Debbie Vincent's useful advice for PMS sufferers
Debbie contacted NAPS to say that she had some valuable advice to help PMS sufferers and she has kindly written an article for the bulletin which we hope many of you will find useful
The Holistic approach to PMS
PMS usually occurs one week before a period is due. Symptoms include fatigue, tearfulness, change of mood, backache, bloating, & tender, swollen breasts to name but a few. Dysmenorrhoea is the term used to describe painful periods and many women suffer from this. Women who suffer with PMS have a deficiency in Serotonin which is the bodies own mood-lifting chemical.
A holistic approach to PMS could well be the light at the end of the tunnel for many of you. I am going to focus on the holistic treatments: Aromatherapy, Reflexology & Indian Head Massage.
Aromatherapy can help on an emotional & physical level. Various essential oils and Aromatherapy techniques have been very successful in reducing the severity of the problem and sometimes overcoming it altogether. Essential oils such as Bergamot, Chamomile, Petitgrain & Rose are very effective in reducing depression and irritability. An Aromatherapy massage using the above oils would be the most effective form of treatment but taking a bath with a few drops of the oil or burning a few drops in a vaporizer can be a valuable addition.
Grapefruit oil is beneficial for fluid retention and as it has a soothing effect on the body generally, it can alleviate the symptoms of PMS. Sweet Fennel oil can help with menstrual cramps & irregular periods because it has natural estrogen content.
Geranium oil has a balancing effect particularly on the body's hormone levels and also helps reduce fluid retention. Rose is a very feminine oil, is a tonic for the womb and it can help alleviate the symptoms of PMS & regulate the menstrual cycle. Clary Sage can be very beneficial for PMS, period pain and it can help with PMS related backache and cramps.
The oils can be blended together to make them even more effective. For example you could blend Clary Sage with Lavender & Rose. As each oil has its own property for alleviating PMS, this would be extremely beneficial when used during a massage, in the bath or in a vaporizer.
If you choose to have a massage to help with your PMS remember to mix the oil with a base or carrier oil first. Pure essential oils should never be used directly on the skin. If you are using the oil in the bath, make sure the oil has mixed thoroughly with the water so there is no film left on top as this could harm your skin.
Reflexology is the technique of applying gentle pressure to reflex areas on the feet to bring about a state of deep relaxation and to stimulate the body's own healing processes. It is a natural therapy that can also facilitate more vital energy, help boost the immune system and create a stronger body and calmer mind. During a Reflexology session to help with PMS, the areas worked will be the Pituitary, Thyroid, Pancreas, Adrenals, Ovaries and the entire spine.
The reasons why these areas are worked during a Reflexology session to help with PMS are because they all contribute in some way; the pituitary gland is situated in the middle of the brain. It releases several hormones that control most of the other endocrine glands such as the ovaries, thyroid, adrenals & pancreas. The spine is worked during the treatment to help ease PMS related back pain.
Indian Head Massage is a very effective therapy which provides relief from aches & pains. The areas worked during an Indian Head Massage are the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp and face. A few women suffer from Pre-menstrual migraines which can be devastating especially when you have all the other symptoms of PMS to contend with too. An Indian Head Massage would benefit this type of migraine immensely especially when used in conjunction with one of the aforementioned essential oils.
All of the Holistic therapies I have mentioned have been proven to alleviate the symptoms of PMS and when used in conjunction with regular exercise and a healthy diet, you really can't go wrong. If you have any questions regarding this article or would like further information, please email me
