PMS- A Chinese Medicine Perspective in Canberra
- Dr. Margie Virgo D.TCM, R.Ac
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Margie Virgo is a registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner, practicing since 1997. Based in Rivett, ACT, she has extensive experience supporting women’s health through a holistic and individualised approach grounded in Chinese Medicine.
Premenstrual symptoms (PMS) are commonly experienced and often considered a normal part of the menstrual cycle. However, from a Chinese Medicine perspective, recurring symptoms may reflect underlying patterns of imbalance within the body.
Rather than viewing PMS as something to simply endure, Chinese Medicine considers these symptoms as meaningful signals—offering insight into how the body is functioning over time.
Understanding PMS: More Than Just a Monthly Event
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) refers to a collection of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that occur in the lead-up to menstruation.Symptoms can vary widely in both type and intensity.
Common symptoms may include:
Irritability, depression or mood changes in general
Bloating and fluid retention
Breast tenderness
Headaches
Fatigue
Sleep disturbance
Bowel changes
Food cravings
While these symptoms are common, their regular occurrence or increasing intensity may suggest that the body is not functioning in optimal balance.
PMS in Chinese Medicine: A Pattern-Based Approach
Chinese Medicine does not treat PMS as a single condition. Instead, it identifies patterns of disharmony based on your individual symptoms, constitution, and overall health.
At the centre of this is the concept of Qi flow, particularly the role of the Liver system in regulating the smooth movement of energy and Blood - throughout the cycle.
When this flow is disrupted, symptoms may arise—often in the days leading up to menstruation.
Common Patterns Seen in Practice
Liver Qi Stagnation
Often associated with stress and a busy lifestyle.
You may notice:
Irritability or mood swings
Breast tenderness
Abdominal bloating
Emotional or physical tension
Liver Overacting on the Spleen
This pattern reflects the interaction between stress (Liver) and digestion (Spleen), where disrupted Qi flow begins to affect digestive function.
You may notice:
Bloating, particularly before your cycle
Changes in bowel habits (looser stools or urgency)
Reduced appetite or digestive discomfort
Fatigue alongside digestive symptoms
Symptoms that worsen with stress
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Often associated with fatigue and a sense of depletion.
You may notice:
Ongoing fatigue
Light or delayed periods
Dizziness or poor concentration
Pale complexion or reduced vitality
Liver and Kidney Imbalance
More commonly seen in longer-term hormonal changes or during perimenopause.
You may notice:
Irregular cycles
Lower back discomfort
Fatigue
Sleep disturbances
Changes in temperature regulation
Liver Heat or Internal Heat Patterns
Sometimes present where symptoms feel more intense or reactive.
You may notice:
Increased irritability or frustration
Headaches or migraines
Feeling overheated
Disturbed or restless sleep
Understanding Patterns
These patterns are not diagnoses - but are part of the framework used in Chinese Medicine to understand how different systems within the body interact.
Why PMS May Reflect Underlying Imbalance
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, an optimal menstrual cycle is relatively smooth and comfortable with minimal to no discomfort. Recurring - or disruptive symptoms may suggest that the body is working harder to maintain balance, offering insight into your overall health.
Acupuncture in Practice: Supporting Regulation and Balance
Acupuncture is commonly used within Chinese Medicine as part of an individualised approach.
Commonly Used Acupuncture Points
Liver 3 (Taichong) – supports smooth Qi flow, also good for irritablility, anger and depression, headaches and migraines
Large Intestine 4 (Hegu) – often used for circulation, general tension, headaches, migraines and pain
Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao) – commonly used in gynaecological presentations, nourishes the Yin of the Kidney, Liver and Spleen systems and blood.
Ren 4 (Guanyuan) – supports reproductive health
Ren 6 (Qihai) – supports overall energy and kidney essence
Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) – supports emotional balance and helps with nausea
Commonly Referenced Formulas
Xiao Yao San
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Self-Care Tips for Supporting PMS Naturally
Alongside professional care, simple lifestyle and dietary adjustments may help support overall balance.
Supporting the Flow of Qi
Gentle movement such as walking, stretching, or yoga
Time to unwind and reduce stress
Breathing or mindfulness practices
Nourishing Through Diet
Warm, cooked foods
Reduce cold/raw foods if digestion is weak
Limit caffeine and alcohol
Eat regularly
Avoid sugar and white flower products
Supporting Rest
Prioritise sleep
Maintain routine
Allow extra rest when needed
Limit strenuous physical activities like going to the gym during the first two days of your period.
Heat Support
Use a heat pack on the lower abdomen
Keep the body warm
Tracking Your Cycle
Monitor symptoms- use an App such as 'Flo'
Identify patterns
Support personalised care
When to Consider Seeking Support
You may wish to consider seeking support if:
PMS symptoms are recurring each cycle
Symptoms are increasing in intensity
Your cycle is affecting your daily life
You are leaning on medications to get through
You are seeking a more holistic perspective
A Holistic and Individualised Approach
Chinese Medicine focuses on understanding the whole person, including:
Your cycle
Energy levels
Sleep patterns
Digestion
Emotional wellbeing
Taking the Next Step
If you recognise these patterns, it may be worth exploring them further.
If you are based in Canberra and would like to learn more, you are welcome to get in touch.
Weston Creek Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine located in Rivett, ACT
To book online or for more information visit: www.westoncreekacupuncture.com.au
References;
Acupuncture may help PMS symptoms - Acupuncture & PMS (Evidence Summary)
Some evidence of reduced overall PMS severity compared with sham or no treatment
Results are promising but study quality is mixed
🔗 Cochrane Review:https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD005290_acupuncture-and-acupressure-premenstrual-syndrome-pms
🔗 Meta-analysis (PMC):https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6614973/
Chinese Herbal Medicine & PMS- Herbal medicine shows potential benefit
Some formulas (e.g. Xiao Yao San–type) show improvement in PMS symptoms
Results vary and evidence quality is moderate to low overall
🔗 Systematic review (PubMed):https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24410911/
🔗 Clinical trial (PubMed):https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18608825/
🔗 Cochrane review (herbs for PMS):https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD006414_herbal-treatment-premenstrual-syndrome
Disclaimer; This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace individual clinical assessment. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine should be used in consultation with a qualified registered practitioner. Individual results may vary.
Comments