PMS and Liver Qi Stagnation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver is responsible for moving qi (energy) and blood to energize and nourish all the other organs, tissues and muscles. According to TCM, liver qi stagnation is a common cause of PMS symptoms.

Common symptoms of liver qi stagnation

• Depression
• Mood swings
• Irritability, frustration
• Inappropriate anger
• PMS with irritability or swollen breasts
• Irregular or painful periods
• Sensation of a lump in the throat
• Fullness and stuffiness in the chest, sighing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bitter taste in mouth
• Constipation
• Churning sensation in stomach
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Stomachache
• Poor appetite

Common causes of liver qi stagnation

• Poor diet
• Environmental toxins
• Poor sleeping patterns
• Lack of movement and physical activities
• Repressed emotions, especially anger and frustration

Dos (helpful for liver qi stagnation)

• Deep ocean fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids: salmon, sardines, mackerel, albacore tuna
• Veggies, lightly cooked or steamed: broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, celery, squash, sweet potato 
• Beans & legumes: Mung bean, red bean, whole soy products 
• Spices: garlic, turmeric, oregano, sweet basil 
• Fruit: cherries, red and black dates, melon 
• Brisk walk, biking, swimming, jogging, dancing, yoga, qi gong, tai chi 
• A creative outlet: journaling, painting, sculpting, singing 
• Expressing your feelings

Don’ts

• Coffee, black tea, soda with caffeine
• Thick creamy or cheesy sauces
• Alcohol
• Excessive sugar
• Hot spices: chilies, cayenne, pepper
• Red meat: lamb, beef
• Fried and oily food
• Heavy, complicated meals
• Super-sized meals
• Late dinners and suppers before bed
• Inactive lifestyle
• Repressing your feelings
• Excessive work and stress

Liver qi stagnation is one of the most common imbalances treated by Eastern medicine practitioners in the United States. Obviously, it has a lot to do with our lifestyles. And many of the PMS symptoms can be reduced or eliminated with the appropriate lifestyle changes.