Prolapsed
Uterus
Western medicine- downward
displacement of the uterus, usually as a result of weakening or
stretching/tearing (during childbirth) of the supporting tissues. It is divided
into 3 degrees of severity.
Degrees: 1. cervix falls to
pubis symphysis 2. can see cervix 3. uterus exits to external (procidentia)
Prolapse
of Uterus
Prolapse of
uterus refers to descent of the uterus into the vagina, or descent of the front
wall of the vagina with the uterus. Usually it is the result of the sinking of
inadequate qi, kidney qi deficiency, instable Chong and Ren Meridians, and the
loss of restriction by Dai Meridian.
Etiology and
Pathogenesis
Its
occurrence is often due to insufficiency of the qi in the middle jian caused by
weak constitution, or early physical labor after delivery before qi and blood
are fully restored, or exhaustion in delivery, or overstrain to counteract
constipation, all of which bring about sinking of qi, which fails to keep the
uterus in position. Another cause is frequent pregnancy and delivery, and
indulgence in sexual life overconsuming the kidney qi and incur the loss of
restriction by the Dai Meridian and weakened functioning of the Chong and Ren
Meridians, hence prolapse of uterus.
Main
manifestations: Drop of the uterus in the vagina or out of the vulva several
inches, sinking sensation in the lower abdomen, lassitude, palpitation,
shortness of breath, frequent urine, leukorrhagia, pale tongue with thin
coating, weak pulse.
Analysis:
Since the qi is too weak to conduct its sustaining function of uterus, prolapse
of uterus appears. It is relieved by lying down and aggravated by prolonged
standing, with a sinking sensation in the lower abdomen and frequent urine. The
weakened spleen and stomach lead to lassitude. Malnutrition of heart results in
palpitation and shortness of breath. The downward going of pathogenic damp turns
to excessive leucorrhoea. Pale tongue and weak pulse are signs of qi deficiency.
Acupuncture
Method:
Points are chiefly chosen from the Ren and Foot - Yangming Meridians.
Acupuncture is applied with reinforcing method and moxibustion to replenish qi,
and restore the prolapsed uterus in place.
Prescription
Explanation:
DU20 is located at the vertex on the Du Meridian. Its selection indicates to use
upper points for the lower disorders. RN6 is selected to replenish qi so as to
strengthen its sustaining function. RN12 and ST36 are used to build up the qi of
the middle jiao. ST29 is used as a local point to lift the uterus. GB28
is the meeting hui of the Dai Mai.
Kidney
deficiency: Main manifestations: Prolapse of uterus, sore and weak low back and
legs, bearing sensation in the lower abdomen, dryness in the vagina, frequent
urine, dizziness, tinnitus, pink tongue, deep weak pulse.
Analysis:
The kidney is located at the low back. With the kidney in deficiency, the Chong
and Ren Meridians become weakened, and the Dai Meridian loses its restricting
function, thus there appear the prolapse of uterus, frequent urine, sore and
weak low back and legs. Dizziness, tinnitus and dry vagina derive from the
insufficiency of essence and blood. Deep weak pulse and pink tongue are signs of
kidney deficiency.
Method:
Points are mainly selected from the Ren and Foot - Shaoyin Meridians.
Acupuncture is given with the reinforcing method and moxibustion to replenish
the kidney qi so as to keep the uterus in position.
Prescription:
- [RN04 - KI06 -
zigong - LR08].
- [RN04 - KI06
- zigong - KI12] (KI yang xu)
- tinnitus, light headed- DU20, BL23
- weak sore back and/or knees- BL23, KI03
Explanation:
RN04 is a point concerning with the primary qi, and functions to benefit kidney
and lift the uterus. Zigong (Extra) is an extra point effective for prolapse of
uterus. LR08 and KI06 paired together can tonify the kidney, nourish the tendons
and sustain the uterus. KI06 & KI12 lift Qi.
- Acupuncture: sedate, BL20 & SP09 (damp),
LR05 (heat), RN03 & BL32 (diuresis)
| |
Alternative Treatment
Methods |
▲ |
- auricular: uterus, subcortex, sympathetic,
LR, SP, KI
- injection: Dang Gui or vit B1, B12, in
LR08, BL23, daily for 7 days
- scalp: reproductive regions, foot motor
sensory regions
- electrical: local points, points to direct
the Qi upwards
Remarks
The patient
should be advised to avoid overstrain when receiving acupuncture treatment. Rest
can amplify the therapeutic effect.
