Alternative Answers for Fibroids and Healing Them Naturally

 

Good Morning!

Fibroids and Healing Them Naturally
by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Fibroids are nodules of fibrous tissue that can grown anywhere on the body. Uterine fibroids are the most common noncancerous tumors of the female reproductive organs. According to the location of the fibroid in the uterus, they can be divided into three types.

Fibroids can grow underneath the uterine lining (submucosal), within the uterus walls (intramural) or can be found on the outer walls of the uterus (subserosal).

The cause of their growth is unknown. With many of my female patients who have fibroids, it tends to be seen throughout their family history. Often times, their mothers, sisters, aunts or grandmothers have suffered from them as well.

Next to heredity , other causes have been thought to be stress related, improper diet, excessive weight gain and imbalances in hormone levels.

Hormonally, estrogen seems to be part of the problem. When estrogen levels are high during a women's period, this estrogen surge seems to stimulate tumor growth. Therefore, fibroids often grow larger during the menstrual cycle as the uterus engorges with blood, then shrinks after the cycle. They also tend to grow larger during pregnancy and shrink after menopause due to the lack of estrogen.

Estrogen dominance is generally not caused by one factor, but often many factors, including:
• Hormonal imbalance
• Hormone therapy
• Environmental estrogens
• Stressful lifestyle
• Glandular dysfunction

Symptoms can range between no symptoms at all or a women can experience heavy bleeding, abdominal masses, abdominal pain, pressure against the bladder, bowels or pelvic floor, vaginal discharge, infertility, miscarriage or anemia.

Western medicine looks at several ways to treat fibroids, depending on their size and depending on how much pain or havoc they are causing the body. Western treatments include pharmacological inhibition of estrogen secretion, Progestin supplementation, prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, a myomectomy, or hysterectomy.

Cramping, painful and irregular periods are often due to a deficiency of progesterone and an excess of estrogen. Estrogen-alone birth control pills (the most commonly prescribed pills on the market) often compound the problem. That's why some women have intolerable estrogen-induced side effects when they are on birth control pills such as weight gain, mood swings, and breast tenderness.
What is rarely mentioned, is the liver requires extra amounts of the B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc because taking birth control pills for years at a time, will creating nutrient deficiencies. Weight gain, fluid retention, mood changes, depression and even heart disease can all arise from vitamin and mineral imbalance.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, we treat fibroids differently, based on the site of the fibroid. Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been found to be more effective than Western medicine (in most cases) as it works to bring the body back into hormonal balance, naturally .

When fibroids are less than 5cm, the success rate with acupuncture and herbs is higer. Although, clinically, I have had success with fibroids that are larger than 5cm and have been able to shrink these fibroids with a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine, diet as well as, lifestyle changes.

Acupuncture treatments are based on the clinical diagnosis of stagnation and/or dampness. Combinations of local and distal acupuncture points are used in order to move energy and blood.

Channels that are focused on include the Conception channel, the Spleen, Stomach, Liver and Kidney channels.

Herbal medicine has long been the apothecary of the world. Folklore and ancient recipes have been past down for centuries. Nowadays, research studies are being done on some of these herbs, herbal combinations and formulas. Formulas most effective for abdominal masses include:

-Chai Hu Shu Gan San with Xie Fu Zuo Yu Tang for Qi and Phlegm Stagnation.

-Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan with Xiao Liu Fang for Blood Stasis.

-Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan for Phlegm Damp.

These formulas have shown to be even more effective when combined with a diet low in fat that MINIMIZES coffee, black tea, chocolate, alcohol and soy based products. The proper formula for you, should be determined by a licensed acupuncturist and/or herbalist only.

The Western Herbal Materia Medica has shown that some herbs are effective for balancing hormone levels.

Linoleic acid, found in omega-6 fatty acid form and linolenic acid, found omega-3 fatty acid form are both essential oils found in fish oil. These two essential oils can reduce estrogen production and are beneficial for women with fibroids. Take 2,000 mg in divided doses (1,000 mg am/pm).

Nutritional considerations are a diet low in fat that minimizes coffee, black tea, chocolate and alcohol.

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring estrogenic compounds that are found in a variety of foods, herbs, spices (phyto meaning plants). Their chemical structure resembles estrogen. These compounds are generally weak estrogens, in comparison to real estrogen but in a body that is already experiencing too much estrogen, adding more will contribute to the problem.

Some of the strongest phytoestrogen containing substances are soy, the lignans found in flax seed products, red clover, black cohosh, and dong quai. Soy includes soybeans, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, textured vegetable protein, roasted soybeans, soy granules, soy protein powders, miso, and edamames. Over consumption of phytoestrogenic foods or herbs on a long term basis may actually increase the risk of estrogen dominance significantly.

Chaste tree berry (although it has some phytoestrogenic properties) has been shown to promote progesterone production by increasing luteinizing hormone, which I recommend you DO consider for reducing fibroids.

Limit the amounts of red meat and pork eaten.

Avoid high fat and fried foods. Some women have found that their fibroids decrease when taking up a vegetarian diet.

Changes in lifestyle can also play apart in reducing fibroids.

Increase or add exercise to your life.

Meditation, visualization and simple breathing techniques are all very helpful in relieving stress in our lives.

Holding on to certain beliefs in our lives, may be an improper way of thinking.

Metaphysical expert, Louse Hay suggests that a probable cause of fibroids and cysts is "nursing a hurt from a partner or a blow to the feminine ego."

Certainly, these are all options to consider.

Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit

References

-Boericke, William M.D., Materia Medica with Repertory, 1927, Boericke & Runyon
-Chevallier, Andrew, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, 1996, Dorlilng Kindersley Limited
-Gaeddert, Andrew, Chinese Herbs In The Western Clinic, Get Well Foundation 1994
-Hay, Louise, You Can Heal Your Life, Hay House Inc. 1984
-Mehl-Madrona, L. Complementary medicine treatment of uterine fibroids 2002 Altern Ther Health Med 8;2:34-6, 38-40, 42, 44-6
-Richardson, Jack N.D., The Little Herb Encyclopedia (Third Edition), 1995, Woodland Health Books

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Celebrate Spring: Your Herbal Medicine Chest

 

Good Morning!

Celebrate Spring: Your Herbal Medicine Chest

Spring brings cleansing and rejuvenation. Most often the liver is the target of a cleansing herbal regimen, since the liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It processes our hormones, contributes to proper digestion, cleanses the body of toxins, and many other important duties. A good cleansing regimen, however, will also cleanse and support other vital organs, such as heart, kidneys, blood, and digestive system. It will also do wonderful things
for your spirit! It is vital to consume lots of water, with lemon is ideal, and get fresh air to flush these toxins out of your system.

Dandelion Root: Dandelion Root can be made into a bitter tea (don't sweeten it, the bitterness is how it works – you'll get use to it) as an excellent tonic for the liver and blood purifer. Dandelion roots are very high in vitamins and minerals. The common dandelion is an unusually nutritious food. Its leaves contain substantial levels of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, choline, calcium, boron, and silicon. Worldwide, the root of the dandelion has been used for the treatment of a variety of liver and gallbladder problems. Other historical uses of the root and leaves include the treatment of breast diseases, water retention, digestive problems, joint pain, fever, and skin diseases. The most active constituents in dandelion appear to be eudesmanolide and germacranolide, substances unique to
this herb.

Milk Thistle: Milk Thistle is the best in cleaning our blood and liver and is a
traditional way to get our health back on track and revitalize and nourish our
entire internal ecological system from the ravages of winter. Milk Thistle is an
excellent cleansers for the liver. Cleansing is one of the more important roles
of Milk Thistle as it helps to prevent a host of problems our bodies can acquire
from internal and external toxic overload.

Burdock Root: Burdock root helps to purify blood and restore the liver to aid in
a restful sleep. Helps to reduce build up of toxins in the skin resulting in
boils. Helps gallbladder functions and stimulates the immune system. Seed forms
are also used.

Nettle: Nettles are invaluable as a food, rich in vitamins and minerals. Only
the young, tender tips are suitable for cooking, the stalks and lower leaves are
not edible. They can be cooked then pureed for soup or vegetable accompaniment.
Nettles make a valuable tonic after the winter and are an excellent remedy for
Anemia, their vitamin C content ensures that the iron they contain is properly
absorbed. Nettles increase the quality of the blood helping to give a healthy
glow to the skin.

Yellow Dock: Yellow Dock is applicable to all the purposes for which the other
species are used. The root has laxative, alterative and mildly tonic action, and
can be freely used as a tonic and laxative in rheumatism, bilious complaints and
as an astringent in piles, bleedings of the lungs, etc. It is largely prescribed
for diseases of the blood, from a spring eruption, to scurvy, scrofula and
chronic skin diseases. It is also useful in jaundice and as a tonic to the
stomach and the system generally. It has an action on the bowels very similar to
that of Rhubarb, being perhaps a little less active, but operating without pain
or uneasiness. Rumicin is the active principle of the Yellow Dock, and from the
root, containing Chrysarobin, a dried extract is prepared officially, of which
from 1 to 4 grains may be given for a dose in a pill. This is useful for
relieving a congested liver, as well as for scrofulous skin diseases.

Echinacea : First used by the Indigenous North Americans who harvested the
plants for extensive use in the treatment of infectious wounds and burns or
eruptive skin complaints. It enhances the phagocytic activity of white blood
cells- identifying and retiring bacterial, viral and fungal infections, in
addition to the clearance of these from the lymphatic system. Higher doses are
often used for affecting acute immune responses.

Astragalus : To be used after colds or infection to rebuild immunity, Astragalus
is a sweet tasting herb effective in restoring both resilience to future
respiratory infections, and efficiency of metabolism to ensure optimal nutrition
for immune reserves to fight off those spring colds. This herb is the best for
restoring energy to the body very quickly.

Garlic : Garlic was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, chewed by Greek
Olympian athletes and thought to be essential for keeping vampires at bay! But
it is also good for zapping bacteria, keeping your heart healthy, warding off
coughs and colds. Garlic is an antibiotic that can actually kill infecting
bacteria and at the same time protect the body from the poisons that are causing
the infection. It is known that the most sensitive bacterium to garlic is the
deadly Bacillus anthracis which produces the poison anthrax. Vapor from freshly
cut garlic can kill bacteria at a distance of 20 cms!

Marshmallow : Marshmallow stimulates the immune system and the production of
white blood cells. It also soothes inflammation, slows production of mucus, and
reduces sugar levels in the body.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/herbology.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit

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Seven Tips for Bringing More Luck Into Your Life

 

Good Morning!

Seven Tips for Bringing More Luck Into Your Life

Luck. What exactly is luck? Is luck being at the right place at the right time? Finding that lucky penny? Always landing on your feet? Finding a four leaf clover? Discovering bird droppings on your shoulder? What ever your idea of luck, here are 7 sure fire ways to make yourself a little more luckier!

1. The expression of confidence is a definite component of luck. Confidence can best be classified as a subset of optimism. There is nothing more beautiful than a confident person. Gaining confidence is easy, when you put your mind to it. It is the most attractive and powerful trait we can have. We are drawn to those who are confident and sure of themselves. This often plays a hand in how lucky we can be.

2. Networking in one form or another, is like planting seeds. Seeds of good intention and therefore, seeds of good luck. As you never know when the seeds will sprout, grow and express themselves as a good lead, a client that shows up at your door, or a referral from someone else, who was in your networking circle.

3. Preparation , practice, and study. The motto of the Boy Scouts is "be prepared". This idea, when actually executed prior to a crisis, can literally mean the difference between life and death. In less extreme circumstances it can mean the difference between a comfortable and interesting life, and a mediocre, painful, and boring one. Preparation in life is like creating a safety net. It gives you a head start or allows you to be aware of a current or future situations.

4. Putting fear aside is often essential to good fortune. Our bodies have a "fight or flight response. A certain amount of fear/stress is normal and allows us to avoid dangerous situations. It also helps improve our performance and gets us motivated to act. Fear holds you back and locks you in a cage, if you allow it. What are your really afraid of?

5. Risk-taking can be either voluntary or not, but just as you must usually pass through a doorway to gain access to a new environment, you must usually take a risk to find or exploit new opportunities. Risk accompanies virtually every breath and step we take in this world. It's a part of living.

6. Timing is sort of the metaphysical correlate to the modern maxim that "location, location, and location" are the three most important aspects to real estate values. If a person could fully exploit the timing of events, even just in the daily circumstances of our own lives, we could in many cases, accomplish amazing things.

7. Self-discipline. Mastering your own life through discipline is essential for bringing luck into your life. Self discipline is committing to a task one day at a time. Self discipline brings awareness. Awareness brings change. Change helps us to understand fluidity. When you are more fluid with your thinking, you are more able to see the great luck you are given... daily.

Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/luck.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit

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