TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND ENDOMETRIOSIS:
AN INTERVIEW WITH
DAOSHING NI, L.AC., PH.D. D.O.M., DIPL, C.H.
By K Malka Sabroe-JoHanson
(aka Kathleen JoHanson)
EDITOR’S NOTE: As the forward to the book The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine states, if one tries to interpret Chinese theory through Western terms, the central Chinese concept of medical patterns and dis-harmonies is disturbed - you’re forcing the concept into terms that don’t fit. The author of the book suggests that upon encountering concepts that are difficult the reader just keep reading: “Greater familiarity with the material and hence the thought process behind it will bring the reward of greater clarity.”
In a talk with the Los Angeles chapter of the Endometriosis Association, Dr. Ni noted that endometriosis is seen as a new disease in traditional Chinese medicine and there is research and interest in China on what is causing it.
KJ: What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Dr. Ni: Traditional Chinese medicine is a natural medical system developed by the ancient Chinese Taoist sages. Acupuncture and herbal therapies, which are known to many Westerners, are parts of this ancient medical system, which developed through the observation of nature.
The ancient sages believed that the human body is like a miniature universe or microcosm that functions in a similar harmonious pattern on universal principles. Our bodies subscribe to the laws of nature, and when there is disease or illness it is because our universe has a certain imbalance. To treat an imbalance, an introduction of Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy to the body can help bring the body back to balanced homeostasis.
The ancient sages also believed that the human body does not function on its own; it is a reflection and a coordination of our spirit, mind, emotions, and physical body. No one aspect can function alone; we cannot be separate from ourselves. Separation of the spirit from the physical body can create or can be seen as a condition of death. TCM was developed not only to treat the physical body but also to understand and balance the mental conditions.
TCM has been tested, proved, and accepted by the Chinese people for more than 5,000 years. Only in the last decade has this system become more known throughout the Western world. It has gained an increasing acceptance, especially by those who have not been able to find relief from conventional medicine.
Because the principle of TCM is to assist the body in bringing back its own balance and homeostasis, the body does not become dependent on it. Nor does TCM destroy or remove any parts of the body. We call this regenerative or constructive medicine.
Many people have found that TCM is a very good tool in obtaining optimal health and preventing illness. When one part of the body is imbalanced or ill, it can eventually affect the other parts of the body with a domino effect. When treating an illness, TCM does not treat just one part of the body. It treats the system where the weaknesses arose.
We also treat other systems that have been affected by a particular imbalance. For example, if someone who has an acute knee injury does not or did not treat the knee properly or allow it to heal, when it becomes chronic it can start to injure other parts of the body. It will cause stress and injury to the tendons, the ligaments, the liver, and the kidney system, where it may create back pain. It can affect and create weaknesses of the legs and lower extremities, weakness of the hips, urination weakness, irritability, restlessness, excessive anger, eye problems, and blurry vision. This is how we see one imbalance affecting and weakening the other parts of the body within the system.
TCM sees the human body as a network of energy channels, where the energy of the body flows and circulates throughout these channels. Within this network, an imbalance in a certain area of the body can create blockage or stagnation in that channel or meridian. This blockage of energy (or chi) is seen as an illness and/or pain. When acupuncture is utilized, fine needles are inserted to stimulate certain points on a meridian to unblock the circulating energy of the body and allow the bodily energy to flow freely. This rids the body of the imbalance and illness.
Modern scientists have found that some of these points have physical and biochemical properties. They have found that when stimulating these points there is a physiological and nervous reaction throughout the body and an unblocking of stagnation. It also has been found that acupuncture stimulates the brain’s production of endorphins, which causes a decrease in inflammation, promotes healing, and creates a sense of well-being.
KJ: What is herbal medicine?
Dr. Ni: About 6,000 years ago a leader among the Chinese tribes made the first attempts to discover and utilize natural substances such as a plants and minerals to heal people. He is considered the Father of Herbology and Agriculture, and his name was Shen Nung.
He was a virtuous man who devoted his life to developing the agriculture skills that were to be followed for many centuries. At the same time, he personally tried and tasted different plants and developed a system of three grades of herbs. Superior grade are edible herbs that promote healthy, longevity, and spiritual well-being. Premium grade are medicinal herbs used to alleviate sickness. The majority of herbs fall within this category and should be prescribed by a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine or an herbalist. Last are toxic herbs, which are administered only by a doctor and used in extreme circumstances.
Shen Nung’s commitment to the search for herbs to treat illnesses was great, and because of his persistent spirit he was able to develop an herbal system composed of 360 herbs. These herbs were initially utilized by the ancient sages to maintain health and achieve longevity and were called “the immortal foods.”
In this modern day approximately 5,000 herbs have been utilized and listed in a pharmaceutical dictionary of the Chinese government. Many of these herbs are grown in different locations throughout China and in many other parts of the world.
KJ: What is traditional Chinese medicine’s view of endometriosis?
Dr. Ni: Endometriosis is a multi symptom disease generally characterized by dysmenorrhea, although pain and many other symptoms may be experienced throughout the menstrual cycle. In TCM endometriosis is seen as an imbalance of yin and yang, the female and male life forces that run throughout the whole body.
The cause of this imbalance might be due to several different factors: an imbalanced or irregular lifestyle; excessive stress or emotional disturbance; infection (especially of the reproductive or genital areas of the body, which become more vulnerable with sexual activity during menstruation); poor dietary intake,: injury; or the introduction of chemicals into the body.
Endometriosis is also a condition of stagnancy of both chi (energy) and blood - especially in the lower abdominal area - and can lead to symptoms of dysmenorrhea, hesitant or profuse flow, clotting, infertility, hormonal imbalance, or PMS. (Some common symptoms of PMS include water retention, chills, fatigue, night sweats, irritability, restless sleep, poor appetite, constipation, sluggish and difficult urination, poor concentration, and others.)
KJ: How does TCM view the relationship of the immune system and endometriosis?
Dr. Ni: Endometriosis is viewed as an imbalance of yin and yang and a condition of stagnancy that can be caused by the factors just listed. These factors come from outside the body as well as inside. When there is an imbalance or an inadequately nourished body, there is a depletion of chi (energy) and a weakened immune system, which can create a vulnerability and probability of endometriosis and stagnancy.
KJ: How can TCM diagnose endometriosis?
Dr. Ni: TCM has its own unique procedure that diagnoses imbalances according to a system referring to syndromes, not simple disease names. Disease or syndrome of the liver system would include those areas of the body the liver is associated with, such as the blood and circulatory systems, the immune system, and the nervous system. An imbalance in liver would manifest itself in conditions of the eyes and nails and headaches.
KJ: How does TCM specifically treat an endometriosis condition:
Dr. Ni: The treatment for endometriosis is basically to bring the yin and yang of the body back into balance and to disperse and dissolve any kind of stagnancy. This will enable and facilitate the flow of the menstrual period, disperse pain, and implement regulation of the female and pituitary hormones. The two major treatments TCM applies are acupuncture and herbal therapy.
Acupuncture is a treatment that utilizes fine needles inserted into the different meridian points of the body to facilitate the chi (energy) flow. This helps disperse and dissolve any kind of blockages there may be in those meridians.
Herbal therapy’s major focus is to improve the regulation of hormones. It does not take the place of the body’s natural hormones but rather mimics the hormones and their function at the same time it stimulates the body to bring back its own hormonal balance. Because the source of endometriosis is deep in the endocrine system, the treatments a patient undertakes must be strong, thorough, and deep enough to correct the imbalances.
KJ: Can TCM work along with modern Western medicine?
Dr. Ni: Yes. In Fact, in most hospitals in China there are modern medical doctors working side by side with TCM practitioners in the best interest of the patient.
There are conditions where modern medicine works well while TCM does not and vice versa. Especially in chronic conditions TCM offers more relief than modern medicine. Still other conditions are much better managed and treated with a combination of TCM and structure of the human body, TCM can work to replenish that damaged cellular structure.
With endometriosis TCM works very well along with modern medicine, especially in severe cases where surgery is indicated. TCM can follow surgery and facilitate the recovery process. The TCM treatments do not interfere with most modern pharmaceuticals.
KJ: How can one find a good TCM practitioner?
Dr. Ni: In this country many states have different laws regarding the TCM practices with state board exams and certification requirements before one can practice. To find a good practitioner you first need to contact the local state acupuncture association, which can supply you with a directory in your area. Then you can interview each practitioner to find out hi or her background.
Good TCM practitioners usually will have a comprehensive education of no less than two to three years of training in acupuncture and no less than five years in herbal training. At the same time these doctors will have many years of clinical experience working in a busy setting such as a clinic or hospital.
KJ: In TCM’s view, what can a patient do to help herself?
Dr. Ni: There are many different ways that her lifestyle can help the endometriosis sufferer manage and prevent further symptoms from occurring.
With proper gentle exercise, the chi (energy) and blood flow is activated, the stagnation disperses, and the blood flow becomes better and smoother. This can bring about a change in menstrual pains.
Diet is another important aspect. Heavy meats, foods with a high fat and protein content, spicy foods, raw foods, dairy products, and cold foods are difficult to digest, and the body will spend more energy to digest them. This can create a burden on the reproductive system and in turn increase its imbalances and symptoms. Cooked vegetables, grains and beans and cooked fish, for example do not burden the digestive system.
A positive outlook and enjoyment of life is of absolute importance for the endometriosis sufferer. This can make a big difference in how a patient lives a more fulfilling life with the pain she is under. A certain amount of counseling or self-help reading and self-nurturing is necessary to develop a good mental outlook and attitude for the patient to cope with her sufferings. In a severe condition, Chi Gong therapy is advised. This is a breathing and imaging therapy in which the patient learns a meditative exercise that can help move and circulate the body’s own energy deep within.
Remember the Chinese proverb “One disease, long life; no disease, short life.” Those who know what is wrong with them can take care of themselves accordingly and will tend to live a longer and healthier life than those who neglect their weaknesses and their limitations. That’s an example of a positive outlook on endometriosis.
Daoshing Ni, L.Ac., PhD, DOM, MBA., TAO OF WELLNESS Santa Monica, California, is the 38th generation in a line of traditional Chinese healers. He was trained by his father, the eminent master Hua-Ching Ni, and earned his doctorate in Oriental Medicine at Samra University in Los Angeles. He also has received advanced training in mainland China. In addition to teaching and practicing Chinese medicine for the last 13 years (in 1995), he is president of Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Santa Monica, California.
Excerpt and article as printed in:
THE ENDOMETRIOSIS SOURCEBOOK
by Mary Lou Ballweg
The definitive guide to current treatment options, the latest research, common myths abut the disease, and coping strategies - both physical and emotional
Author's Personal Story
Chapter 7
Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Treatment of Endometriosis
“Not
many years ago I was desperately in pain with no more medical options.
My only thoughts at the time were to give up and take illegal narcotics.
Just by chance I happened to hear of Dr. Ni. When I first met him, I
felt I could completely trust him - he was very communicative,
supportive, and caring. I thought since there was nothing to lose and
there were no side effects to this unusual treatment I would commit for a
six-month period, and if it did not work, I would simply give up on
life entirely.
“Once a week I visited Dr. Ni’s clinic for
acupuncture, and three times a day I drank a strong and horrible-tasting
but nourishing tea. My acupuncture was not all painful; the fine wire
like needles did not hurt. After the treatments I felt an immediate
wonderful sense of well-being, a nice , natural high. It was not unit a
few months had passed that I felt any relief of the my chronic pain and
not until several months later did I find complete relief from my severe
and incapacitating menstrual pain. There were times I felt worse with
what may have been detoxification and times my hormones shifted and gave
me strange cravings. After about a year I started to ovulate having never before with normal menstrual cycle, and at
that time I felt better than I can ever remember in my entire life.
“My
Lifestyle has certainly changed. Traditional Chinese medicine was not a
panacea, not a cure-all for what had ailed me. Yet I was assisted and
guided. I learned that I was the only one responsible for the management
and prevention of my condition. With the support from both Dr. Ni and
the Endometriosis Association, I now feel privileged and blessed that in
my illness I have had the opportunity to have learned to live well
while still in my youth. Now 40 years old, I will live a long and
healthier life. I have also realized that it all could have been worse;
it could have been fatal and final.”
K Malka Sabroe-JoHanson (aka Kathleen JoHanson), Napa / Sonoma, California, has been an Endometriosis Association member for over 10 years (in 1995). She helped in the chartering of the Los Angeles chapter and has served as its vice president and president in those years. Her experience with traditional Chinese medicine for endometriosis is described in her letter at the beginning of the preceding article.
Before, during and after photos upon my treatments.
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