Uterine Fibroids
Uterine Fibroids and Chinese Medicine
There are recordings of Chinese medicine treating gynecological conditions going back thousands of years. The theory of Chinese medicine breaks down each woman's pattern of imbalance reflected by the symptoms in order to treat conditions such as uterine fibroids effectively. Although one women may likely have multiple issues, one common thread in cases of fibroids is something referred to as Internal Dampness. Because of this, uterine fibroids are considered a complicated condition that takes many months to resolve using natural medicine; think 8 months or more for a medium sized fibroid. It's true that you could have the fibroid removed surgically, but you will still have the underlying organ-level imbalances that caused it in the first place; these root bodily issues can also cause a plethora of other diseases so it makes sense to address them regardless. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acupressure Sticks™ to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.
Uterine Fibroids Acupressure Point Protocol
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- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 9
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 10
- Apply the Fire Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Pericardium 6
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
Symptoms of Patterns of Imbalance that Cause Uterine Fibroids According to Chinese Medicine
Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis
When Qi and Blood stop circulating freely, accumulations can occur in the Lower Jiao according to Chinese medicine. Because the Liver influences the free flow of Qi throughout the body, the original source of congestion is often Liver Qi Stagnation. Because Blood goes where Qi goes, if Qi is not moving the condition will progress to Blood Stagnation with sharp pain in the lower abdomen.
Spleen Deficiency
Internal Dampness as seen with uterine fibroids is originally caused by Spleen Qi Deficiency in almost all cases.
Kidney Yang Deficiency Damp-Cold
Kidney Yang Deficiency may be part of the root causes allowing for fibroids to develop. Exposure to cold climates for prolonged periods would also contribute to an external invasion of cold and the body's inability to protect itself through the Weir Qi (loosly the immune system). True Cold in the Uterus would be marked by sharp pain with aggravated by cold conditions, and relieved by applying warmth to the lower abdomen and/or lower back. Qi tonics are Yang and warming in nature to help alleviate Cold conditions and reduce Internal Dampness. As external Cold and Damp develop in to Internal Dampness, the condition can be rather tenacious and takes time to reverse.
Liver Damp-Heat and Uterine Fibroids
Liver Qi constraints can create heat in the body that can combine with Dampness. Damp-Heat would be indicated with conditions marked by colored vaginal discharge, burning, strong smells, and itching.
Uterine Fibroid Causes and Symptoms
Some of the commonalities of fibroid occurrence are familial history of fibroids, age, weight, and race. Fibroids become more common as women age, especially during the 30s and 40s through menopause. Fibroids usually shrink; after menopause. African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women and women who are overweight are at higher risk for fibroids
There are four primary types of uterine fibroids, classified primarily according to location in the uterus: Intramural develop on the uterine wall and are the most common type of uterine fibroid; subserosal¡ develop in the outer portion of the uterus; submucosal fibroids develop just under the lining of the uterine cavity often causing heavy menstrual bleeding and problems with infertility and miscarriage; pedunculated fibroids that grow on a small stalk that connects them to the inner or outer wall of the uterus.
Many women with fibroids experience little to no symptoms or complications that require treatment. Women who do experience uterine fibroid symptoms may suffer from pelvic pain, abnormal menstruation, and a variety of other conditions. Pregnancy may be complicated, resulting in miscarriage, premature birth, and other difficulties including:
- Abnormal Menstruation and Bleeding
- Anemia
- Pelvic pain
- Bladder and Bowel Problems
- Miscarriage, Pregnancy Complications, and Infertility
- Weight gain
Fibroids can result in a number of abnormal menstruation symptoms: periods may be longer; periods may be more frequent than normal; bleeding may also occur between periods: tumor pressure can result in severe cramping; blood clots and may develop; anemia is sometimes seen due to heavy menstrual flow. Pressure from tumor growth can result in dull, aching pelvic pain. This sensation is sometimes reported as pain, or as a feeling of pressure in the abdomen and/or back. Pain may also be experienced during sexual intercourse. Rarely, the stem of a pedunculated fibroid may twist, blocking the blood vessels requiring hospitalization and surgical removal of the growth.
Benign uterine growths can grow to large sizes without producing symptoms and may only be noticed as gradual weight gain and distention of the abdomen develop, as if the woman was pregnant. Because malignant tumors can also cause this type of distention, it is important to consult medicine doctor if one experience sudden, unexplained weight gain and distention of the lower abdomen.
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This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.