CHAPTER 63 Prolapse of the Uterus
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.
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.
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.
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
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