Uterine fibroids according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
In Chinese Medicine, uterine fibroids is sometimes associated with Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen, a so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease" because both concepts arise from totally different ways of seeing the human body.
To understand whether someone's uterine fibroids might be caused by the pattern Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from uterine fibroids alone. Indeed if uterine fibroids is caused by Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen, patients also experience symptoms such as chest fullness, chest pain, anemia and dizziness. Similarly, patients with Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen typically exhibit empty (Xu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a pale tongue.
We've listed below a more detailed description of Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen so that you can have a better understanding of where uterine fibroids might find its root according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below Xiao Yao San, a formula that can help treat Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen.
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen, a "pattern of disharmony" associated with uterine fibroids
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
Pulse type(s): Empty (Xu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue color: Pale
Recommended herbal formula: Xiao Yao San
Symptoms: Anemia Vertigo Dizziness Headaches Dry mouth Chest pain Dry throat Leukorrhea Poor appetite Chest fullness Breast distention Irregular menstruation Alternating fever and chills
Uterine fibroids might be due to Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as chest fullness, chest pain, anemia and dizziness. Similarly, patients with Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen typically exhibit empty (Xu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a pale tongue.
Read more about Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen here
Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula that might help with uterine fibroids
Xiao Yao San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen. Relieves Liver Qi stagnation. Nourishes the Blood.
Why might Xiao Yao San help with uterine fibroids?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen, a pattern sometimes associated with uterine fibroids. If it looks like you might suffer from Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Symptoms related to uterine fibroids
Chest fullness Chest pain Anemia Dizziness Headaches Dry mouth Dry throat Poor appetite Irregular menstruation Leukorrhea
