Fibroids is extremely common in this modern age and many fibroids are caused by medications which people are unaware of. There are always signs on the patient’s body that I look out for and then advise patients that if they do not have fibroids already then, they are at risk. Majority of the time, patients will confirm that they already have it.
Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus. Sometimes these tumours become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In other cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all. The growths are typically benign, or non-cancerous. They can cause pain in the pelvis, abdominal swelling, abnormal uterine bleeding, frequent urination, constipation, lower back pain, increased risk of miscarriage and infertility.
Please do look at the previous post about Spleen health as the Spleen plays a big role in fibroids. Whilst medical doctors will advise patients that Spleen is not an important organ, from TICM perspective, it is a vital organ. It makes new blood cells, destroys old cells, responsible for immune system and lymphatic system to name just a few things.
The Spleen governs blood and holds the blood inside its proper vessels, if the Spleen is imbalanced, more precisely, deficient, Blood can leak. The Blood leaks from vessels and can turn into several problems like a heavy a prolonged period, black stool, vomiting of blood or petechiae which are tiny, circular, patches that appear on the skin or in a mucous or serous membrane. They occur as the result of bleeding under the skin.
If the Spleen is deficient it cannot transform food into nutrients into energy. The remaining liquids and solids will accumulate and form what is known as dampness. The dampness creates phlegm due to stagnation and the tumour is then formed. The fibroid can sit inside or outside of the uterus and ranges anywhere from the size of a pea to a grapefruit or even a melon to someone looking 9 months pregnant. Fibroids can develop stem cells, eventually growing hair and teeth.
Fibroids can manifest because of excess oestrogen. Therefore, the Uterus and Liver are so connected, because the Liver processes oestrogen. If the Liver is overtaxed by toxins, it won't be able to do its job and stagnation occurs.
Energy (Qi) stagnation can also cause fibroids to develop. Energy (Qi) can become stagnant from emotional stress, excess cold, excess heat, dampness and toxins. Enough energy (Qi) helps blood to circulate and flow throughout the body and when energy (Qi) becomes stagnate, blood often follows. The stagnation can manifest into a uterine fibroid. Medications and contraception are a massive culprit.
Women
If you’ve suffered from painful periods, wacky periods, or inconsistent ovulation, please do keep reading. Something that may be messing with your menstrual cycle is called a fibroid.
How can you tell if you’re suffering from fibroids?
Heavy bleeding between or during you periods that includes blood clots
Pain in the pelvis or lower back
Increased menstrual cramping
Increased urination
Pain during intercourse
Menstruation that lasts longer than usual
Pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen
Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen
Some risk factors for fibroids are out of your control, but there are many you can manage. These includes things like eating high quality meat adding more detoxifying foods such as leafy green vegetables into your diet and drinking less alcohol.
Men
As you guys do not menstruate, if you come to see me and I see signs on your body that you are at risk of fibroids, cysts, tumours or masses I shall advise you.
How can a TICM doctor assist?
Hijama therapy
Acupuncture
Chinese Herbal medicine to break up the stagnation
Diet and nutrition advice
Lifestyle advice
How can you treat and/or prevent fibroids?
Avoid certain foods: these include dairy, high fat and processed meats, refined sugars, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and caffeine.
Eat healthy foods for fibroids: including leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, iron rich foods, foods full of beta carotene, flaxseed, whole grains.
Take your supplements: B complex, fish oil, milk thistle. Where possible get these from food sources.
Use a castor oil pack.
Sip on tea: chasteberry, milk thistle, yellow dock, dandelion root, nettle and red raspberry.
Avoid environmental toxins: stay clear of the following chemicals to improve your hormonal health, as well as your general health: pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilisers, bleach, food preservatives, harmful cleaners and food dyes. You’ll also want to opt for natural, unbleached feminine care products as well as organic body care products and make up.
Do not use tampons and moon cups so that you can allow a free flow during menstruation.
Exercise: getting regular exercise can help to prevent fibroids before they start.
Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
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