The term pre-menstrual tension broadly describes some emotional and physical symptoms
occurring before the periods. These may include depression, sadness, irritability, crying,
propensity to outbursts of anger, clumsiness, distension of abdomen and breasts, and insomnia.
These symptoms can vary in intensity from very mild to extremely serious when a woman can
actually injure a member of her family or some other person. They can also vary in duration
ranging from one day to two weeks before the period. Rarely, these symptoms may be
experienced after the period.

Aetiology and Pathology

Emotional Strain

Emotional strain is the most important aetiological factor for pre-menstrual tension. Anger,
frustration, and resentment may all, in the long run, cause stagnation of Liver-Qi which is a
major cause of pre-menstrual tension.

Diet

Excessive consumption of dairy products and greasy foods leads to the formation of Phlegm. If
stagnation of Liver-Qi leads to Fire, this combines with Phlegm to form Phlegm-Fire which
accumulates in the chest and breasts and obstructs the Mind's orifices. This results in breast
distension, a feeling of oppression in the chest and severe mental changes.

Overwork and Excessive Sexual Activity

Overwork and excessive sexual activity weaken Kidney- and Liver-Yin and when these are
deficient they can cause stagnation of Liver-Qi.

Thus the most important thing to establish is whether the pre-menstrual tension derives from a
Full or Empty condition. If the stagnation of Liver-Qi arises independently from emotional