There are women who may try TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) treatments for their PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). PCOS is a common condition that poses a serious threat to a woman’s fertility.
PCOS and TCM
As old as the civilization of China, TCM derives its theoretical basis from Qi or Chi, the five movements, and the Taoist principles of yin and yang. Chinese medicine knew about PCOS as early as the 1200s, depicting it as some sort of a “Tian Gui” disorder. Tian Gui is some sort of genetic condition with symptoms such as infertility resulting from anovulation, and an irregular menstrual cycle.
PCOS, according to TCM, is seen as an anovulation disorder associated with ovarian insulin resistance.
Fertility and PCOS
Most women suffering from PCOS may manifest one or many of the main symptoms listed below:
-Polycystic ovaries
-Skin problems,
-Facial and body hair overgrowth;
-Insulin resistance
-Ovulation dysfunction and menstrual irregularities
There is an association between heart disease, diabetes, infertility and PCOS. PCOS sufferers are first diagnosed when they have difficulty getting pregnant.
The Kidneys and PCOS
TCM practitioners describe PCOS as a Deficiency of the Kidney. The symptoms of absent or irregular menstrual periods as well as the absence of ovulation is considered a kidney disease process. In TCM, the kidney is the organ system that is related to genetic disorders and so is deemed as an underlying cause of PCOS.
According to Western Medicine< PCOS Can Be Considered an Inherited Condition The Spleen and PCOS One of the root causes of PCOS is Spleen Deficiency. This type of deficiency relates to insulin resistance. According to TCM, the spleen controls the metabolism of mineral and vitamins from foods and in the carrying and changing of body fluids. Practitioners may consider spleen dysfunction as a reason for ovarian cysts in women. Practitioners also consider the spleen as related to weight gain. About 30% to 60% of women with PCOS are obese. When the function of the spleen is improved, weight gain is lowered and the blood glucose level of the woman is regulated. A spleen that is healthy can help prevent fluid retention in the ovarian cysts as well. The Liver and PCOS A third pattern of TCM disharmony related to PCOS is Liver Stagnation. Stagnation of the Liver can manifest as excess heat in the meridian and channels of the body or as Blood Stasis. The hair follicles are over-nourished when there is Blood Stasis in the channels or meridians. This creates unwanted coarse body and facial hair in women. These symptoms are a common occurrence amongst PCOS patients. In, fact unwanted hirsutism affects about 70% of women with PCOS. Acne can also be triggered by PCOS especially when there is excessive heat in the meridians of the sufferer. PCOS TCM treatment The primary objective of TCM treatment of PCOS is to increase fertility by inducing ovulation. To achieve this, practitioners treat the liver, spleen, and kidney and other major organs of the patient. They may use a combination of herbal medicine, moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, and acupuncture in Cleveland.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a treatment that is based on the patient’s symptoms as well as his/her unique constitution. As a result, each patient may receive a different type of treatment even in they suffer from the same condition.