Traditional Chinese Medicine and PMS

Women's Health · ICD-10 N94.3

PMS (经前综合征, ICD-10 N94.3) is a set of physical and emotional symptoms in the days before menstruation — mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, and irritability. TCM views it through imbalance of Qi and Blood and aims to care for and ease the symptoms.

The TCM perspective

TCM relates PMS to Liver Qi Stagnation, Liver Blood Deficiency, or Spleen Qi Deficiency. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs aim to support the flow of Qi and Blood to ease physical and emotional symptoms before the period. Results vary from person to person.

TCM patterns

• Liver Qi Stagnation — Often irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, and chest tightness.
• Liver Blood Deficiency — Often dizziness, insomnia, and fatigue before the period.
• Spleen Qi Deficiency — Often bloating, fluid retention, cravings, and fatigue.

General self-care

• Do gentle, regular exercise to help care for mood and circulation.
• Reduce salt, caffeine, and sugar before your period to ease bloating and irritability.
• Rest well and keep a regular sleep schedule.
• Practice relaxation such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Track symptoms across cycles to notice patterns.

When to consult a doctor

• If symptoms are severe enough to affect work or relationships, consult a physician.
• If low mood or anxiety becomes severe, further evaluation by a doctor may be needed.

This content is provided for general knowledge only. It is not individual medical advice and does not guarantee any result. Appropriate care should follow an assessment by a licensed TCM practitioner. For severe or emergency symptoms, see a doctor or call 1669.

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