Prolapse of the Uterus

CHAPTER 63 Prolapse of the Uterus



AETIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY 835

IDENTIFICATION OF PATTERNS AND TREATMENT 835
Spleen-Qi sinking 836

Kidney-Qi deficient and sinking 836

Ancient acupuncture prescriptions for prolapse of the uterus 837

PROGNOSIS AND PREVENTION 838

WESTERN VIEW 838

Prolapse of the uterus is always due to Spleen-Qi or Kidney-Qi sinking and it therefore always occurs against a background of Spleen or Kidney deficiency.



Aetiology and pathology




Excessive physical exercise


Excessive physical exercise or sports over a long period of time injures the muscles and leads to Spleen-Qi deficiency. Excessive lifting over a long period of time injures the Kidneys. In both these cases, Spleen- or Kidney-Qi deficiency easily progresses to Qi sinking which causes the prolapse.



Chronic illness


A prolonged illness inevitably leads to a deficiency of the Spleen and/or Kidneys: if this turns into Qi sinking, it causes a prolapse.



Childbirth


A long labour with excessive strain often leads to prolapse of the uterus. From a Chinese perspective, this is due to the great muscle strain occurring during labour which injures the Spleen, as this organ governs the muscles.



Prolonged coughing


Prolonged, chronic coughing induces an excessive descent of Qi and may cause a uterine prolapse.



Identification of patterns and treatment


The pathology of prolapse of the uterus is always due to Qi deficient and sinking: this may be Spleen-Qi, Kidney-Qi or both. It should be noted that a prolapse of the uterus can cause clinical manifestations even when it is very slight. Symptoms include a feeling of bearing down in the lower abdomen and frequent urination.


From an acupuncture perspective, apart from the Spleen and Kidneys, three Extraordinary Vessels are involved in the pathology of prolapse of the uterus: the Governing, Directing and Girdle Vessels. The Governing and Directing Vessels run along the midline of the body, one Yang, one Yin in nature. As the uterus is centrally located, a weakness of these two vessels may cause a prolapse.


For this reason, a combination of Governing and Directing Vessel points is particularly effective to treat prolapse of the uterus, e.g. Du-20 Baihui and Ren-6 Qihai. The Girdle Vessel is also involved in prolapses because it is the belt that ‘binds’ the lower abdominal organs: when the belt is too slack, the organs sag and prolapses may occur (see Ch. 7). For this reason, points from the Girdle Vessel, such as G.B.-28 Weidao, are also used for uterine prolapse.


The patterns discussed are:


• Spleen-Qi sinking

• Kidney-Qi deficient and sinking.


Spleen-Qi sinking



Clinical manifestations


Prolapse of the uterus, a feeling of bearing down in the lower abdomen, tiredness, loose stools, poor appetite, depression. Tongue: Pale. Pulse: Weak.



Treatment principle


Tonify and raise Spleen-Qi.



Acupuncture


Du-20 Baihui, Ren-12 Zhongwan, Ren-6 Qihai, ST-36 Zusanli, SP-3 Taibai, BL-20 Pishu, G.B.-28 Weidao, Zigong (extra point). All with reinforcing method, moxa is applicable.




Explanation


– Du-20 raises Qi to treat prolapses. It is particularly effective if stimulated with direct moxa cones.

– Ren-12, ST-36, SP-3 and BL-20 tonify Spleen-Qi.

– Ren-6 tonifies and raises Qi. This needle can be also be inserted horizontally downward for about 1.5 or 2 inches and rotated until the patient experiences the propagation of the needling sensation to the hypogastrium.

– G.B.-28, a point of the Girdle Vessel, raises Qi by ‘tightening the belt’ of this vessel. This needle may also be inserted horizontally towards the midline for about 1.5–2 inches and rotated until the patient experiences the propagation of the needling sensation to the hypogastrium.

– Zigong strengthens the Uterus. It is situated four cun below the navel (level with Ren-3 Zhongji) and three cun lateral to the midline.


Herbal treatment

Related posts:

  1. Vaginal Itching (and Trichomonas and Candida Infections and Genital Eczema)
  2. Abdominal Pain after Childbirth
  3. Acupuncture and Herbal Treatment in Midwifery
  4. Endometriosis

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Jun 6, 2016 | Posted by in GYNECOLOGY | Comments Off on Prolapse of the Uterus

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