A systematic review and meta-analysis carried out by researchers in Korea, supports the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (more severe PMS usually with prominent psychological symptoms such as depression and/or anxiety).
The authors looked at eight acupuncture studies and eleven herbal medicine studies, published over a ten year period. Treatments were found to alleviate symptoms by 50% or more compared to baseline, with no reports of any major adverse events. In the case of acupuncture, a reduction of up to 78% in symptom severity was seen after as few as two to four treatments.
(Effects and treatment methods of acupuncture and herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome/ premenstrual dysphoric disorder: systematic review. BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine, January 2014.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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