Any man will to some extent agree that a rudimentary understanding of the condition commonly known as PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) is essential. For a man, to be forewarned and forearmed means to be better able to understand and possibly be of worthwhile help. For a woman, to be able to justify why all hell breaks loose once a month might make her feel more in control of the situation - for feeling out of control is the crux of the problem.
The process of menstruation is complex, involving three major, and inextricably linked, organs. First, according to those Oriental doctors of old, your spleen (under your ribs on the left) is integrally connected to your pituitary gland, master-switch of the endocrine system. This controls your appetite (especially for sweet things), your short-term memory, your feelings of satisfaction with life on a moment-by-moment basis and, most importantly, the overall production of blood. In the few days leading up to menstruation, the spleen has to work twice as hard to build blood to replace that which will be lost during the period. That's why you crave more sweet food, can't remember where you left your keys and whatever someone says or does is not good enough.
Second, your liver, whose job it is to store, purify and release the blood on demand, is also in charge of your 'animal soul' - the wild one within, with all its potential for unbridled emotional chaos, including and especially the expression of rage. Just before the period, as the liver cranks up to work overtime on the new blood load, it strains, overheats and, in so doing, loses control of the wild woman. Hence the sudden bursts of unprovoked anger and feelings of frustration: whether in your relationships or your work. When added to a maladjusted spleen, this can produce an inflammatory mix.
Third, the kidneys, responsible for overall maintenance of the womb and reproductive system, are also in charge of eliminating waste (through urination), regulating body fluids, maintaining body temperature, stabilising the emotional landscape in general and the flow of tears in particular, and keeping you feeling safe in the world. The kidneys are, with the help of the spleen and liver, in charge of providing, circulating and regenerating the yin or female energy for the entire system, itself intricately interlinked with all internal functions and especially the 100 per cent, no-men-need-apply menstrual process.
Just before the period, the kidneys tend to suffer an appreciable loss of energy through the extra exertion, potentially leaving you weepy, bloated, temperamental, anxious, occasionally spotty, clammy, hot and cold, fraught and feeling like you can't cope. So when you throw depleted kidney energy into the equation, you have the full three-dimensional horror of full-blown PMS, complete with anguish, hurled plates and household nuclear war.
To suggest a universal remedy is as impossible as suggesting which colour T-shirt would suit everyone in the UK. It all depends on the constitutional state of the liver, spleen, kidneys, reproductive system, hormone levels and temperament of the individual.
However, it is fair to say that agnus castus can work wonders in reducing water retention and often all other symptoms, too. Mega B complex with extra B6 can be helpful in supporting the liver.
Donquai is effective for keeping the kidneys strong and supporting the general yin energy of the body, and raw beets can be good for supporting the spleen and strengthening the blood. Acupuncture works well for some people, as does cranio-sacral therapy, as in fact do most alternative methods aimed at rebalancing energy flow. But with all these suggestions, it's important to remember that rebalancing requires time - perhaps many menstrual cycles - and hence patience.
As for the men, it's important for us to recognise the signs early and, above all, be willing not to take things personally. As you've no doubt heard countless times before, the best you can do when caught in hormonal crossfire is to ignore all missiles and shrapnel and go over and give her a tender, loving cuddle. Just don't expect a reward.
Dear Barefoot Doctor, My doctor believes I have gallstones and has referred me for a scan. The waiting list is one year. In the meantime, I am controlling the symptoms (pain under right ribs and vomiting) by reducing fat intake and following your advice to take fresh lemon juice in water, morning and night. My doctor expects I will need an operation to remove my gall bladder. Is there any alternative to this? I have been told that lemon juice will dissolve the stones. Is this correct? As I will be drinking lemon juice for 12 months, are there likely to be any harmful effects?
Jean Johnson, Lancashire
Dear Jean, It is possible sometimes to dissolve gallstones with lemon juice, but it's not guaranteed. However, as you have to wait a year to be seen, and lemon juice in water twice a day is both helpful and harmless, it seems your best option for now. As for alternatives to surgery, obviously dietary advice from a nutritionist will be useful, as well as cranio-sacral therapy to keep the energy moving through the gall bladder. Learning to relax more generally will also help, as stress makes the gall bladder overheat. If, however, you do end up having surgery, be assured that this operation is highly successful and relatively easy on the body.
Dear Barefoot Doctor, Since the death of my son three years ago, I have developed various 'conditions' which I manage, except for tinnitus. This stops me from being able to spend quiet time to try and find some spiritual sense about what has happened to him - and to me. I have tried background tapes, but these seem to exacerbate the sounds rather than mask them. Do you have any suggestions?
Patricia Holmes, via email
Dear Patricia, Tinnitus, unless caused by physical damage to the eardrum by loud noise, originates from low kidney energy, as the ears are said to be the flower of the kidneys.
The trauma of your son's death must have significantly weakened the kidney energy.
Press your thumbs into the ridges of muscle that run down either side of the spine around the kidney region (in the lower back) every day for a minute or so, especially in the late afternoon, when the kidneys are most susceptible. Also massage the ears themselves quite vigorously between thumb and finger to increase circulation. Consider visiting an acupuncturist, as tinnitus responds well to acupuncture.
Barefoot Doctor is author of 'Handbook for the Urban Warrior' and teaches Taoism, meditation, Chinese medicine and t'ai chi. He has been in practice for more than 20 years, specialising in personal-crisis management
• If you have any problems you would like answered, please write to Barefoot Doctor at Life magazine, The Observer, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER or email him at barefoot.doctor@observer.co.uk. Also, you can visit www.barefootdoctor.co.uk.
