Traditional and Health Care Alternatives Week 3

What characterizes premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women?

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with PMS?

How can PMS symptoms change for a woman after having a baby?

Which of the following is a psychological symptom of PMS?

What correlation exists between age and PMS symptoms?

What primary method distinguishes acupressure from acupuncture?

What is believed to happen when a meridian is blocked?

Which condition has acupressure been suggested to alleviate based on study findings?

In which year was a review conducted that highlighted the pain-relieving abilities of acupressure?

What additional benefit of acupressure was observed in a study involving dialysis patients?

Which technique is used in acupuncture that is not a feature of acupressure?

What is the primary focus of acupressure treatment?

How long has acupuncture been practiced in various forms?

Acupressure

Acupressure involves applying pressure using hands, elbows, or feet on specific points along the body's "meridians" to release blocked energy (qi or ch’i).
It is believed that balanced energy flow is essential for wellness, and blockages can lead to illness.
Research indicates that acupressure may improve sleep quality; a study in 2013 showed it helped adolescents with insomnia fall asleep faster and achieve deeper sleep.
Acupressure is also associated with pain relief. A 2014 review identified its efficacy for conditions like lower back pain, headaches, and labor pain.
Mental health benefits are suggested; a 2015 review found immediate relief from anxiety in participants, while another study indicated that sessions three times a week helped dialysis patients manage anxiety, depression, and stress.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into the skin to treat various health issues, with techniques including manual manipulation and electroacupuncture (application of electrical currents).
This practice has been utilized for over 2,500 years and has shown effectiveness in alleviating PMS symptoms.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS consists of a variety of symptoms that manifest differently among individuals and may change over time, especially at different life stages (teenage years, post-pregnancy, perimenopause).
Common symptoms of PMS include:
- Mood swings and low mood.
- Anxiety and irritability, leading to emotional fluctuations.
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia.
- Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness and bloating.
- Changes in appetite and food cravings, often leading to weight gain.
- Digestive issues like gassiness.
- Skin problems including acne.
- Fluctuations in libido.
- Cognitive disturbances like headaches and difficulty concentrating.

This quiz covers key concepts in traditional and alternative health care methods explored during Week 3. Focus areas include practices like acupressure, which uses pressure points for healing without needles. Assess your understanding of these practices and their theoretical foundations.