Preeclampsia

==**Definition:** == The development of albuminuria, hypertension, or edema between the 12th week of pregnancy and the end of the first week postpartum. Now known as "pregnancy-induced hypertension" (PIH)
 * IBIS:**

==**Etiology:** == Preeclampsia is seen mainly in women pregnant for the first time and in women who had hypertension or a vascular disease before becoming pregnant. It is seen in 5% of pregnant women.

==**Somatic therapies:** == • pregnancy exercises: preventive


==**Nutrition:** == eating principles: • Diet high in protein. Should get at least 100 g of protein. • Diet high in potassium and low in sodium • Consider following ABO blood-type diet (DAdamo) • Low fat diet • Low sugar • High complex whole carbohydrates • Protein 12-15% diet • Low cholesterol/cholesterol foods • Low Sodium/Sodium-restricted diet • Increase foods rich in Magnesium, Potassium and rutin

therapeutic foods: • Millet, buckwheat, oats, rice, raw goat's milk, raw leafy vegetables, onions, cornsilk tea, garlic, broccoli, celery, cherries, nectarines, pineapple, kumquats, watermelons, squash, pomegranate, guava, parsley, cucumber, dandelion greens, cornsilk and white mushroom soup (Ni, p. 136)

fresh juices: • Carrot, parsley, and celery (Jensen, p. 50) • Lime juice and whey powder (Jensen, p. 50) • Grape and carrot (Jensen, p. 50) • Grapefruit (Shefi) • Carrot, spinach, beet, parsley (Walker, p. 126) • Celery and apple (Shefi) • Watermelon (Shefi) • Cornsilk tea (Shefi) • 1/2 cup fresh snowpea juice • Soybean sprout tea (Ni) • Carrot, beet, and cucumber (Walker, p. 126) • Carrot and spinach (Walker, p. 126) • Warm celery juice three times daily (Ni, p. 136) • Mung bean soup (Ni, p. 136) • Chrysanthemum and spinach tea (Ni, p. 136)

specific remedies: for Edema in Pregnancy : • steam 250 g gold carp with 90 g small red beans until beans are soft. Eat 5-7 times (Lu, p. 151) • prepare 125 g fresh peanuts, l0 red dates, 30 garlic cloves thinly sliced, and 15 g peanut oil. Heat a wok or fry pan over high heat; pour peanut oil into wok and stir-fry the garlic; then add peanuts and dates with l liter water; boil until peanuts are very soft. Eat 7-10 times. (Lu, p. 151) • boil l liter water and add l00 g black soybeans and 30 g sliced garlic cloves and 30 g brown sugar; boil over low heat until the soybeans are fully cooked. Eat 5-7 times (Lu, p. 152) • soak l00 g small red beans overnight; next day, boil in 3 cups water until beans begin to break. Drink as soup (Lu, p. 152)

avoid: • salt, salty foods: pickles, olives, chips, packaged snacks, meat, (especially ham, frankfurters, bacon, bologna, corned beef, lunch meats, frozen fish fillets, sardines, herring, caviar, anchovies, shellfish), dairy products, spicy foods: salsa, white and black pepper, mustard, ginger, hot foods, canned tomato juice, V-8 juice, processed cheese, canned, dried or instant soups, frozen peas and beans, most processed and refined foods, MSG, mayonnaise, salad dressings, gravies, ketchup, food with Sodium benzoate as a preservative, • Sodium proprionate in cheese and bread, baking powder, baking soda, ice cream, milkshakes, soft drinks, smoked meats and fish, Jello, pretzels, potato chips, salted nuts, candy, rennet tablets, pudding mixes, beverage mixes • spicy foods, alcohol, fried foods, fatty foods, pork • overeating • low levels of Calcium • sugar and sweet foods

==**Botanicals** == hypertension: (Weed, p. 48) • Allium cepa • Allium sativum • Crataegus oxyacantha • Passiflora incarnata • Petroselinum sativum • Scutellaria lateriflora

nutritive and potassium-balancing: (Stansbury) • Avena sativa • Medicago sativa • Rubus idaeus • Taraxacum officinale • Urtica spp.

==**Chinese Formulae** == • (Minor) Pinellia and Hoelen C.:toxemia, nausea, vomiting (Hsu, 1980, p. 487; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 131, Flaws, p. 39) • Pinellia and Magnolia C. (Ban Xia Hou Po Tang): Liver Invading Spleen: plumpit Qi, edema (Hsu, 1980, p. 395; Yeung, p. 42; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 226; Bensky and Barolet, p. 291) • Wan Dai Tang: Spleen Distressed by Dampness: edema during menstruation or pregnancy, with profuse whitish leukorrhea (Bensky and Barolet, p. 369) • Tang Kuei and Peony C. (Dang Gui Shao Yao San): Liver Invading Spleen with Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency): slight edema of the lower limbs during pregnancy (Hsu, 1980, p. 585; Yeung, p. 77; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 177; Bensky and Barolet, p. 251) • Eclampsia: Cinnamon C. (Gui Zhi Tang); Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin. (Cinnamon C.: Hsu, 1980, p. 63; Yeung, p. 115; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 99; Bensky and Barolet, p. 35; Tian Ma: Yeung, p. 229)

==**Acupuncture** == after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency); Heart Xu (Deficiency) and Fire; Liver Fire; Liver Invading Spleen; Spleen Distressed by Dampness; Invasion of Wind-Cold

» therapeutic notes: • treatment with acupuncture is not an adequate substitute for emergency medical intervention in the event that eclampsia develops • if you are unsure about contraindications, check the list of "forbidden and caution points" in the materia medica regarding appropriateness during pregnancy

» illustrative combinations: • GV-26, GV-20, GV-16 and UB-10, possibly also St-36, PC-6 and/or GB-43 according to symptoms, for eclampsia (Flaws, 1983, p. 39) • Kd-2, GB-21, SI-14, PC-7, GB-34 and St-36 for eclampsia (Flaws, 1983, p. 39) • Kd-2 and PC-7; GB-21 and GB-34; SI-14 and St-36 for eclampsia (Mann, p. 151) • GV-26, GB-20, GV-16 and UB-10 (can also add: St-36, PC-6 and GB-34) for eclampsia (Mann, p. 150) • LI-11 and Sp-6: remove Obstruction of the channels and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and treat inflammation anywhere in body as this locus improves immune response, esp. the Uterus (Finkelstein, p. 9) • GB-20 and GV-16 (-): dispel Wind and Wind-Heat • UB-15 and UB-18 (-): cool Heat in Xue (Blood) • CV-3 and Sp-6: regulate the Qi function of the Lower Warmer and the function of the genital organs - Sp-6 sends Qi up; CV-3 sends it deep (Finkelstein, p. 84); note: needling of both points contraindicated during pregnancy • CV-9 (D) and CV-11: regulate water metabolism and induce diuresis (Finkelstein, p. 87) • CV-9 (d. D) and St-28 (D) then needle St-36 and CV-7: "For intolerable water-related diseases that present with abdominal fullness and vacuity swelling that refuses to abate." (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 354) • Sp-10, UB-17 and UB-54/40: expel Toxic Damp and clear Heat in the Xue (Blood) (Finkelstein, p. 30) • Sp-10 and UB-17: replenish the Xue (Blood) (Finkelstein, p. 29); • Sp-10, Sp-6 and LI-11: manufacture Xue (Blood) and nourish the Liver to strengthen Spleen (Finkelstein, p. 29); • St-9, LI-11 and St-36 for hypertension (Shanghai, p. 165; Lee and Cheung, p. 246) • LI-11 and St-36: reduce hypertension; stimulate digestion and general metabolism; and disperse noxious Yang (Finkelstein, p. 9) • Lv-3 -> Kd-3 for hypertension (Flaws, 1989, p. 100) • LI-11 -> Ht-3 for hypertension (Flaws, 1989, p. 100) • GB-20, GB-5, yin tang, GB-34 and Lv-2 with Liver Yang Rising contributing to hypertension (Qiu and Su, p. 64-67)

==**Homeopathy** == • Apis mellifica: albuminuria; edema of feet; lack of thirst; < heat and touch ; > open air, uncovering and cold bathing; dropsy in latter period of pregnancy, followed by puerperal convulsions • Arsenicum album: albuminuria; coldness and restlessness; great weakness; burning pains during urination • Castoreum canadense: prostration; hysterical women with pains, cramps and weakness after severe illness • Cuprum arsenicosum: albuminuria; puerperal convulsions; nephritis of pregnancy • Kali chloricum: toxemic conditions of pregnancy; albuminous, scanty, suppressed urine • Lachesis: puerperal convulsions; face purple • Lycopodium: pain in back before urinating, ceases after flow, slow in coming, must strain; > by motion; < right side, 4-8 p.m., from heat, or warm room • Phosphorus: puerperal eclampsia during pregnancy; pale, bluish, puffed face; blue lips and nails; cramps; urine frequent and scanty, contain albumin and exudation cells • Rhus toxicodendron: discharges of blood; pelvic articulations stiff on beginning to move • Veratrum viride: puerperal convulsions during pregnancy; severe vomiting and constant nausea; constant pressure and confused feeling in the head with paroxysms of intense burning pains; prostration of strength; coolness of limbs; face flushed

==**Subtle Support** == • notes: A, A#, B, C, C#, D, E, F, G, G#

• chords: A minor, C minor, D minor, D# minor, tonic (Gimbel, p. 116)


==**Mind/Body** == • The overall picture reveals a resistance to the child, together with various partly physical, partly symbolic efforts to get rid of it. From the strength and dangerousness of the symptoms one can easily gauge how strongly accentuated the rejection of the child is or, by contrast, how far the mother is managing to work toward acknowledging her child. In late toxemia, the picture is more extreme as blood flow through the placenta is severely restricted, and the mother is willing to risk her own life to reject the child. The risk groups for toxemia (diabetics, obese women, and kidney patients) all have in common a problem with love. Diabetics cannot accept love and therefore have difficulty giving it; overweight persons compensate for lack of love through food; and kidney patients have partnership difficulties. (Dethlefsen, p. 188-9)

Chinese psychophysiology: • Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); governs the Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness and Phlegm; and relates to the ability to assimilate, stabilize, and feel centered and balanced. » Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence. » Spleen Xu (Deficiency) signs include slightness (deficient "form"); abundant elimination; morning fatigue; cold, wet feet (Seem, p. 28); abdomen taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea; mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; pale lips; loose stools; muscular weakness; and, indirectly, obesity. Unresolved Spleen Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to Spleen Shi (Excess), particularly accumulation of Dampness and Phlegm, as the Spleen's functioning declines. » Spleen Shi (Excess) signs include heaviness (excess "form"); large abdomen; great sighing; sadness; obsessions and nightmares (Seem, p. 28); abdominal pain; irregular appetite; stickiness in the mouth and on lips; red lips; chest congestion; fatigue; and constipation. Dampness and Phlegm Shi (Excess) usually derive from Spleen Yang and/or Qi Xu (Deficiency). Spleen Xu (Deficiency) increases the susceptibility to "invasion" by the Liver. » The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating, and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen and may lead to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). This also includes excessive pensiveness and constant brooding. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate physical exercise and excess consumption of sweet and Cold foods will also deplete the Spleen. Environmentally, the Spleen is highly susceptible to attack from external Dampness and Cold.

• Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; governs Water to regulate body fluids; provides the "Fire of Life" through its Yang functions; provides the nourishing and stabilizing qualities of Yin and Water that balance the Yang and the Fiery qualities; facilitates inspiration by grasping and pulling down the Qi of the breath; carries the constitutional endowment from the parents; manifests through the reproductive function, particularly the internal aspects of the reproductive organs, and governs the process of passing on life to offspring; and displays the effects of overwork, aging, chronic debilitation, and extreme stress. » Healthy expressions are gentleness, groundedness, and endurance.

• Liver ~ Gan is the home of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; stores and cleanses the Xue (Blood); maintains smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); controls the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, especially the contractility of the muscles and moistening of the sinews; has an intimate relationship with the genitals and Lower Warmer; and reflects emotional harmony and movement. » Healthy expressions are kindness, spontaneity, and ease of movement. » Liver Xu (Deficiency) signs include frigidity; pain in thighs, pelvic region, and throat; ready tendency to "the blahs" (Seem, p. 28); timidity; depression; irritability; vertigo; pruritus; dry eyes, skin, and/or tendons; asthma; aching at the waist; hernia; and difficulty raising head up and down. Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) predisposes to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and Xue (Blood) Heat. Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to the Shi (Excess) conditions of Liver Wind, Liver Yang Rising, and Liver Fire Blazing. » Liver Shi (Excess) signs include discontent; anger; pain in lumbar region and genitals (Seem, p. 28); muscular tension; excessive sex drive; insomnia; moodiness; excitability; genital diseases; red, tearing eyes; compulsive energy; and bitter taste in the mouth. Chronically suppressed anger can implode and give rise to Fire in the Liver and Gall Bladder with symptoms of irritability, bitter taste, headaches, etc., and a tendency to "invade" the Stomach, Spleen, and Intestines.

• Heart ~ Xin houses the Shen (Spirit) and reveals itself through the brightness in the eyes; governs Fire and Heat; rules the Xue (Blood) and its vessels and directs the circulation; and relates to the integration of the organs and the personality. » Healthy expressions are warmth, vitality, excitement, inner peace, love, and joy. » Heart Xu (Deficiency) signs include sadness; absence of laughter; depression; fear; anxiety; shortness of breath (Seem, p. 28); cold feeling in the chest and limbs; palpitations; cold sweat; inability to speak; memory failure; nocturnal emissions; and restless sleep. Chronic Yin Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to Empty Fire, acute and chronic. » Heart Shi (Excess) signs include false or facile laughter; sobbing; agitated spirit; insomnia (Seem, p. 28); frightful dreams; anxiety; tongue feels numb and heavy; heavy chest; hot sweat; and orange-colored urine. » The Heart is the Emperor of the bodily realm so that when the Heart is disturbed all the other organs will be disrupted.