TCM to Treat Endometriosis Symptoms

Endometriosis is a female health disorder that occurs when cells from the lining of the womb

(uterus) grow in other areas of the body. Endometriosis can be associated with backache,

painful defecation and/or rectal bleeding, premenstrual spotting, sciatica, urinary frequency and

pain, vomiting, abdominal pain and swelling. Any single endometriosis symptom is troubling, but

in combination can be excruciating. Untreated, endometriosis can become the cause of female

infertility. Although traditional Chinese medicine has no disease category for endometriosis, it

does recognize, categorize, and treat effectively each endometriosis symptom and sign.

At her optimal health, a woman’s menstruation should be painless and accompanied by minimal

pre and postmenstrual signs and symptoms. The menstruate should be of sufficient volume, a

rich, fresh color, and free from clots. The absence of these factors is an endometriosis

symptom. If there is free flow, there is no pain: if there is pain, there is no free flow.

In Chinese medicine, the uterus and the liver are closely related. The liver maintains patency or

free flow of the qi or vital energy of the body. The liver, spleen, and kidney channels run through

the pelvis and all can effect menstruation. If any of these channels is blocked, congested or

deficient, this will usually manifest in women as some sort of menstrual problem.

Chinese medicine believes that each life force has an innate energy flowing throughout its form.

This is called “qi” and qi is also believed to move the blood. The qi can become sluggish or

stuck due to emotional stagnation or stress. It is the liver's job to maintain the free flow of qi.

Stagnant qi is associated with liver depression. The liver is so intimately associated with the

menstrual cycle, liver depression and stagnant qi in women almost always manifests as some

menstrual-related problem. Stagnant qi manifests as pain and distention and is dull, crampy or

colicky. Static blood may be caused by either long-term qi stagnation or by traumatic injury,

including surgery. Its characteristic is localized, fixed, sharp, stabbing or lancinating pain. Blood

clots are common when one's qi is stagnant.

The most common cause of qi stagnation is stress, which often results in liver depression. This

can also become the cause of female infertility. Stagnant qi causes pain, urinary problems,

lower abdominal pain and distention, sciatica, premenstrual nipple sensitivity, irritability,

depression, and headaches.

Accumulation of cold-causing blood stasis also leads to uncomfortable side effects. Coldness and dampness can be generated by over eating cold, damp foods. Cold foods include anything

eaten chilled, frozen and cold. They also include most raw vegetables and fruits, dairy products,

oils, nuts, sugar, fatty foods, and citrus fruits. The signs and symptoms of accumulation of cold

causing blood stasis in the lower burner include cold, fixed pain in the lower abdomen relieved

by warmth, a dark, clotty menstrual discharge, aversion to cold, late or absent period, back pain,

diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite.

The Chinese natural remedy for endometriosis symptoms suggests avoiding fear, anger and

excessive emotions in general. Maintaining an even, free flow of moderate emotions is the

same as maintaining an even, free flow of qi and blood. Just prior and during menstruation

women should not allow themselves to become fatigued. Do not dwell on negative thoughts or

frustrations. Avoid eating cold and raw foods prior to or during periods. Avoid sex during the

period as this reverses the flow of qi and blood from down and out to up and in, and tends to

cause the formation of blood stasis.

Stress reduction, changing jobs, seeking counseling for relationship problems, changing

residence, taking more time off, relinquishing unrealistic goals and expectations, and just in

general adopting a slower, more open attitude no matter what we are doing can help us with

balance. We need to teach ourselves consciously and deliberately to relax. Done daily, at least

twenty continuous minutes, can benefit our overall health.

Exercise can also speed up a sluggish metabolism and increase production of qi and blood.

Aerobic exercise from twenty to thirty minutes every other day increases circulation and body

temperature, and aids digestion, appetite, mood, energy and sleep. Exercise greatly reduces

the severity of any endometriosis symptom or symptom associated with stagnant qi and blood

stasis.

Chinese medicine places great importance on diet, especially on cooked as opposed to raw

food. Cooking makes the nutrients in foods more easily assimilable, resulting in a greater net

gain. Our diet should consist of warm foods. Drinking too much liquid and especially cold liquids

with meals can cause stagnant qi. There are also certain foods that should be eaten in great

moderation. For example, sugar weakens the spleen and, therefore, the healthy creation of qi

and blood. Honey, molasses and maple syrup create dampness and hinder spleen function.

People with liver depression and qi stagnation tend to crave the sweet flavor. Other foods that

can create dampness are nuts, oils, and fats, chocolate, beef and pork, dairy products, fruits,

eggs, and citrus fruits, pineapples, apples and pears. Alcohol is also dampening.

One of Chinese medicine 's main therapies is herbal medicine. Herbs are an excellent

endometriosis natural remedy. Over 5,000 medicinal substances are taken from plants,

minerals, and animal by-products. The ingredients are combined into formulas usually

comprised of eight to fifteen ingredients that work synergistically. The most common way of

ingestion the herbs is through a tea. However, pills, powders, liquids, and dried extracts and

syrups are also used. Herbs are free from side effects. Chinese doctors are constantly updating

and modifying their patient's treatment in order to optimize results. Women with endometriosis

generally require three to six months of intensive Chinese herbal therapy to achieve substantial

amelioration in their condition.

The body comprises points located on pathways at which the energy, qi, traveling through them

can be manipulated and therapeutically adjusted. This is how acupuncture can treat

endometriosis symptoms. Patients may experience the slightest pinch upon insertion and then

any of several sensations as the needle touches the point that is below the skin. These

sensations can include tingling, heat, distention, heaviness, soreness, or an electrical, nervy

feeling. Typically patients will relax deeply and may even fall asleep.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine treat effectively: painful menstruation , menstruation which is

too little or too large in volume, menstruation which is either too early, too late, or which occurs

at no fixed schedule, amenorrhea, PMS, lower abdominal pain, any endometriosis symptom

and infertility. Most menstrual problems can be treated by Chinese medicine within three to six

months. However, the duration of therapy depends to some extent on the length of time the

disease process has been in motion. Patients should expect it to take at least one month of

treatment for every year there has been some problem with their period or in their pelvis in

general.

- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine 

Natural Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is an example of how a change in seasons can affect our

emotional and physical wellbeing. Seasonal Affective Disorder is nationally recognized during

the month of December.

Between 4 and 6 percent of the U.S. population suffer from SAD. It is more commonly observed

in those who live at high latitudes (areas farther away from the equator to the north and south).

Seasonal changes are generally more extreme in these regions, supporting the idea that SAD is

caused by changes in sunlight availability.

While SAD can occur during summer with limited symptoms such as weight loss, trouble

sleeping and decreased appetite, its winter symptoms tend to be more severe. Winter-time

sufferers of SAD can experience fatigue, increased need for sleep, decreased energy levels,

weight gain, increase in appetite, difficulty concentrating and increased desire to be alone.

The TCM yin and yang forces of the seasons coincide with those of the body. The Yellow

Emperor’s Classic of Medicine states that, “People and nature are inseparable.” While yang’s

warmth, activity and brightness work through out the spring and summer months, yin’s passivity,

coldness and darkness begin in autumn and continue until spring equinox. Therefore, the winter

months, which represent the height of the yin cycle and the water element, can cause those

whose constitution tends toward yin to feel the effects of this season more acutely.

Western medicine currently treats seasonal affective disorder with light therapy and sometimes

with antidepressants. This is because energetic imbalances, which are associated with

emotional and physical disturbances in the body, can become more pronounced after a change

in weather and sunlight. The downside to these light therapies is that they carry side effects

such as eyestrain, headache, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, palpitations, high blood pressure and

reduced libido. Also, these therapies do not address the underlying problems, but merely offer

symptom relief.

Acupuncture is a natural alternative to light therapy or antidepressants. Acupuncture, which has

shown promising results treating depression by releasing serotonin and

noradrenaline-norepinephrine, has no side effects. Together with a treatment plan created by a

licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture can improve balance of mood and energy, relieving the

patient from the burdens of a depressed, unbalanced system.

The winter months are associated with the Kidney system, which is the base of qi, our vital

energy. The Kidney creates fire and warmth and provides energy to other organs. As our bodies

use up energy keeping warm, they begin to crave quick sources of new energy in high calorie

foods, which are stored as fat to keep the body warm. These foods do not sustain energy levels

in the body, nor do they properly nourish the Kidney, and with this energy depletion we tend to

feel more lethargic and sensitive to our surroundings. This is why winter is a time to seek

replenishment of body, mind and spirit.

Nourishment in all areas of life is especially important during the winter months when SAD is

most common. Although many people head indoors during winter, it is important to continue

outdoor activities to expose yourself to daylight, and to take part in activities that support inner

balance. Physical and mental stress, as well as poor sleep and nutrition, further deplete the

body’s energy and leave you susceptible to illness. You should rest and conserve energy, but

also spend time with friends and loved ones, cultivate your inner dialogue and eat a well

balanced diet. Eating less fruits, increasing whole grain intake and plenty of warming foods such

as soup, is a great way to nourish the Kidney system.

Oriental medicine can restore the balance our bodies seek during seasonal transitions. While

the tendency is to look inward or become preoccupied with one area of our health, such as

maintaining energy and keeping warm, it is important to remember that balance in everything

from your diet to your living environment is essential in sustaining a positive outlook and a

healthy mood.

- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine 

Happy Birthday!

This is one of the happiest Birthdays I've ever had!  I don't mean to discredit any previous efforts made by friends and family, but you can't compete with endorphins.

My roommate, a spinning instructor at Equinox Gym, got me a free 3-day pass, and with the semester over, I have been spending all my spare time soaking up (literally-the showers with Kiehl's products are amazing!) all of its offerings, yoga, Zumba, cycling, step-aerobics, boot-camp, protein smoothies, eucalyptus towels, and so much more.  It is a fitness buff's playground!

Today, with no school and minimal work, I had the opportunity to enjoy two fitness classes.  At noon, I went to Vinyasa Flow Yoga.  The class was packed, so I had to go to the front of the class.  I was a little insecure, especially after the instructor began speaking and I could hardly hear him over the speaker or understand him with his accent.  But once we got moving I abandoned my insecurity and was able to really enjoy myself.  Vinyasa is a nice style of yoga because it is aerobically demanding, with lots of ab-flattening planks and tricep-toning push-ups, while still providing a relaxing and nourishing experience. Synchronizing each pose with a breath helps to focus your mind, while keeping your body active and engaged.

I left the class buzzing with composed enthusiasm.  Every bit of my experience brought me joy, especially the things that would usually provoke frustration, like a cold breeze, when all I had was a light jacket or my boyfriend waiting until the last minute to make dinner reservation.  Instead of getting upset at the prospect of a 9pm dinner reservation I thought, perfect! Now I can take my time getting ready, and can invite my girlfriend (with whom plans fell through early this week) for wine and cheese before meeting up with him later.   And though the rest of my day consisted of rather mundane tasks, like buying groceries and mailing gifts before the holidays, I felt so exuberant, making conversation with people in line and letting rude and inconsiderate actions role right off my back.

As it turns out, this endorphin spike isn't unique to me alone.  Feeling stressed, angry, depressed, or just complacent?  I could bore you with the neurochemical processes responsible for the relationship between exercise and mood, but let me just make this suggestion instead: Hit the gym, you will be amaze at what it can do for it.  I find exercising in groups, such as classes, particularly motivating and enjoyable, especially when you can laugh at yourself.

Most importantly, don't go into a gym with any expectations of losing weight, toning up, or boosting your mood.  High expectations are likely to disappoint.  Instead, go in with an open mind and a desire to have fun, the rest is just icing on the cake.

Enjoy!

Introduction to Chinese Medicine: 5 Phase/Element Theory

One of the major systems of thought in Chinese Medicine is 5 Phase/Element Theory, which is used as a method of diagnosis and treatment.

It identifies aspects of our environment and experience, and their correspondences help to explain the processes that are occurring in the body throughout various stages of disease and healing.

The Table of Correspondences:

FIVE ELEMENTS	Wood	Fire	Earth	Metal	Water
Seasons	Spring	Summer	Late Summer	Autumn	Winter
Zang /Yin organs	Liver	Heart	Spleen	Lung	Kidney
Fu /Yang organs	Gallbladder	Small Intestine	Stomach	Large Intestine	Bladder
Directions	East	South	Middle	West	North
Tastes	Sour	Bitter	Sweet	Pungent	Salty
Tissues	Tendons	Vessels	Muscles	Skin/hair	Bones
Colors Emotions	Green Anger	Red Joy	Yellow Worry	White Grief	Black Fear
Sense organs	Eye	Tongue	Mouth	Nose	Ear

  

There are 2 main cycles of interaction among the phases, which help to maintain balance:

1. Engendering Cycle- Each of the phases engenders or supports another

2. Restraining Cycle- Each of the phases retrains or controls another

Knowing which phase/element predominates our personalities can help further insight into our lives and relationships.  Click on the link below to discover which element is most indicative of your personality: 

http://www.longevity-center.com/five_element.html

An Introduction to Chinese Medicine: Yin Yang

Sorry for the delay in posting lately.  With exams approaching this week I have been a bit preoccupied.  However, in light of recent comments asking me to explain the basics of Chinese medical theory and impending exams, it occurred to me that I could kill two birds with one stone by posting some of my study material.

Let's start at the very beginning: Yin Yang

There are 4 Guiding Principles to understanding Yin and Yang

1. Opposition 

2. Interdependence

3. Conterbalance/mutual consumption

4. Intertransformation 

1. Opposition 

Every phenomenon has two opposing aspects; Every Yin/Yang phenomenon possesses Yin and Yang aspects

Yin has the following characteristics:

Dark, Earth, lower, night, autumn, winter, cold, female, slow

Yang has the following characteristics:

Light, Heaven, upper, day, spring, summer, hot, male, fast

2. Interdependence

Yin exists by virtue of it's opposite, Yang, just as light exists by virtue of dark 

The Nei Jing (the Chinese Medicine Classic) states:

"Without Yin, Yang cannot arise; Without Yang, Yin cannot be born." Also, "Yin is in the inner and roots Yang, and Yang is in the outer and moves Yin."

3. Conterbalance/ Mutual Consumption 

Yang grows by consuming Yin and Yin grows by consuming Yang.  We consume and restore Yin (nourishment) and Yang (energy) daily.  Maintenance of balance of Yin and Yang establishes wellness.  Failure to maintain balance leads to preponderance of either Yin or Yang and excessive consumption of the other, and creates an environment for disease to ensue.   

There are 4 types of imbalances:

Yin Vacuity- not enough Yin 

Yang Vacuity- not enough Yang

Yin Repletion- too much Yin

Yang Repletion- too much Yang

4. Intertransformation

Yang aspects or patterns become Yin aspects or patterns and visa-versa.  

Ex. Summer (Yang) turns into Fall (Yin)

Ex. A chronic condition (Yin) can weaken immunity and leave body vulnerable to external attacks (Yang), such as viruses

Understanding a bit about Yin and Yang can be helpful in addressing your body's needs

•  Balancing rest and activity
• Knowing what to eat (cool foods in Yang seasons, warm foods in Yin seasons)
• Knowing how to treat minor imbalances (i.e. nourish yang with light exercise, rest, acupuncture, and warm foods when you are Yang deficient)

I challenge you to use this new knowledge to discover the potential for cultivating balance in your body, environment, and life.