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Women Specialty > Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) > TCM Treatment Modalities for Premenstrual Syndrome > Auricular Acupuncture Therapy
 
Treatment modalities : I. Using Chinese Herbs to Regulate Periods | II. Herbal Prescriptions | III. Acupuncture  | IV. Auricular Acupuncture Therapy  | V. Massage Therapy  | IV. External Remedies  | IV. Chinese Patent Remedies

Auricular Acupuncture Therapy for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)


This involves needling points in the ear that correspond to different organ systems in the body. The Lingshu (The Vital Axis) states: "The three yang meridians of arm and three yang meridians of leg all run through the ears. Although there are no direct links between the six yin meridians and the ears, they have branches to communicate with the six yin meridians. Thus it can be said that the ears are an important pivot point for the meridians to communicate with each other."

According to modern TCM experience, the points on the auricles are just like a fetus with the head downward and the buttocks upward. The ear lobules are related to the head and facial regions; the scapha is related to the upper limbs; the antihelix and its two curves are related to the trunk and lower links. Please click to see the distribution of auricular points.

The ear points can be needled with conventional needles, sometimes, small seeds or specialized "press" needles are used. Each time three to five points are selected and different stimulating techniques are applied on them. The usual auricular points for PMS treatment are:


The bodily reflections on the ear.
1. Mood Swings
Selected points include the heart, brain, forehead, occiput and brainstem.

2. Breast Tenderness
Selected points include the internal genitalia, ovary, intertragus, kidney, breast and chest. It is suggested that practitioners use needle stimulation, followed by needle retention for 15 minutes.

3. Headache
Selected points include the forehead, occiput, middle border, internal genitalia, ovary, kidney, intertragus and brain. It is suggested that practitioners to use fillet needles with even stimulation.

4. Edema
Selected points include the spleen, lung, kidney, triple burner and intertragus. Use even stimulation and follow by needle retention for 15-30 minutes.

5. Oral Sores
Blood-letting method takes place in the ear apex.

6. Skin rash
Selected points include the lung, infratragic apex and shen-men, use strong stimulation and follow by needle retention for 20 to 30 minutes.

A Simple Protocol for Abdominal Cramps

Selected points: endocrine, internal genitalia and shen-men.
Applications: apply 5 days before menstruation; use magnetic bead pads on the above points on one of the ears. The individual should press and rub the pads 5 times per day, each time lasting for 2 minutes. The pads can remain on the ear for 4 days, and then repeat the procedures on the other side for 4 days.
A. Endocrine
B. Shen-men
C. Internal genitalia