Endometriosis, Cysts and Fibroids

In recent years there has been an upsurge in non-cancerous female reproductive growths, with girls as young as 12 now being diagnosed with endometriosis. (Endometriosis is the presence of normal uterine tissue in other areas of the pelvis.)

In traditional Chinese medicine, endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, reproductive-area cysts, fibroids, and the like are classified as blood-stagnation conditions. Though the terminology and explanation may sound quaint to modern ears, the Chinese have recognized and treated these types of conditions successfully with acupuncture and herbs for thousands of years.

From their perspective, "stagnant blood" can result from two sources: a direct injury to the body's tissues, which stops the flow of blood, or chronic stagnant Qi (energy), wherein blood is not being pushed through the blood vessels smoothly enough and stagnation results.

From a Western viewpoint, we know, for example, that women who are under constant stress are more apt to develop these types of conditions. Constant stress results in chronically contracted muscles, which, in turn, impedes the flow of energy and blood throughout the body. Though this may seem a simplistic explanation, you begin to see how perhaps the Chinese were on to something.

In my experience, acupuncture and herbs, as appropriate, are among the most helpful therapies for these conditions. Let me tell you about one case:

A 27-year-old female came to my office with a chief complaint of endometriosis. In the previous five years she had had two operations for endometriosis and had just been informed by her MD that she needed another to give her some relief from the almost daily, sharp, stabbing pain in her lower left abdomen.

Anxious to avoid another surgery, this patient decided to try holistic medicine, and, in her case, she began to experience pain relief with her first acupuncture treatment.

During the course of the next few months, this patient continued to receive acupuncture and herbs, with her pain steadily diminishing until she was symptom-free. Since that time she has married and successfully delivered her first child!

If you have a health problem that is causing you concern and you would like to know if holistic medicine might be of help, you are welcome to call me for a free phone consultation at 858/673-1397.

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Rancho Bernardo Sun/ Diamond Gateway Signature
October 2001