Premenstrual Depressionaccording to TCM

What is Premenstrual Depression?

Premenstrual depression is a mood disorder that affects women in the days leading up to their menstrual period. Characterized by significant feelings of sadness, despair, and irritability, it goes beyond the typical mood swings associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This condition can have a profound impact on a woman's quality of life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Understanding premenstrual depression is crucial for both individuals and healthcare providers to offer appropriate support and treatment options. The term encompasses a range of emotional symptoms that intensify during the premenstrual phase, signaling the need for a nuanced approach to mental health in women.

How does TCM view Premenstrual Depression?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches premenstrual depression with a holistic lens, seeing it as a manifestation of an imbalance in the body's Qi, or vital energy. TCM posits that emotional disturbances, such as depression before menstruation, arise when the Liver Qi, responsible for the smooth flow of emotions and bodily functions, becomes stagnant or imbalanced.

This perspective diverges from Western medicine by emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical and emotional health. According to TCM, restoring harmony and balance within the body's energy systems is key to alleviating symptoms. This approach underscores the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony affecting each individual, allowing for personalized and effective treatment strategies.

Acupoints for Premenstrual Depression

In the treatment of premenstrual depression, TCM utilizes acupuncture as a powerful tool to realign the body's energies and alleviate emotional distress. A pivotal acupoint in this context is Neiguan P-6, located on the Pericardium Channel. This point is found 2 cun above the wrist crease, nestled between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles.

Stimulating Neiguan P-6 is believed to invigorate Qi and Blood in the chest, calm the mind, and subdue Rebellious Stomach Qi. Moreover, it plays a significant role in invigorating Liver Qi, directly addressing the stagnation often associated with premenstrual depression. The targeted use of such acupoints reflects TCM's nuanced understanding of the body's energy pathways and offers a non-invasive option for those seeking relief from the emotional turmoil of premenstrual depression.

See more details below about Neiguan P-6, an acupoint used to address premenstrual depression.

Neiguan P-6

2 cun above Daling P-7 on the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle.