Gynecology is a field of medicine focused on the female reproductive system. This field covers much ground, and today I will focus on a specific type of pattern. Traditional Chinese Medicine does not diagnose, rather, ‘patterns’ are recognized and treated accordingly. TCM has succesfully treated women with various concerns for thousands of years. Not only that, the amount of information regarding every detail of your menstruation, what it means and appropriate treatments is comforting.
As a women dancing with PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) I can attest to the solid support I have received through Acupuncture, TCM Herbal formulas, shifts in diet and lifestyle. As any women reading this who knows the intensity of dysmenorrhea, the stress of amenorrhea or infertility and many other deleterious symptoms accompanying your period (or lack of); know that you have options and that I am here to help and support you.
Abdominal masses known as Zhēng Jiǎ refer to a range of gynecological conditions involving the presence of lumps or masses in the lower abdomen. At times accompanied by pain, distention, irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge.
Zhēng refers specifically to the masses as having defined physical form, a fixed location and accompanied pain in a specific location. In these cases, changes have occurred in the Zang (solid) organs and therefore these patterns usually involve the blood.
On the other hand, Jiǎ describes masses without a distinct physical form which manifest and disperse without apparent reason. Accompanying pain in this case will not be fixed in location. In these cases, changes have arisen in the Fu (empty)organs. Therefore, these patterns involve qi.
Despite the difference between, the two are closely related in terms of pathogenesis (the origination and process of a disease). This TCM pattern is known to Western Medicine as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis.
Zhēng Jiǎ usually arises from a deficiency of qi as well as a disharmony between qi and blood. Emotional depression, internal injury due to inappropriate diet, eating habits or an invasion of wind-cold could all cause a disharmony within the viscera: leading to internal obstruction, stagnation of phlegm-dampness or qi and blood stagnation.
Patterns of Abdominal masses accompanied by abdominal pain, prolonged vaginal bleeding, dark foul-smelling vaginal discharge, emaciation and a dull complexion are often signs of malignant (cancerous) growths. In this case, the individual should seek a specialist. Acupuncture has not been proven to treat cancer. It is a beneficial adjacent therapy during chemotherapy and after surgery.
Traditional Chinese Medicine terms like deficiency, phlegm or stagnation point towards an imbalance; they are not as dire as they may sound! Imagine that your body is a terrarium; it needs a balance of moisture, sunlight, soil nutrients and biodiversity. These pattern terms represent internal relationships that are maladaptive. For example, if the terrarium plants are all wilting and depending on need, we may add some water and perhaps amend the soil. TCM works by pin pointingthe pattern causing an individual’s disease process, ideally before the development of a disease. By treating the pattern or root of the concern, many other seemingly disconnected symptoms can be alleviated.
However and wherever you find yourself in regards to disease process or discomfort; Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for pain, to regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, balance hormones, help cellular repair and support mental health.
In an average visit for Gynecological concerns, you can expect to receive needles in the area between your pubic bone and belly button as well as around your low back and sacrum. In some cases electo-Acupuncture will be utilized. Diet and lifestyle are important to review as well as shift, this will not only help you, it will make the treatments more beneficial.
You can also expect me to ask lots of questions about your experience of menstruating, this is an invitation if you have not already to try out a Menstrual Cup (ex. Diva Cup). These are not hard to find and will allow you to get an idea about amount, colour, viscosity (etc) of the blood.
Did you know receiving Acupuncture during your menstruation is important? What matters most is consistently receiving treatments. Compounded stress is a huge driver of health complaints in our modern society and menstrual health concerns are not currently well understood or treated with respect in mainstream Medicine. Fortunately there are options, and it is important to be consistent with receiving Acupuncture to feel the benefits.
