Cramps. Bloating. Mood swings. Rage-crying at a sock on the floor. We’ve all blamed PMS for turning us into emotional wrecks once a month. But according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the real diva behind your drama might not be your uterus—it’s your Liver.
Meet Your Liver (No, Not the One in Your Anatomy Textbook)
In TCM, your Liver isn’t just filtering toxins or regretting last night’s Negroni. It’s the Queen of Flow. She governs the smooth movement of Qi (energy) and Blood, especially to your reproductive system. She’s also in charge of your emotions—especially anger and frustration.
So what happens when she gets blocked, stuck, or just plain annoyed?
PMS Happens.
When your Liver Qi is stagnant, things don’t flow. Blood gets stuck. Emotions back up. Hormones feel chaotic. And boom—here comes the PMS party with all her toxic exes: cramps, breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, food cravings, and even acne.
Signs Your Liver is Pissed:
- You get hangry—like, destroy-everything-in-sight hangry
- You sigh all the time (yep, classic Liver Qi move)
- Your period comes with clots, cramps, or emotional meltdowns
- You feel bloated, tight, or like you’re wearing an invisible corset
- You’re snappy. At everyone. Including your cat.
But... why is my Liver so grumpy?
So glad you asked.
- Stress – Your boss, your inbox, your mom texting.
- Repressed emotions – Swallowing your rage with your oat milk latte.
- Overworking – Hustling 24/7 with no downtime = zero chill.
- Too much spicy, greasy, or rich food – Delicious, yes. Liver-friendly? Not so much.
- Lack of movement – Qi hates being stuck. So does your Liver.
What can I do to calm her down?
Your Liver doesn’t need a spa day. She just needs flow.
- Move your body – Dance, walk, stretch, shake it off like a Taylor Swift breakup.
- Express yourself – Journal, scream into a pillow, cry, talk it out.
- Drink chrysanthemum or mint tea – Both soothe Liver heat and help Qi flow.
- Avoid cold/raw foods during your cycle—they slow things down.
- Acupressure love – Massage Liver 3 (between your big toe and second toe). She likes it.
Final Thoughts?
Your Liver is like your emotionally intelligent best friend: she holds it together 90% of the time, but when she’s overwhelmed, everyone feels it—especially your uterus.
So if your PMS is acting up, don’t just blame your hormones. Check in with your Liver. She might be overdue for some movement, expression, and warm soup.
Because honestly? A happy Liver = a less chaotic cycle = a more chill you.
