Premenstrual Syndrome [PMS], also known as Premenstrual tension [PMT], is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 30. A painful curse to some, it is only a slight discomfort to others. If you are one of the unfortunate 50-75% of women who experience it, you will know that the symptoms include disrupted sleep patterns, depression, headaches, chest pain and swelling, discomfort of the stomach, irregular food cravings, and a generally bad attitude.
Rather than cursing their fates, however, women must remember that menstruation (but not its side effects) is a natural means of removing toxins from the body. Menstrual blood is, after all, a blessing; nature’s way of maintaining the cycle of life. So, rather than fighting your own nature with over the counter drugs, why not try practicing a more holistic approach, the Ayurvedic way!
Ayurvedic medicine is arguably the oldest medical system in the world. Originating around 3500 BC in India, the methodology approaches health in a holistic sense, treating the mind, body and spirit in order to establish an entire balance of being. Like most Eastern medicine its emphasis is on prevention and acknowledges that every person has their own individual make-up, constitution and characteristics. As such, the system is a complex one and while a do-it-yourself approach will help your overall well-being, it can not be replaced by an experienced experts’ advice. Qualified Ayurvedic doctors have undergone years of training and can diagnose problems, and give remedies, better than you can.
PMS, like all health problems, is viewed by Ayurvedic doctors as some kind of imbalance in the patient’s lifestyle. Through it’s holistic approach, however.
Ayurvedic medicine can relieve or eliminate the symptoms of PMS. According to the system PMS is caused by one, or a combination of: an irregular diet, the intake of disagreeable foods, troublesome relationships with partners and families, poor sexual practice, and a diet weak in nutrition. While treatments will differ from patient to patient, remedies will generally include one of the following.
Purgation Therapy
Designed to clean the gall bladder, liver and small intestine, purgation therapy administers an Ayurvedic laxative, often using flax seeds, psyllium husks, senna leaves, prunes, bran, mango juice, dandelion root, or triphala, in quantities specific to each patient.
Enema Therapy
Used to clean the colon or large intestine, enema therapy administers herbal mixtures and sesame oil to the patient.
Ayurvedic Medicines
A prescribed variety of natural foods, plants, herbs and mixtures that correspond to your individual composition and needs.
If you do suffer from severe or mild PMS and are sick of those monthly period pains, perhaps it is time to seek out new causes and cures. Don’t just put up with it.
A visit to an Ayurvedic doctor may help solve an underlying problem with your lifestyle or diet. You may be a modern woman, but Ayurveda has existed for almost 5000 years. That’s a pretty long practice, so it may just have something worthwhile to say.
By Pat Watson