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Reflexology and How It Helps PMS

Is PMS keeping you up at night? Does it interfere in daily activities and is just an all around pain in the rear? You can make changes to your diet and add some great exercises and while they may be somewhat effective, what does it hurt to add another PMS tool to your arsenal? Consider reflexology for those minor symptoms all the way to the more severe form of PMS called PMDD. Reflexology presents a natural way to restore the harmony and balance to your spirit, body and mind.

A look at PMS

PMS, short for premenstrual syndrome, is a series of symptoms - over 150 at last count - that you might experience just after ovulation to the first bleeding of the period. However, some women may start early or during the period. Each woman experiences PMS differently but it should be noted that 85-90% of all women have had PMS at least once. Of that 85-90%, up to 10% may have the more intense form of PMS called PMDD, short for premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Here are a variety of symptoms that you look forward to each month: abdominal cramping, irritability, headaches, skin blemishes, food cravings, breast tenderness, bloating, gas, weight gain, depression, fluid retention, anger and much more.

Reflexology Can Help PMS

Reflexology is primarily performed on the feet, hands and ears. Several studies have shown that almost 50% of people who tried reflexology have experienced a reduction in symptoms. It does not work for everyone and some experts in the field believe that it could partially be due to a woman's disbelief that it could work. The power of wishful thinking could be part of why it is successful for the rest of the women.

Each practitioner of reflexology may manipulate different parts of the body to achieve the same result - reduce your PMS symptoms. The feet, hands and ears all have quite sensitive receptors in them and manipulating them can help stimulate other areas of the body in terms of treatment. For instance, if you are retaining water, the reflexology may concentrate on an area of the body to manipulate with massage that would affect the proper functioning of the kidneys, which can help flush out the excess fluids.

When the reflexologist knows about the PMS, they will work on the specific areas that influence the endocrine system, particularly the glands in the reproductive system as they are responsible for hormone production and distribution. It is important to note that while you may experience mild improvement after the first session, it will take more sessions to get the full effect. Once you feel you have gone as far as you can go with reflexology sessions, you take a break. When you feel that the symptoms are under control, start up again. This is the best scenario as most reflexology sessions are paid out of pocket because insurance usually does not cover this type of alternative treatment.

With reflexology, you will get relief from PMS symptoms and almost look forward to "that time of the month." For sure, you will experience a sense of well being and relaxation.