc. The focus is to improve your strength and immunity, reliving from pain, subtle detoxification, reduce stress along with treating other symptoms associated with premenstrual syndromes.

A combination of herbs may include Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bramhi (Gingko biloba), Lodhra (Symplocus racemosa), Asoka (Saraca asoka), Udumbara (Ficus glomerata), Arjuna (Termanalia arjuna), etc.

Herbal massage based therapies:

These therapies may include body massage (Abhyanga), shiroabhyanga (head neck and shoulder massage), etc. which mainly de-stress the body and mind helping to cure your concerned disorder.

Detoxification/Panchakarma:

Detoxification is the most important part of your treatment plan. It helps in the elimination of toxins rapidly from the body, thus removing the toxin barrier and enhancing the effect of herbal medications. Detoxification through lower channels (Virechan), Enema therapy (Basti), Nasal medications (Nasya), etc will be recommended accordingly after determining the condition of the disorder. These subtle or intensive detoxifications as decided by our Ayurvedic Physician will help you to achieve the desired results.

Diet and lifestyle recommendations:

Healthy eating habits and general dietary rules are suggested to improve your health. This will enhance your physical stamina by nullifying the effect of poor dietary habits.

Click here – Diet for PMS

Yoga and exercise recommendations:

Yoga and exercises are the most important part of your treatment to get relief from mental stress and other psychological disorder which are affecting your routine and aggravating the disorder.

Yoga postures may include Sukhasana (Cross Legged Pose), Anjali Mudra (Salutation Seal), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), Balasana (Child’s Pose), Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose), Bidalasana (Cat Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Makarasana (Crocodile Pose), Padahastasana (Standing Forward Bend), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Setu Bandasana (Bridge Pose), Vajrasana (Thunderbolt), Savasana (Corpse Pose), etc.

The breathing techniques like Kapalbhati, Anulom-vilom, etc will help in relieving mental stress.

Thus Ayurveda Body Cure’s holistic treatment plan will help you to get relieve from your disorder and improve your overall quality of life.