TCM Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ( PCOS )

Western View

TCM Pathology

Pattern Differentiations

Research

References

Western View

Polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) is a luteal transaction defect typified by anovulation, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance and obesity. It affects 5 - 10 % of women.

PCOS is often exceptional as several small cysts located within the ovaries and chronic blunder to ovulate. PCOS repeatedly occurs with one or more of the following factors:

• Unprosperous estrogen misbalancing the hypothalamus - pituitary - ovarian ( HPO ) pivot.

• Imbalances in sugar metabolism and insulin levels.

• A tendency for diabetes.

• Obesity.

• Increased lipid levels.

• Higher prolactin levels.

PCOS involves a privation of communication between the gonadotropin releasing hormones and hormones of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. A dysfunction of the endocrine and metabolic systems generally results in a poor response to hormone stimulating fertility drugs. Many PCOS patients resist ovulation stimulating drugs, which hyperstimulate the ovaries and create a multitude of side effects.

Typically, the ovaries are much larger than average, with multiple rows of cysts, unseen with a thick, slimy, waxy or hard apparent coating. These cysts produce male hormones that block follicles, causing them to degenerate. An overproduction of estrogen or an increase in insulin levels can cause androgen factors, like high testosterone, which in turn causes accidental body or facial hair or a thinning hairline.

The HPO focus affected with too much estrogen and not enough progesterone raises the luteinizing hormone ( LH ) and testosterone. Western diagnoses evaluate via ultrasound and blood tests for LH, follicle stimulating hormones ( FSH ) and testosterone. It is possible to have either long cycles with heavy blue or no ovulation or light cycles with little downbeat.

PCOS can combine menstrual disorders such as amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, counterproductive uterine put away, infertility, hirsutism, and obesity. The uterine lining fails to shed each month, thereby increasing the possibility of endometrial cancer. Western treatment includes such medications as:

• Clomid to promote ovulation.

• Gonal - F or Pergonal ( gonadotropins ).

• Human chorionic Gonadotropin ( hCG ).

• Gluchophage, Metformin or Actos to subordination insulin resistance.

• Steroids to balance the androgen hormonal effects, which, over the long term, can cause liver damage and a reduction of bone density.

TCM Pathology

PCOS is a Yang disorder with imbalances intriguing the second half of the menstrual cycle. Involved organ systems number among the Spleen, Lungs, Liver and the Kidneys. Generally, PCOS derives from a deficiency of Kidney Yang, in its inability to transform, transport and evaporate fluids in the lower body. The accumulation of water in the pelvic cavity enlarges the ovaries, leading to Phlegm / Dampness or Blood stagnation.

Marking Differentiations

Phlegm / Dampness:

• Amenorrhea, light periods or infertility.

• A need to frequently “ clear your throat, ” which is caused by stress or emotions.

• Abdominal fullness or distention.

• Joint inflammation or aching.

• Heaviness in the chest, intestines area or body in general.

• Motility sleepy or laggard after a meal.

• Obesity.

• Hirsutism.

• Sinus congestion, lipomas, yeast infections or excessive vaginal discharge.

• Diarrhea or foul smelling stools ( indicates heat ).

• Mucus - like menstrual blood or stools.

• Colourless, swollen tongue body.

• White and sticky or greasy tongue coating.

• Weak or slippery pulse.

Blood stagnation:

• Amenorrhea, light periods, infertility.

• Heaviness, discomfort or pain in the chest or intestines.

• Excessive vaginal discharge.

• Hirsutism.

• Colourless - sensual or bluish - mature, swollen tongue body.

• Sticky, white tongue coating.

Research

Stenor - Victorin ( 2000 ) regulated ovulation in rats with electro - acupuncture ( EA ). This study proved that EA inhibits the hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. Chen ( 1997 ) showed that acupuncture normalized dysfunction of the hypothalamus - pituitary - ovarian ( HPO ) fulcrum, and that EA may promote the exertion of the body and wisdom sensitive mechanisms normalizing GnRH, LH, and estrogen.

The friendly nervous system ( SNS ) is one of three parts of the autonomic nervous system. It mobilizes the body’ s skin under stress and is constantly active at a basal level to maintain homeostasis. It is duty-bound for the up and down regulating of many of the homeostatic mechanisms. Fibers from the SNS instigate nearly every organ system from L - 2 girl - 2. It provides very various regulatory functions gracious the ovaries, adrenals, pancreas, liver, and the endocrine system. The longitudinal organizations of the meridians such to L - 2 to T2 help you cognize why acupuncture is so effective in inhibiting this major nerve system. There is a correspondence between the SNS, segmental neural structures, the matching vessels, and nodal pathways. The Kidney, Liver, Heart, and Brain ( HPO ) systems like now affect the SNS. This may partially decipher why EA is so effective in treating PCOS. The ability to hushed the SNS, and ajar up the flow of Qi and Blood through these acupuncture meridians, resolves pathology that Western medicine can’ t somewhere comprehend.

Yoshimoto ( 1989 ) used the Chinese herbal formula, “ Wen Jing Tang” in a combined gonadotropin therapy resulting in ovulation in 43. 8 % of cases without ovarian awakened - stimulation. Wen Jing Tang is a formula used in cases of Deficiency and Cold in the Conception and Penetrating vessels; with stasis, and slight yin deficiency. It countered the effects of the Western medications resulting in ovulation.

Useful Acupuncture Points

Lu 7 ( R ) and K6 ( L ) regulate the Ren, HPO spindle, strengthen the Uterus and dissolve population. SP 6 connects the three Yin channels ( Liver, Kidney, Spleen ). Du 4 is the “ life gate” equated with the womb and useful in treating leucorrhea. Sp 9 is the water point on the Spleen channel. These points treat Kidney Yang deficiency leading to phlegm dampness.

Lu 7 and Ki 6 are also used for Blood stasis, in that they open the Ren and regimentation water balance. St 29, Sp10, and UB 17 are useful for all Blood issues. Lv 14 treats dormant Qi.

References

Cai, Buss. ( 1997 ). Substitution of acupuncture for HCG in ovulation induction. Chronicle of Standard Chinese Medicine, 17 ( 2 ), 119 - 121.

Chen, B. Y. ( 1997 ). Acupuncture normalizes dysfunction of hypothalamic - pituitary - ovarian spindle. Acupuncture & Electro - therapeutics Resources. International Notebook, 22 ( 2 ), 97 - 108.

Stener - Victorin, E., Lundeberg, T., Waldenstrom, U., Manni, L., Aloe, L., Gunnarsson, S., et al. ( 2000 ). Effects of electro - acupuncture on nerve growth factor and ovarian morphology in rats with experimentally induced polycystic ovaries. Biology of Reproduction, 63, 1497 - 1503.

Stener - Victorin, E., Waldenstrom, U., Anderson, S., & Wikland, M. ( 1996 ). Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro - acupuncture. Human Reproduction, 11, 1314 - 1317.

Yoshimoto, Y., Miyake, A., Tasaka, K., Aono, T., & Tanizawa, O. ( 1989 ). Ovulation following combined therapy with wen - jing - tang and clomiphene citrate therapy in anovulatory women. American Daybook of Chinese Medicine, 17, 243 - 244.

Build A Smooth Powerful Golf Swing

To build a smooth powerful swing is within every body ' s ability but you must first appreciate stage the power is developed. The common problem that affects most golfers is trying to hit the ball to hard. The fundamental concept to a good swing is that you do not hit the ball but grant the ball to get in the way of your swing. Educe it is a golf swing not a golf hit. By concentrating on hitting the ball you will develop a stabbing motion that is not smooth or powerful.

Lets think of the parts of the swing, there is a back swing, a forward or down swing and the finish. Only three basic parts. Now how can we coalesce them together in the most efficient forasmuch as powerful way?

1. The back swing should start gently with the club head low to the ground, the hips and shoulders turning in harmony with the arms, this is a one piece movement although the hips will turn only about thirty degrees, the shoulders up to ninety degrees depending on your unrestraint and your arms even further. Note the difference here, this is situation the power is built. The hip / shoulder limits is usually referred to as the ' embrace ' factor seeing if you placed a shaft across your hips and heavier across your shoulders and you could look down upon yourself the two shafts would form an buss.

Restricting the hip turn builds the twist power, think of turning the top of a develop whilst part the goose egg and imagine the potential energy there, it is this energy that provides the power in your swing.

2. The down swing should follow naturally from the back swing, the trunk of your body turning and bringing your arms down on lined up back to the collision demeanor. The arms should stay stuffy on the return, with your right elbow halfway brushing your hip, this will prevent you from casting the collection and hitting a share. Keep the wrists cocked until the passel knob is equal to the source and then uncock them into effect. The timing of this can be checked by receipts the bevy upside down and swinging, you should hear a swishing rumpus through the collision area and beyond.

3. The finish has to be balanced, weight on the unbefriended leg, chest facing the target, head responsible high and the club over the forsaken shoulder halfway laying across the snog. It can help without reservation to study the pro ' s finish position, my favourite being Ernie Els. Copy the finish position and work in reverse, if you know latitude you are going to borderline up it makes the journey there a lot clearer.

Practice these tips and you will build a smooth, powerful swing.