Many women have uterine fibroids at some point during their lives, but might not know it. Fibroids can range in size from seedlings, undetectable to the human eye, to ones large enough to distort the uterus. What separates fibroids from other uterine growths is that they are largely non-cancerous. In fact, they are not associated with uterine cancer and they almost never develop into cancer. For the most part, uterine fibroids cause no symptoms; however, when symptoms do occur, they include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Menstrual periods lasting more than a week

• Pelvic pressure or pain

• Frequent urination

• Difficulty emptying the bladder

• Constipation

• Backache or leg pains

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach

There are several causes for fibroids in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). At The Point of Health, we do four diagnostic exams to determine the specific cause of your fibroids. However, there are certain usual suspects. We will focus on two: Liver Qi Stagnation and Spleen Qi Deficiency.

Liver Qi Stagnation

From a TCM perspective, the liver is in charge of making sure there is free flow of oxygen and blood throughout the body. The liver also controls our reproductive organs. When the liver is constrained, it can cause the entire body to tense up--which causes a lack of free flow of blood and oxygen. This is called Qi stagnation. The longer the stagnation is in the body, the more substances like blood and mucus can accumulate. This accumulation leads to fibroids.

Spleen Qi Deficiency

In TCM, when the spleen is not working properly in extracting nutrients from the food we eat, our bodies have less energy to overcome this stagnation.

Symptoms of these conditions include:

• Multiple fibroids

• Menstrual cycle with increased bleeding often accompanied by clotting

• A dragging down sensation in the lower abdomen

• Diarrhea

• A thin discharge following menstruation

What We Do

At The Point of Health, we focus on finding the root cause of your symptoms and bring your body into balance with itself to make sustainable changes to your health. We couple the time-tested methods of acupuncture with dietary and lifestyle choices to boost your overall wellness and address your specific health concerns.

Here are some things you can do to help with your fibroids:

• Nutrition

• Avoid red meat, tap water, processed foods, junk foods, alcohol, dairy products, and fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides

• Avoid eating meats treated with hormones, which may stimulate the growth of fibroids

• Eliminate coffee from the diet as it may contribute to the growth of fibroids

• Avoid cold and raw foods

• Avoid drinking cold beverages such as ice water

• Lifestyle

• Avoid or reduce exposure to radiation whenever possible, such as from microwaves, television and computer monitors

• Relax and maintain a positive outlook on life

• Exercise regularly

• Essential oil

• Place 3 drops of frankincense with 1 Tbs. of fractionated coconut oil. Massage a small amount gently into the foot at the ovary point nightly

• Folk remedy

• Ginger compress for 5 minutes then a taro paste for 4-5 hours all on the lower abdomen

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