Endometriosis and Fibroids: An alternative approach to having a happy uterus.
March 12, 2007:
Visit the Screaming Uterus Syndrome Blog for more info about acupuncture, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and women's health.
Oriental medicine is a very broad term covering the traditional medicines of China, Korea, Japan, Viet Nam, Tibet, and other Asian and Oriental countries. In general, the techniques of Oriental medicine are acupuncture, moxibustion, herbology, massage, cupping, gwa sha, breath work (Qi Gong, aka Chi Kung) and exercise (Tai Ji, aka Tai Chi). To find out more about Oriental medicine in general, the following books are recommended and widely available:
Acupuncture is the technique of inserting thin, metal needles into specific points on the body for therapeutic effect. It has a long lineage of use in China, with references to its practice dating back over 2500 years. These points are arranged in lines and patterns on the surface of the body, following energetic pathways of Qi (also known as Chi or Ki). These pathways are called Meridians or Channels. The points, while on the surface, connect through to deep flows and patterns of Qi within the body. Through manipulation of the needles, considered an art form in itself, disharmonies in this flow of Qi can be influenced.
There are many schools of thought on how the technique of acupuncture should be practiced. Among the more popular are modern Traditional Chinese Medicine as practiced today in China, Chinese Five Phase, Japanese Meridian Therapy (a Five Phase school of thought), and the Worsley (Traditional Acupuncture) schools of thought. Each has its own sophisticated approach to the concept of treatment, but the basic principles of classical Chinese medicine are shared by all. After all, this is a medicine that developed over a vast area and a vast time by many people who each, in their own way, had a piece of the puzzle. We are only now beginning to realize that there is a puzzle; one day, we may begin putting it together.
No particular approach has been shown superior to another, though some styles have advantages in treating some types of disorders. The skill and talents of the practitioner are usually the determining factor for successful treatment, whatever school of thought they choose to follow.
Acupuncture is an ancient healthcare system, yet it has stood the test of modern practice and research is increasingly supporting what the Chinese have always known. Over time, acupuncture has developed a number of specialties and one of the most well-developed is women's healthcare. Several hundred years ago, specialists in China were treating women who had symptoms that today would be diagnosed as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. More recently, National Institutes of Health research has confirmed that acupuncture is effective in relieving symptoms and reducing frequency of occurrence for both of these disorders. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, but gentle approach to regaining your body's natural rhythms and balance. More importantly, acupuncture does more than simply treat the pain associated with endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Combine with herbal and dietary therapy, many women will find acupuncture to be the beginning of a path to healing.