PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome, is characterized by symptoms that include mood swings, sadness, irritability, bloating, cramps, cravings, sleep problems, headache and breast tenderness. Symptoms range in severity from woman to woman; and, sometimes even month to month.
What's important to know about PMS is that it is your body's way of communicating of certain needs. PMS is an indication to slow down but to also burn excess hormones. Cycle syncing… your body's own natural intuition expressing a need.
PMS can present as symptoms to slow down but at the same time burn off extra hormones the body doesn't need. Balance, otherwise known as haywire moods, cravings, and bloating. I could and should write a book on this topic.
During the premenstrual phase, it is thought that we should be in solitude with our creativity, taking time to rest, and time away from daily duties. If you've taken any class with me, you've heard me speak of returning to our primal brain and this time is key for primal retrieve.
I truly believe that PMS happens when we don't follow nature to ebb and flow into rest and self-care just before the start of the period. Face it, the start of menstruation is actually a "trauma" to the body. A "trauma" because it's a function of the body that doesn't happen every single day like breathing, waking, and sleeping.
What are some things you can do for PMS self-care without binging on ice-cream and pizza? For one, make a date with your spa or your bath.
Perhaps schedule an appointment to try acupuncture for PMS with a certified therapist.
At home, draw yourself a warm bath with plenty of epsom salt and some clary sage oil. If cramps cramp your PMS days or your bleed days, treat yourself to a castor oil pack retreat and some warm tea curled up with a good book or a movie. Do a mini-facial for yourself with some of your favorite face products. Get plenty of rest so go to bed early.
As for nutrients, get plenty of iron and protein in your diet with bright colored veggies and dark leafy greens. With your bleed days coming up soon, you will need the extra nutrients to avoid feeling sluggish during those early days of bright red bleed days.