Case Studies

Autonomic Activity (HRV) and PMS: Sa.Sc edition

Kristen Sparrow • August 27, 2017

photo of San Francisco Acupuncture Clinic
Stories with Data from the Clinic

As per this previous post about altered autonomic activity in patients with PMS,  this data is from a new patient who has extremely severe premenstrual syndrome. She has breast tenderness, irritability that can lead to depression so severe that she stays in bed.
Her last period, after starting acupuncture, was quite dramatic with severe cramping that kept her up at night. This is not discouraging, since acupuncture can take up to 3 months to take effect. Hopefully she will get results sooner!

In the data that follows, you see a gradual increase in parasympathetic activity (rest and digest) and a decrease in sympathetic activity (fright and flight).  We hope to see clinical improvement soon.