Introduction
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common and often challenging experience for a lot of girls and women, encompassing a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms that can disrupt all areas of daily life. For some women, the pain can be almost unbearable leaving them to feel as though they have no choice but to resort to very strong painkillers and time of work.
Unfortunately, too many women have been led to believe that severe monthly pain PMS/PMDD is NORMAL. It's important to know that it's not normal!
This blog post is dedicated to all those women who feel as though they have lost agency over their bodies or that they are in some way flawed. I want you to know that it doesn't have to be this way, it's possible to not be afraid of your monthly cycle.
If you're feeling low from menstrual pain and PMS, reflexology can help relieve cramping, back pain and general tiredness.
Before I talk about how reflexology can help Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) I want to talk about some of the symptoms you may be experiencing.
Types of PMS symptoms
Affective: Depression, irritability, anxiety, anger, weepiness, panicky feelings
Behavioural: Impulsive actions, compulsions, agitation, lethargy, decreased motivation
Autonomic: Palpitations, nausea, constipation, dizziness, sweating, tremors, blurred vision, hot flashes
Fluid/Electrolyte: Bloating, water-weight gain, breast fullness, hand and foot swelling
Dermatological: Acne, oily hair, hives, rashes, herpes, and allergy outbreaks
Cognitive (Brain): Decreased concentration, memory changes, word-retrieval problems, fuzzy thinking, foggy-brain feelings
PainMigraines: tension headaches, back pain, muscle and joint aches, breast pain, and neck stiffness
This chart is adapted from Dr. Vliet’s book Screaming to Be Heard: Hormone Connections Women Suspect and Doctors Still Ignore (2001)
What causes Premenstrual Syndrome PMS?
Medical science isn't really clear about the cause, it seems to be related to hormone fluctuations in the body. But here's the thing your body's systems don't work in isolation, often hormone imbalances or a predisposition to them are only part of the story. Unbalanced hormones may rumble along in the background but then suddenly become a problem when they are triggered, by stress, gut problems, trauma to the nervous system or illness.
This is why as I reflexologist I work with my clients to peel back the layers and figure out when symptoms began.
How does Reflexology help PMS?
Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, believed to correspond with different organs and systems of the body. The human foot is a masterpiece in itself, housing a staggering 7,200 nerve endings that intricately connect with various parts and organs of the body through the nervous system. Reflexology's magic lies in the adept navigation of these neural pathways to induce relaxation in muscle tissue and optimise bodily functions.
The central concept is that reflexology can help restore balance and harmony to the body, addressing imbalances that may contribute to various health issues, including PMS.
Benefits of Reflexology for PMS
Pain Management: One of the primary challenges during PMS is the discomfort and pain associated with menstrual cramps. Reflexology may offer relief by targeting specific reflex points related to the reproductive system. A study published in the "National Library of Medicine" found that women who received reflexology experienced significant reductions in menstrual pain compared to those who did not undergo the treatment. This suggests that reflexology is a valuable complementary approach for managing PMS discomfort.
Hormonal Balance: Hormonal fluctuations are a part of PMS, contributing to a mired of symptoms. Reflexology aims to rebalance the body's hormonal system and have a positive impact on hormonal regulation.
Stress Reduction: Stress exacerbates PMS symptoms, and reflexology is renowned for its stress-relieving properties. By targeting reflex points associated with the nervous system, reflexology may induce relaxation and alleviate stress. A study in the Effect of foot reflexology on premenstrual syndrome among nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing, Damanhou University. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were suggested Reflexology foot massage should be recommended as a non-pharmacological management to relieve PMS.
Improved Sleep Quality: Sleep disturbances are common during PMS, further impacting overall well-being. Reflexology's calming effect extends to promoting better sleep by targeting reflex points linked to the nervous system.
Enhanced Circulation: Reflexology is believed to enhance blood circulation throughout the body. Improved circulation may alleviate symptoms such as bloating and breast tenderness, commonly associated with PMS. While more research is needed in this specific context, studies on reflexology in general suggest that it positively influences blood flow and may contribute to improved overall vascular function.
Conclusion
Reflexology offers a holistic, natural and non-invasive approach to addressing the symptoms of PMS, providing potential relief from physical and emotional discomfort. While research on reflexology and PMS is still emerging, existing studies and anecdotal evidence from myself and other reflexologists suggest promising benefits in terms of pain management, hormonal balance, stress reduction, improved sleep quality, and enhanced circulation.
Integrating reflexology into your self-care routine helps you to fall back in love with your body and regain agency over your own health.
As a reflexologist, I work on balancing all of your body's systems, because our bodies do not work in isolation. Focusing solely on your hormonal system is a mistake. In order to make sustainable long-term changes we need to look at the whole person.
A final note I became a Reflexologist because of the effect it had on my PMS and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
References:
Footnotes
Helen provides reflexology in central Norwich Helen Pinnock -Reflexology Norwich
Reflexology is a gentle and non-invasive treatment that offers your body and mind the opportunity to relax, restore and rejuvenate. By receiving regular treatments you are supporting your own wellbeing both physically and emotionally.
Comments