Chinese Medicine View on Myomas

Etiology

Myomas, or abdominal masses, can be caused by several factors in Chinese medicine. These include:

• External Cold: This is a common cause of abdominal masses in women. The formation of internal Cold from external Cold is facilitated by the excessive consumption of cold, raw foods and especially cold, iced drinks.
• Emotional stress: Emotions such as anger, frustration, resentment, worry, guilt, and fear can lead to stagnation of Qi, which can lead to Blood stasis and the formation of abdominal masses.
• Irregular diet: Excessive consumption of fats, greasy, fried foods, sugar, and dairy foods can lead to the formation of Phlegm, which can combine with Blood stasis to cause myomas.
• Excessive physical exercise: This can weaken the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys, and adversely affect the Directing and Penetrating Vessels.
• Overwork: Prolonged physical or mental exertion can lead to weakness of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys, which can cause stagnation of Qi and Blood stasis.

Pathology

In Chinese medicine, myomas are caused by Blood stasis, which can be caused by the factors discussed in the aetiology section above. Blood stasis can lead to the formation of masses, which can be fixed or movable, depending on the severity of the stasis.

Identification of patterns and treatments

The treatment of myomas in Chinese medicine focuses on resolving Blood stasis and regulating Qi. This can be done through the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Acupuncture can be used to stimulate the flow of Qi and Blood, while herbal medicine can be used to tonify Qi and invigorate Blood.

Clinical Manifestations and Treatment Principles

In Chinese medicine, myomas can manifest in several ways. These include:

• Painful, fixed abdominal masses: This indicates the presence of Blood stasis and can be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine to invigorate Blood and resolve stasis.
• Masses that come and go and change location: This indicates the presence of Qi stagnation and can be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine to regulate Qi and invigorate Blood.
• Abdominal masses with associated pain that comes and goes and changes location: This indicates the presence of both Qi stagnation and Blood stasis, and can be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine to regulate Qi, invigorate Blood, and resolve stasis.

Prognosis and prevention

The prognosis for myomas in Chinese medicine is generally good, especially if treatment is sought early. To prevent the development of myomas, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoid emotional stress, and avoid excessive physical exercise.

Western Viewpoint

In Western medicine, myomas are typically treated with medication or surgery. The use of Chinese medicine for the treatment of myomas is not as widely recognized or studied in Western medicine. However, some studies have suggested that acupuncture and herbal medicine may be effective in treating myomas, and these treatments may be worth considering as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is always important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual situation.