Complimentary Measures For Shrinking Fibroids

     Today's post is to address a nice comment and questions asked by someone that visited this blog on July 25, 2013:

"..... Wonderful to know acupuncture is working for you. (1) Could you tell me your Acupuncturist's name? Also the (2) yoga poses and the (3) fast-- do you have more info (links) like how many servings of (4) lemon and water and (5) ACV etc.? Also have you done (6) colonics?"


1. My Acupuncturist is located in Fort Worth, TX. His name is Dr. Po-Chu Lu of China Acupuncture Clinic, 3740 University Dr., Ste. 203. The contact number is (817) 924-8888, and  the office is open 6 days each week (which allows for convenient Saturday morning appointments).

2. Yoga poses

    In a recent post, I mentioned that I researched some other, complimentary measures for shrinking fibroids as recommended/suggested by health professionals. Yoga, which is known to offer benefits of mental, spiritual and physical balance can definitely work as a compliment to Acupuncture, whether its being done to shrink fibroids, or address any other health problems. Here is a link to poses  I use to increases circulation in the lower abdominal region, and to cut off blood circulation to the fibroids themselves. Also, take a look at this link regarding deep breathing exercises.


3. Fasts

    Although the exact cause of fibroids is not known, one of the contributing factors for their formation is excessive toxins that have built up over time in the body. The liver is essential for clearing these toxins out of our bodies. When it doesn't work properly, the toxins it tries to filter out of the body become reabsorbed, thereby causing the system to safeguard/protect itself. These safeguards manifest into fibroids. When one goes through a fast, the body has to reach into energy reserves (fat stores) in order to keep on working efficiently. After doing this for a period of time, the body may begin to lose weight. Even though toxins are expelled from the body by sweating and usual trips to the bathroom, a short-term (and intermittent) fast has been said to been be beneficial.
I usually do a 24 to 30 hour fast between Saturday and Sunday.......

4. (Cont'd)....... I drink hot water and lemon only during this time. Lemons are acidic, however when drunk with water offers alkalizing properties for the internal system. After completing the fast, I eat both soups, protein and salads for the first few meals. Then I maneuver back into my regular diet. I also drink 2 - 2 1/2 33oz bottles of water every day.


5. ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar)

     Over the last 3 years of dealing with my fibroid situation, I have come across numerous articles and testimonials from women who have given credence to using ACV to shrink fibroids. In some places, it is actually says "Apple Cider Vinegar dissolves fibroids". It may be true if done over a period of time, but I haven't seen any actual studies to support this. I do, however, take a shot of ACV about twice each week in order to help flush fat from my system, and I alternate it with other vinegars I use for my salad dressings (I use EVOO, Canola and Grape seed oils).


6. Colonics

     I do not subscribe to colonics. Personally, since I am 'regular' and eat healthily, I don't feel I need to give my colon an overdrive with a colonic. It is a great way to help cleanse and re-set the body, however, it is not for me. I'll let my colon do its thing, naturally.


I pray the answers and information  I've offered to this commenter's topics will help.




K

Results of Using Acupuncture to Shrink Fibroids

 

 

      My decision to use Acupuncture as a non-invasive means to shrink my fibroids has proven to be a good one. The picture above was taken today, July 18, 2013. Thus far, it has taken a approximately 14 months to shrink my fibroids that initially measured over 16cm before Acupuncture treatments. At this time, I have resumed taking the herbal supplement Xue Fu Zhu Yu Wan  once, daily.  I began taking this supplement 3 times daily (8 pills per) at the onset of my treatments, however it proved to be a bit strong for my system. My Doctor recommended decreasing the dosage, then to stop taking them altogether after about 4 months into treatment because it caused me to have extended menstrual periods.  Fibroid shrinkage has continually occurred, and  I've just begun to resume the herbal regimen once, daily. It actually seems to support further shrinkage with the treatments as the fibroids have gotten smaller. My Doctor has also told me within the next month or so that he will be decreasing my treatments to once every two weeks, as opposed to weekly.  I have not suffered any adverse effects thus far, and as I've begun the early stages of menopause, I haven't had any periods.  At this point, I would honestly say I'm in the 85% - 87% realm of fibroid shrinkage recovery.  The goal is to not only shrink the fibroids, but to get rid of them altogether. I believe this will be possible with continued Acupuncture treatments.

 

      Based on additional research, I have recently employed a once-a- week detox over the course of Saturday through Sunday of drinking nothing but hot water and lemon, taking 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and doing deep breathing exercises and yoga exercises that increase blood circulation in my lower abdominal/uterine area (I actually do these exercises every other day).  I do the detox to support my liver and kidneys, as well as keep the insides alkalized (maintaining the body's pH balance).  Although some of the Yoga stretches are a bit strenuous, I feel really good and rejuvenated afterwards. Once my work schedule calms down (by beginning of August), I plan to start a consistent workout regimen. I haven't up to this time because of the long work hours, and the fact that my job is already physically demanding - continuous walking, bending and lifting (I am a Supervisor in a busy restaurant). After a 9 to 11-hour day of work, the last thing I want to do is workout!  On my off days, I simply have to rest.

 

      Certain Yoga exercises have been said to help with shrinking fibroids because it increase blood circulation in the uterine area, as well as the other body parts. One must remember that when the flow of 'energy' is blocked in one area of the body, it may affect other parts, as well (this is part of the basic principle of Acupuncture, and one of the reasons I chose to do it to shrink my fibroids).  I would suggest for those who have fibroids, especially smaller ones, to consider beginning a mid to high  impact aerobic routine at least 3 times per week (based on what I've read).  Building up a good sweat helps the body to release toxins that are/can be part of the cause for fibroid formation. In addition, exercise is a win-win situation for anybody, as it promotes better, overall health. In addition, my diet has been great, as I eat tons of veggies (raw and steamed for the most part), lots of fish, seafood, chicken, grains, fresh fruits and nuts. I eat lean meat occasionally, and may mix things up a bit with turkey, lamb, and liver.  Honestly, a few fried items may pass my lips, but not much (sometimes I'll grab a few fries or onion rings out of the kitchen when I'm getting plates together off of the line at work, or share a fried appetizer if I go out to eat). However, I can literally count the times  during the course of a month when I eat fried foods, and going to a Fast Food joint is out of the question. I don't have a sweet tooth, but I do love the grape juice! I've cut back drastically on the amount of wine I drink to a few times each week, as opposed to having a couple (or more) glasses on a daily basis. I drink 2 - 2 1/2 liters of water each day to maintain optimal hydration. I have also slowed down my cigarette smoking, but still working on completely ceasing (my next Birthday is in 3 weeks, and I am aiming to be smoke-free by, or before then).

 





 

***The suggestions I've made in this post are simply that - suggestions. If you suffer with uterine fibroids, PLEASE CONSULT AND FOLLOW THE ADVICE/SUGGESTIONS OF YOUR OWN DOCTOR OR PRACTITIONER. These things have been successful for me, and my body.

 

 

 

K

Acupuncture Side Effects

    

       The thought of having needles stuck in 20 different parts of your body in order to heal yourself may come off as sadistic, scary, and even gross. How uncivilized! How barbaric! I admit to being a bit nervous when I saw the 6 inch needles during my first Acupuncture session. But I just took a deep breath and let the Doctor do his thing. Needless to say by still being a consistent patient, I was impressed with the skill and precision he used to place the needles at specific acupoints  WITHOUT pain. I did consistent research on what was being done, and what to expect as the stasis began to break up. Also, asking the Doctor one million and one questions during each visit made/makes the whole Acupuncture procedure rather enjoyable.

       Now, you know from going through this blog, or even the highlighted link in the prior paragraph that Acupuncture has caused my large fibroids to shrink. I have felt good, energized, increased my meal and water intake, and feel generally healthy. I've even gained some weight which has helped me to fill out a bit.

       As far as any negative side effects, I can't account for any from Acupuncture. However, I have one side effect from my insurance company - they recently decreased the amount covered for my sessions! As I understand the way the insurance works, I was allowed so many sessions that would be paid for by them. Now, I have to pay  the difference. Ouch.

       As the fibroids are greatly diminished, the course of action as outlined by my Acupuncturist is to slow down the treatments as continued shrinkage occurs. So, I'll be paying more for each session (above the amount of my co-pay), but going less frequently. I guess I should be grateful that the insurance picked up what it did! But with $160 (plus taxes) that has been going out of each paycheck for the last five years, and considering this is the first time (other than vision and dental) that I've had to use my insurance for a long-term treatment,  I'm still looking for a financial reprieve!


K

Does Acupuncture Shrink Uterine Fibroids? Yes

I have been undergoing Acupuncture for the last year, and have had success with my fibroids shrinking substantially - up to 75% - 79%. Proof is in the pictures below:

 

  

Comparisons:

 

Then.............................................................................Now
(a year ago, before Acupuncture)                (after one year of Acupuncture)

 

 

 





 

     Acupuncture has been criticized as not being a verifiable way to cure or heal the body. It is regarded as a shamanistic-type practice, and does not show enough proof of effectiveness through recorded trials to be  taken seriously. Well, take a look at the pictures, and you decide if you think the reduction in size (fibroid shrinkage) of my abdomen is real or not.  The measured size of my fibroid cluster before Acupuncture was the 16cm, and steadily growing/spreading. Pressure that the fibroids placed on my organs, namely my bladder is gone. I can see 'myself' when I look down, as opposed to a protruding belly. My clothes fit comfortably, and I am not  wearing any more over-sized shirts to hide my mid section. People I encounter regularly have consistently asked me if I'm dieting.

       Some articles I've come across with the continuous research I do have offered Acupuncture as something akin to a placebo effect. If so, would the physical changes with fibroid shrinkage have occurred? (It's all in my mind!) I honestly went into the realm of Acupuncture with an open mind. I did nothing different in my lifestyle to possibly bolster the effects that Acupuncture could or would produce. I didn't know if it would work, or not. Nor do I believe with the research I had done that I was completely convinced that Acupuncture would work. I kept an open mind, spirit and positive heart. It so happened it did work. After the first session my body began to respond. I could feel the fibroid clusters in various spots begin to soften.



Question: Does Acupuncture shrink fibroids?


Answer: Yes






Explore more personal details of using Acupuncture to shrink fibroids here.

 

 

 K