About Me
Hello! I'm Grace, a Licensed Acupuncturist and Shiatsu Therapist with over seven years experience working and training in Oriental Medicine. I have a particular interest in women's health and musculoskeletal pain, but I am experienced in treating all kinds of conditions. Using a multidisciplinary approach, my aim is to treat each of my clients holistically, creating a tailored treatment plan for each individual. My main goal is to help guide people back to wellness by harnessing the power and versatility of Oriental Medicine.
Acupuncture for PMS
Acupuncture is a highly effective, natural solution for relieving PMS (premenstrual syndrome). By balancing hormones and regulating cycles, regular acupuncture treatment can bring lasting relief from all PMS symptoms such as mood swings, bloating, and headaches.
What is PMS?
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) refers to a combination of symptoms that many women experience in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, after ovulation and before menstruation. Most women who suffer with PMS experience a combination of physical and emotional symptoms, including irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness.
With an estimated 75% of women experiencing symptoms every cycle, PMS is an extremely common menstrual disorder. As a result, many women have come to accept this monthly ordeal as inevitable, but it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, a healthy menstrual cycle should not involve any debilitating symptoms of any kind. While it's important to note that your body goes through natural hormonal changes during your luteal phase that may affect the way you feel, these changes should be subtle and certainly should not impact your quality of life.
How acupuncture helps PMS
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the menstrual cycle is seen as one of the most important indicators for overall health. From a TCM perspective, PMS is not considered a normal condition but rather a sign of an underlying disharmony in the body, often caused by stress, inflammation, and hormone imbalance. Acupuncture works to restore balance and alleviate symptoms by -
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Regulating the nervous system.
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Balancing hormones.
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Improving blood flow, particularly to the pelvis.
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Reducing inflammation and tension.
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Stimulating the body’s natural pain-relieving response.
Which PMS symptoms can acupuncture help with?
By addressing the root causes of the problem, acupuncture can help with any symptoms caused by PMS, including but not limited to -
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Menstrual cramps and lower back pain.
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Bloating and digestive discomfort.
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Headaches or migraines.
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Breast tenderness.
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Mood changes, irritability, or anxiety.
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Fatigue and low energy.
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Sleep disturbances.
How many treatments will I need?
Treatment length varies depending on the severity of your symptoms, root causes, and your overall health. In most cases of PMS, I recommend an initial course of six weekly treatments for best results.
What to expect from your treatment
Consultation - your first session begins with a relaxed conversation about your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. This helps me understand the root causes of your PMS and create a personalised treatment plan.
Pulse & Tongue Diagnosis - you then get to lie down while I have a quick look at your tongue and feel your pulse. These are Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostic techniques which help me build a fuller picture of your overall health.
Gentle Needle Insertion - I then place ultra-fine, sterile needles at specific points on your body. This process is usually painless - you may feel sensations of warmth, heaviness, tingling or a dull ache around the needle.
Time to Relax - you then lie comfortably for 20-40 minutes while the needles do their work. Many people fall into a deep state of relaxation or even drift off to sleep.
Treatment Plan - at the end of your session, we’ll talk through your personalised treatment plan and discuss any supportive exercises, lifestyle guidance, or supplement recommendations that - along with acupuncture treatment - may help to relieve your PMS symptoms.