Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Listen on Amazon Music

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

💌 Sign up for my FREE email to get the latest TCM Tips

📚 Made Easy Book & PDF Series

Show Notes

Today, I’m excited to take you inside a real TCM case study from my clinic and how I used Acupuncture for PMS. This case focuses on a 29-year-old female patient dealing with PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and frequent tension headaches.

I’ll walk you through my diagnosis process step-by-step and share the complete treatment plan—including acupuncture points, Chinese herbal formulas, and dietary advice. My goal is to give you a practical, clinical look at how I approach these patterns so you can feel more confident in tackling similar cases in your own practice.

Setting the Scene

Our patient’s chief complaint was PMS with breast tenderness, tension headaches, irritability, and mood swings. These symptoms peaked in the days leading up to menstruation, accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound.

She also experienced:

• Rib-side distension and tension

• Sore throat

• Temporal headaches and pain behind the eyes

• Worsening symptoms during high-stress periods

As any seasoned TCM practitioner knows, these signs often point toward liver qi stagnation, especially when stress plays a major role.

TCM Diagnosis in Detail

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, diagnosis goes beyond symptom management—it focuses on identifying and treating the root cause.

Key Contributing Factors:

1. Chronic stress – As a paralegal in a fast-paced law firm, she faced constant deadlines and pressure.

2. Dietary habits – High coffee intake and low consumption of hydrating, cooling foods.

Diagnostic Framework

Using the Eight Principles, Vital Substances, and Zang-Fu organ theory, I determined:

• Nature: Internal, Excess, Heat, predominantly Yang

• Primary Pattern: Liver Qi Stagnation

• Secondary Pattern: Stomach Heat

Treatment Plan – Acupuncture for PMS

The primary goals were to:

1. Move Liver Qi to relieve PMS symptoms

2. Clear Stomach Heat to reduce irritability and headaches

3. Regulate menstruation and promote hormonal balance

4. Calm stress to prevent pattern recurrence

Acupuncture for PMS Points Selected

• Liver 3  – Moves liver qi, relieves stress and headaches

• Large Intestine 4  – Regulates qi, alleviates pain

• Gallbladder 34 – Benefits sinews, moves liver qi

• Pericardium 6– Calms the spirit, regulates emotions

• Yintang (as needed) – Calms the mind, eases anxiety

• Spleen 6 – Regulates menstruation, nourishes yin

Herbal Formula

While the main focus was acupuncture, a gentle modification of Xiao Yao San (Free & Easy Wanderer Powder) was recommended to move liver qi and harmonize the spleen.
A few cooling herbs were added to address mild stomach heat.

Dietary & Lifestyle Advice

• Avoid: Spicy foods, alcohol, excessive coffee (all heat-generating)

• Incorporate: Cooling teas (peppermint, chrysanthemum), hydrating vegetables, regular, balanced meals

• Stress management: Gentle yoga, deep breathing exercises, and short midday breaks

Outcome and Reflection

After two months of weekly acupuncture for PMS, combined with herbal support and dietary changes:

• Menstrual cycles became regular

• PMS symptoms significantly reduced

• Headaches decreased in both frequency and severity

• Mood swings and irritability were noticeably milder

This case is a perfect example of how TCM’s holistic approach—treating both the root and branch—can bring lasting results for PMS and tension headaches.

Key Takeaways for Practitioners

• Always address emotional stress in liver qi stagnation cases—it’s often the trigger.

• Combining acupuncture for PMS with herbal formulas accelerates recovery.

• Diet plays a major role in reducing heat and supporting hormonal balance.

Disclaimer

The AcuPro Show podcast and material shared through AcuPro Academy are subdivisions of Natural Health Sense Incorporated. Designed solely for educational and entertainment purposes. The utilization of information from this podcast or any associated material is at the user’s discretion and risk. This content is not meant to replace the guidance of an acupuncturist. Nor a Chinese medicine doctor, medical doctor, physician, or any qualified professional. It is not a substitute for proper diagnosis or treatment. Additionally, as well as users are strongly advised not to ignore or postpone seeking medical advice. For any existing medical condition, with their healthcare professional. Regarding any health concerns.

Need the podcast transcript? Click here!