pelvic+inflammatory+disease

see also salpingitis

External Chinese Herbs:
Zhi Hua Di Ding (15g.), Pu Gong Ying (15g.), Ru Xiang (9g.), Mo Yao (9g.), Xiang Fu (10g.), Chi Shao (10g.), Huang Bai (10g.), Hong Teng (20g.)


 * IBIS:**

Definition:
Infection of the Fallopian tubes (salpingitis), uterus (endometritis), ovaries (oophoritis), pelvic peritoneum (peritonitis) and/or broad ligaments.

Etiology:
PID may be primary (occurring spontaneously and spread through sexual relations); or, secondary, after invasive procedures (abortion, D&C), or during birth (especially Caesarean deliveries). PID is typically a disease of women under 25 years old, and is uncommon in women before their periods begin, during pregnancy, or after menopause.

Ascending spread from the lower genital tract into the upper genital tract via sexual relations with an infected individual is the most common introduction to the associated microorganism. The common infectious agents include Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Mycoplasma hominis, and others such as Bacteriodes and anaerobic Gram-(+) cocci. PID must be part of the differential in any young woman presenting with lower abdominal pain.

Somatic therapies:
• P.I.D. exercises: for chronic only to increase circulation and reduce inflammation

Nutrition:
eating principles: » acute: • increase foods rich in Vitamins A and C • eat as little as possible • increase fluids • a short alkaline fast (see Fasting in materia medica) • if on a regular diet, try a vegetarian diet high in vegetables and complex carbohydrates. If on a vegetarian diet, try a fruit and vegetable diet or a short fast (see Fasting in materia medica)

therapeutic foods: • increase foods that clear Xue (Blood) Heat, rid Dampness, clear and open the channels, invigorate the Qi and Xue (Blood) • mung beans, daikon radish, carrots, Heat-clearing foods, lemon and water; foods rich in Vitamin C, Zinc and B-complex

fresh juices: • lemon juice in water on empty stomach in morning (Shefi) • carrot • celery • apple (Shefi) • lettuce and dandelion juice (Ni) • parsley (Ni) • 2 tbsp. mung bean powder twice daily (Ni)

avoid: • meat, alcohol, hot sauces, spicy foods, fried foods, fatty foods, rich foods, salty foods, stimulating foods, coffee, caffeine

Botanicals
• Achillea millefolium: anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, anti-spasmodic, carminative; reduces pain (Heron) • Anemone pulsatilla (toxic): relieves pain of dysmenorrhea, ovaritis and endometriosis; progesterone-like (Heron) • Bentonite clay (or other clay): use as a poultice to pelvis daily for 15-30 days in a row (Nissim, p. 117; Stansbury) • Calendula officinalis: vulnerary (Felter, pp. 262-263) • Echinacea spp.: tincture or decocted root tea internally to mobilize phagocytic activity, stimulate leukocyte activity and enhance immune response (Stansbury) • Hydrastis canadensis: congestion and inflammation of mucous membranes (Felter, p. 417) • Hypericum perforatum: antiviral and antibiotic activity (Stansbury)

Chinese Formulae
• Gentiana C. (Long Dan Xie Gan Wan) (available as patent); Gentiana 12 (patent): Liver and Gall Bladder Invaded by Damp-Heat: foul-smelling leukorrhea, wiry rapid forceful pulse, red tongue with yellow coat (Gentiana: Hsu, 1980, p. 181; Yeung, p. 154; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 229; Bensky and Barolet, p. 96; patent: Zhu, p. 172) • Cinnamon and Hoelen F. (Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan): Xue Yu (Blood Stasis): abdominal pain worse with pressure, dysmenorrhea, choppy pulse (Hsu, 1980, p. 423; Yeung, p. 113; Bensky and Barolet, p. 322) • Rhubarb and Moutan C. (Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang): Large Intestine Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and Heat: lower abdominal pain and distention worse with pressure with rebound tenderness, guarding of the abdominal musculature, thin yellow greasy tongue coat (Hsu, 1980, p. 626; Yeung, p. 65; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 296; Bensky and Barolet, p. 118) • Persica and Rhubarb C. (Tao He Cheng Qi Tang): Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and Heat in the Lower Warmer: acute lower abdominal pain, irritability, restlessness and thirst, dysmenorrhea (Hsu, 1980, p. 435; Yeung, p. 228; Bensky and Barolet, p. 312) • Lonicera and Forsythia C. (Yin Qiao San) minus licorice (gan cao) and lophatherum (dan zhu ye), plus gardenia (zhi zi), siler (fang feng) and raw rehmannia (sheng di huang): Wind-Heat: acute endometritis (Hsu, 1980, p. 83; Yeung, p. 275; Bensky and Barolet, p. 44)

Acupuncture
after assessing the person and palpating, consider these patterns: Toxic Heat accumulated in Lower Warmer; Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Lower Warmer; Spleen and Kidney Qi Xu (Deficiency); Liver and Gall Bladder Invaded by Damp-Heat; Wind-Heat; dysfunction of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and/or Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); Xu (Deficiency) of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel) and/or Shi (Excess) of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel)

» therapeutic note: • see also "vaginitis/leukorrhea", "menorrhagia", "metrorrhagia", etc. as appropriate

» illustrative combinations: • GV-14, CV-4, CV-6, CV-12, UB-23, LI-4 and St-36 (+); needles retained for 20-30 minutes for salpingitis (Liu, p. 404) • zi gong, CV-4, Sp-10 and Sp-9 for chronic pelveoperitonitis (Shanghai, p. 189) • zi gong and CV-3: treat infertility, uterine bleeding, and vaginal discharge (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 404) • zi gong, CV-5, CV-3 and UB-23: treat persistent uterine bleeding (Ellis, et al, 1988, p. 404) • St-28 and GB-26 (+ and D): relieve pain below umbilicus (So, 1987, p. 255) • 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) • St-29 and St-25: clear Heat and regulates menses (Finkelstein, p. 17) • zi gong, CV-3 and Sp-9 for leukorrhea (Shanghai, p. 189) • St-29, CV-6 and Kd-7; or CV-4 and Sp-6; or CV-3 and zi gong for leukorrhea (Shanghai, p. 675) • UB-32 and St-40 (-): resolve profuse leukorrhea due to PID • St-29, Kd-3, CV-6 and Kd-7 for trichomonas vaginitis (Shanghai, p. 189) • St-30, Sp-8 and Lv-8: harmonize Xue (Blood) and dispel effused blood, esp. with menstrual problems (Finkelstein, p. 17) • Lu-7 and Kd-6: open the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) which nourishes the Uterus and regulates menstruation; usually indicated by head and neck pain, abdominal distension, vaginal discharge and other symptoms of congestion; menstrual disorders are usually a part of Shi (Excess) effecting the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) • LI-11 and Sp-6: remove Obstruction of channels and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and treat inflammation anywhere in body as this locus improves immune response, esp. the uterus (Finkelstein, p. 9) • CV-3 -> CV-2: open and move Qi in the Lower Warmer • Sp-4 and PC-6: open the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) for which menstrual disorders are a general symptom of Shi (Excess), and reproductive disorders are a general symptom of dysfunction • UB-62 and SI-3: open the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel) which transports Yang and for which gynecological problems are a Xu (Deficiency) symptom • Kd-6 and Lu-7: open the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel) which transports Yin and for which gynecological problems are a Shi (Excess) symptom

point analysis

» palpate and consider: • GV-14 (+ or -): dissipates Wind and clears Heat; reduces fever; stimulates the immune system, increases white blood cell count, and prevents or slows inflammation; clears the Shen, calms the Soul, and pacifies the Will; regulates and stimulates the flow of Qi; regulates the Xue (Blood); relaxes the sinews and muscles; Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the Yang channels on the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) • GV-9 (-): treats febrile diseases; regulates the Qi functions; expands the chest and diaphragm; transforms Damp-Heat; regulates the Liver and Gall Bladder • UB-38/43 (+): regulates the Shen; strengthens Xu (Deficiency) conditions; clears Empty Heat; releases unresolved emotions; strengthens the Xue (Blood); tonifies the Kidney and warms the Yang; restores Yuan (Original) Qi; treats genital organ diseases (Finkelstein, p. 47); Pericardium psychospiritual associated point • UB-17 (=): tonifies the Qi; regulates, nourishes and invigorates the Xue (Blood) (esp. invigorates with D); transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and disperses Obstruction; clears Heat from the Xue (Blood); channels blood back to the vessels (e.g., hemoptysis); enriches Yin; strengthens Xu (Deficient) conditions and increases stamina; harmonizes Stomach Qi; Diaphragm Shu Associated point; Hui Reunion and Master point of the Xue (Blood) • UB-18 (+): pacifies the Shen; clears and drains the Liver and Gall Bladder; cools Damp-Heat; moves Stagnant Qi; strengthens Xu (Deficiency) conditions; nourishes and regulates the Xue (Blood); nourishes Liver Yin; cools Heat in the Xue (Blood); Liver Shu Associated point • UB-19 (+): regulates the Qi and calms the emotions; nourishes Xue (Blood); transforms Damp-Heat; Gall Bladder Shu Associated point • UB-20 (+): regulates Spleen Qi; tonifies the Spleen and Stomach; enhances Spleen Yang to mobilize Stagnant Qi and resolve Dampness; tonifies and harmonizes the Xue (Blood); Spleen Shu Associated point • UB-23 (+): tonifies and adjusts the Kidney; nourishes Yin, Xue (Blood) and Kidney Jing (Essence); counterbalances Liver Fire; drains Heat from the Lower Warmer; resolves Dampness; Kidney Shu Associated point • UB-28 (-): regulates the Bladder; regulates the Water Pathways; relieves dysuria; clears Heat from Lower Warmer; reinforces Yuan (Original) Qi; Bladder Shu Associated point • UB-32 (-): regulates the Bladder, Lower Warmer and menstruation; promotes urination; removes Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Lower Warmer, esp. the Uterus; transforms Damp-Heat and resolves leukorrhea; consolidates Jing (Essence); invigorates the Xue (Blood) and Kidney Qi; brings Yang into pelvic region which mobilizes Yin in the pelvis (Finkelstein, p. 46) • UB-54/40 (- and/or bleed): clears Heat from the Xue (Blood) (bleed); transforms Damp-Heat; benefits Kidney Qi and regulates Bladder; treats genital pain; relaxes the sinews and muscles; Bladder He Sea Uniting and Earth point • LI-11 (=): clears Heat and eliminates Wind; regulates and harmonizes Qi and Ying; cools and harmonizes the Xue (Blood); improves immune function (Finkelstein, p. 9); eliminates Dampness through the Intestines; frees the channels; Large Intestine Upper He Sea Uniting, Earth and Tonification point • LI-4 (+ or -): dispels Wind-Heat; reduces fever; pacifies the Shen; regulates Qi and Xue (Blood); activates Wei (Protective) Qi and stimulates the immune system; induces or stabilizes sweating; tonifies Metal to cool inflammatory processes and restrain Wood, esp. the Liver; promotes menses; clears Toxins; eliminates Damp-Heat and stops itching; sedates pain; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Large Intestine Yuan Source and Entry point • Lu-7 (=): circulates the Wei (Protective) Qi to expel Wind; opens and regulates the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); regulates the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); effects release of sexual hormones; Lung Luo Connecting and Exit point; Master point of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel) • PC-6 (+): clears Heat; pacifies the Shen; regulates the Qi; harmonizes the Qi in the Upper and Middle Warmers; regulates Liver Qi and relieves Liver Qi Stagnation; descends Rebellious Qi to resolve nausea, reduce eructations, and stop vomiting; opens the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) to distribute Qi to the Stomach, chest and Heart; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); stabilizes Qi in the Uterus; relaxes the sinews and clears the vessels; relieves pain; Pericardium Luo Connecting point; Master point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); Couple point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) • SI-3 (+): pacifies the Shen and clears the Mind; opens the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and regulates the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); dispels Dampness and Internal Heat; relaxes the sinews and muscles; relieves muscle spasms; invigorates the channels; Small Intestine Wood and Tonification point; Master point of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); Couple point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel) • Lv-14 (-): spreads and moves Liver Qi to regulate circulation of Qi; soothes and promotes function of the Liver; relieves pain in hypochondrium; strengthens the Spleen and Stomach; invigorates flow of Xue (Blood) and removes Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); dispels Heat from the Xue (Blood); Liver Mu Alarm point • CV-12 (+): regulates the Stomach Qi and harmonizes the Stomach; strengthens and calms the Spleen; transforms Dampness; transforms and suppresses Rebellious Qi to resolve nausea and vomiting; benefits and soothes the Qi; facilitates ascension of the Clear and descension of the Turbid; Stomach and Middle Warmer Mu Alarm point; Hui Reunion point of the Fu (Yang organs) • CV-6 (+): strengthens, regulates and moves the Qi, esp. in the Lower Warmer; cools Heat in the Xue (Blood); captures the Xue (Blood) and stops bleeding (+); regulates Qi of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); tonifies the Kidney; regulates and tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; benefits, reinforces the Jing (Essence); regulates Water Pathways and dispels Dampness; regulates the menses and stops vaginal discharge; Dan Tien (Elixir of Long Life), with CV-5 • CV-5 (+): evaluates and controls the Three Warmers (Finkelstein, p. 86); tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; warms and reinforces Kidney Yang; dries Dampness; regulates menstruation and the Lower Warmer; reduces leukorrhea; Triple Warmer Mu Alarm point of the San Jiao (Triple Warmer); Dan Tien (Elixir of Long Life), with CV-6 • CV-4 (- and/or +): pacifies the Shen; regulates the Qi and benefits Yuan (Original) Qi; nourishes Xue (Blood) and Yin; tonifies the Middle Warmer and strengthens the Spleen; regulates and reinforces the Qi of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); separates the Clear and the Turbid; strengthens the function of astringing the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) and restraining the Xue (Blood); strengthens and replenishes the Kidney Qi; regulates the Uterus and menses; resolves Damp-Heat; regulates the Bladder; Small Intestine Mu Alarm point • CV-3 (- and/or +): opens and moves Qi in the Lower Warmer; alleviates Damp-Heat, esp. in the Bladder and Uterus; tonifies the Kidney Qi and Yang; tonifies sexual function; regulates the Bladder, Lower Warmer and the Water Pathways; promotes urination; regulates the Uterus and menses; removes Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Uterus; relieves pain; Bladder Mu Alarm point • CV-2 (- and/or +): opens and moves Qi in the Lower Warmer; stimulates internal secretions (Finkelstein, p. 84); warms the Yang and reinforces the Kidney; regulates menses; regulates and tonifies the Uterus; resolves vaginal discharge, esp. leukorrhea; mobilizes the Bladder and regulates urination • zi gong (-): clears Lower Warmer Heat; tonifies and warms Yuan (Original) Qi; regulates menstruation; clears Heat; transforms Damp-Heat • GB-26 (-): regulates the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); special point for treating gynecological conditions; alleviates Damp-Heat; regulates menses; stops leukorrhea; clears and invigorates the channels; Entry point of Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) • GB-27 (-): opens and regulates the pelvic region; removes Stagnancy of Liver Qi; regulates the menses and removes vaginal discharge; invigorates the Kidney • St-29 (=): promotes Qi and Xue (Blood) circulation of the Bladder and Triple Warmer; moves Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) in the Uterus; treats Yin of the Uterus; regulates the Lower Warmer and menstruation; special effect on reproductive organs; stops pain • St-30 (=): harmonizes the Xue (Blood) and Ying (Constructive) Qi; dispels Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); treats genital problems; regulates menstruation; effects round and broad ligaments of the uterus; distributes Jing (Essence) and Yuan (Original) Qi to the genitals, Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the five curious organs (Brain, Spine, Bones and Marrow, Gall Bladder and Uterus); relaxes the tendons; Entry point of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and the Sea of Nourishment; palpation: gynecological reflex point (Matsumoto); indicator for weak immune system (Matsumoto); if the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) is troubled St-30 will be tender to palpation (Finkelstein, p. 17) • St-36 (+): expels Wind; regulates Wei (Protective) Qi; disperses noxious Yang and brings down high fever; calms the Shen; regulates and strengthens Qi and Xue (Blood); strengthens weak and Xu (Deficient) conditions; regulates the Stomach and strengthens the Spleen; regulates and replenishes the Middle Warmer; dispels and eliminates Dampness; relieves nausea and vomiting; spreads Liver Qi; nourishes the Kidney, Liver and Spleen; tonifies Kidney Yin; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; Stomach He Sea Lower Uniting, Earth and Horary point; Command point of the abdomen; Sea of Nourishment point • St-40 (-): dispels Wind; clears and calms the Shen; strengthens the Spleen, harmonizes the Stomach, and opens up the Middle Warmer; circulates Qi of the Stomach and Spleen; transforms and eliminates Dampness; resolves leukorrhea; descends the Turbid; strengthens Kidney Yin and drains Liver Yang; invigorates the channels; Stomach Luo Connecting point • Sp-10 (-): expels Wind and clears Heat; harmonizes and tonifies Ying (Constructive) Qi; regulates and invigorates the Xue (Blood); cools Heat and transforms Damp-Heat in the Xue (Blood); perfuses the Lower Warmer; regulates the menses; "Sea of Blood" • Sp-9 (-): regulates and tonifies the Spleen (especially Yang); warms and moves the Middle Warmer; regulates the Water Pathways; dispels Damp-Heat; benefits the Lower Warmer; Spleen He Sea Uniting and Water point • Sp-8 (-): regulates and tonifies the Spleen (especially Qi); promotes circulation of Qi and Xue (Blood); harmonizes and invigorates the Xue (Blood) to moveXue Yu (Blood Stasis) and reduce pain; regulates and adjusts the Uterus; regulates menstruation; stops leukorrhea; stabilizes Kidney Qi; Spleen Xi Cleft Accumulation point • Sp-6 (+): pacifies the Shen; nourishes Yin, esp. of the Spleen, Liver and Kidney; influences the pituitary, adrenals, uterus and ovaries (Finkelstein, p. 27; Worsley, 1985, p. B-20); clears Fire due to Xu (Deficiency); strengthens the Spleen; tonifies Qi and builds the Xue (Blood); clears Xue (Blood) Heat; moves the Xue (Blood) and transforms Xue Yu (Blood Stasis); frees Qi Stagnation; spreads Liver Qi and suppresses Liver Heat; restores circulation to the Lower Warmer; tonifies the Kidney; transforms Dampness and Heat; stimulates activity of the Uterus, regulates the menses, and reduces menstrual pain; regulates the Xue (Blood) Chamber and the Palace of Jing (Essence) (Flaws, 1989, p. 46); Jiao Hui Intersecting point of the three Foot Yin channels • Sp-4 (+): pacifies the Shen; clears Heat; moves and strengthens the Spleen and Middle Warmer; harmonizes the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and circulation of Qi in the Middle Warmer; regulates the Stomach and suppresses vomiting; regulates the Xue (Blood), Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and menstrual cycle; invigorates the Xue (Blood) and regulates the Sea of Xue (Blood); regulates the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel); disperses Qi Stagnation and Xue Yu (Blood Stasis), esp. in the Middle Warmer; transforms Dampness and Damp-Heat; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; descends the Turbid; treats the genital organs; Luo Connecting point; Master point of Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel); Couple point of the Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel) • GB-34 (-): clears Dampness and cools Heat; facilitates and harmonizes the Liver; tonifies the Spleen; strengthens and relaxes sinews and tendons; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; alleviates pain; Gall Bladder He Sea Uniting and Earth point; Hui Reunion point of Jin (sinews and tendons) • Lv-5 (-): drains the Liver; spreads Liver Qi and disperses Liver Qi Stagnation; benefits the Qi; tonifies Liver and Yang; relieves Obstruction in Lower Warmer; secures Jing (Essence); tonifies and warms Fire of Life function as manifested in sexuality (Finkelstein, p. 74); regulates function of the Bladder; benefits urogenital area and resolves Damp-Heat in the Lower Warmer to stop itching and discharge; regulates menses; relaxes the sinews; frees the channels; Liver Luo Connecting point • Lv-3 (-): expels Wind; pacifies the Shen; clears and regulates the Liver; promotes smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood); disperses and eliminates Liver Qi Stagnation; cools and drains Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gall Bladder; suppresses Rebellious Qi to stop vomiting; tonifies Liver Xue (Blood); regulates circulation of Xue (Blood) to disperse Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and regulate menses; discharges Damp-Heat in the Lower Warmer; opens the channels and relaxes spasms; sedates pain; Liver Yuan Source and Earth point; Independent Associated point for spasms • Kd-7 (+): strengthens Wei (Protective) Qi; clears Heat and nourishes Yin; tonifies Yuan (Original) Qi; regulates Qi, esp. Kidney Qi, and restores Qi to the vessels; strengthens and enriches the Kidney; tonifies the Liver via the mother/child relationship; regulates the Bladder, menses and Water Pathways; cools and clears Damp-Heat; moistens dryness; disperses Stagnation; Kidney Metal and Tonification point • Kd-6 (=): pacifies the Shen and stabilizes the Will; cools and clears Heat; clears Xu (Deficiency) Fire; removes Obstruction from the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); opens the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); balances excess or deficiency of any hormonal secretion and stimulates adrenals (Finkelstein, p. 53); tonifies the Kidney (especially Yin); moistens dryness; dispels Dampness; promotes function of the Uterus; regulates the Lower Warmer and menses; frees the channels and invigorates the collateral vessels; sedates pain; Master point and Entry point of the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); Couple point of Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) • Kd-3 (=): tonifies the Kidney, Yuan (Original) Qi, Xue (Blood) and Jing (Essence); nourishes and enriches Kidney Yin, supplies Liver Yin, and tonifies Yin of the entire body; cools and descends Heat; pacifies Xu (Deficiency) Fire; tonifies Kidney Yang and Ming Men Fire (D); stabilizes Kidney Qi; regulates the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); promotes function of the Uterus; regulates menses and Water Pathways; Kidney Yuan Source and Earth point • UB-62 (+): dispels Wind; cools and clears Fire and Heat; clears the Shen and Heart; opens and moves the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); regulates the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and benefits Du Mai (Governing Vessel) disorders; soothes sinews, tendons and vessels; relaxes the Muscle channels; Master point of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); Couple point of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)

• ear: uterus, endocrine, ovary, lung, external genitalia

Homeopathy
• Apis mellifica: soreness, stinging pains, ovaritis esp. right side; sense of tightness; bearing down as if menses would appear • Arsenicum album: burning in ovarian area; leukorrhea acrid, burning, offensive, thin; pain as from red hot wires; < least exertion • Belladonna: sensation as if all viscera would protrude out; cutting pain from hip to hip • Cantharis: burning pains in ovaries, extremely sensitive • Lachesis: pain on rising from a sitting posture • Lycopodium: right ovarian pain; leukorrhea acrid with burning in vagina • Sabina: inflammation after abortion; pain from sacrum to pubis and from below upwards shooting up the vagina • Secale cornutum: brownish, offensive leukorrhea

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
• Female problems represent a rejection of the feminine principle; denial of the self; rejecting femininity. (Hay, 1984, p. 165) • Anger at mate; sexual guilt; need for punishment. Belief that the genitals are sinful or dirty. (Hay, 1984, p. 187)

Chinese psychophysiology: • Kidney ~ Shen stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth, reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses ambition and focus; 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; controls the bones, particularly the lumbar spine and knees; 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 sexual dissipation, overwork, aging, chronic debilitation, and extreme stress. » Healthy expressions are gentleness, groundedness, and endurance. » Kidney Xu (Deficiency) signs include indecisiveness; confused speech; dreams of trees submerged under water; cold feet and legs; abundant sweating (Seem, p. 28); fearfulness; apathy; chronic fatigue; discouragement; scatteredness; lack of will; negativity; impatience; difficult inhalation; low sex drive; lumbago; sciatica; and musculoskeletal irritation and inflammation, especially when worse from touch. As always, chronic Yin Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to Empty Heat and/or acute inflammation. » Intense or prolonged fear depletes the Kidney. Often chronic anxiety may induce Xu (Deficiency) and then Fire within the Kidney. (Maciocia, p. 250) Overwork, parenting, simple aging, and a sedentary or excessively indulgent lifestyle all contribute significantly to Kidney Xu (Deficiency).

• 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); 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 Qi Stagnation reflects and accentuates emotional constraint as the Liver's function of facilitating smooth flow in the body is constricted. Stagnation is associated with frustration, irritability, tension, and feeling stuck. With time this pattern tends to produce a gloomy emotional state of constant resentment, repressed anger or depression, along with tightness in the chest, frequent sighing, abdominal tension or distension, and/or a feeling of a lump in the throat with difficulty in swallowing. (Maciocia, p. 216) Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) often begins with Qi Stagnation. » 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. » Mental signs of Liver channel disorders include irritability; difficulty developing ideas; depression; and lack of energy. (Seem, p. 28)

• Spleen ~ Pi governs digestion and manifests in the muscle tissues; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); governs the Xue (Blood); resolves Dampness and Phlegm; maintains upbearing; 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. The Heat produced by Liver Stagnation may then transform the Dampness into Damp-Heat. » 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.

Integrative Therapies
Pelvic inflammatory disease, or P.I.D., is a general term for an infection that affects the female reproductive system including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, or vagina. The infection is usually caused by gonorrhea or other bacteria, or viruses. Problems with an IUD can also be the cause. Symptoms include pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramps, pain during sex, spotting blood between menstrual periods, heavy periods with large clots, and sharp pains during ovulation.

Suspected cases of pelvic inflammatory disease should be checked by your physician, since when severe it could cause sterility. If you have an IUD, it should be checked also.

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR P.I.D., AND YOU CAN TAKE THEM UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE: 1. Vitamin C – 500 to 1,000 milligrams every 2 hours. If diarrhea develops, decrease the number of dosages. Use this amount for 10 days then decrease to 1,000 milligrams 3 to 4 times a day. 2. Beta-carotene – 200,000 Units per day for 1 month. Then reduce to 150,000 Units per day. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 15,000 Units of beta-carotene a day. 3. Zinc – 50 milligrams, 2 times a day for 1 month. After a month, decrease to 15 milligrams per day. 4. Thymus extract – 500 milligrams, 2 times a day to further support the immune system.

ABOUT THE DIET: • Sugar (such as in candy, pastries, and pop) needs to be eliminated from the diet or kept to a minimum because sugar slows down the immune system and delays healing. • Drink a minimum of 8 to 10 cups of fluids in the form of vegetable juices, diluted fruit juices, soups, and herbal teas. • Avoid caffeine and alcohol, or at least greatly decrease their consumption.

HERBS USED FOR P.I.D.: • Echinacea Root tea – 2 to 4 cups daily for a week. Simmer 1 ounce of the root in a quart of boiling water for 15 minutes and steep for 20 minutes. After symp-toms improve, reduce to 1 to 2 cups per day. If you use a tincture of the root, which is a liquid herbal extract, take 50 drops 5 times per day until symptoms subside. Then reduce to 3 times per day for a few more weeks. • Golden Seal – Take 2 capsules every 2 hours for 10 days, then reduce to 2 capsules 4 times a day. • Licorice – Used as a tea, prepare the same way as Echinacea Root. Drink 3 cups per day. As a tincture, take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. • An effective herbal vaginal douche can be made of the following herbs: 1/2 ounce Golden Seal powder, 1/2 ounce Echinacea powder, and 1 ounce each of Yarrow and Calendula flowers. Add 2 tablespoons of the herbal mixture to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes. Use as a douche once a day.

PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURES FOR P.I.D. ARE AS FOLLOWS: • Castor oil pack – Moisten a thin cotton cloth with castor oil and place on your lower abdomen. Cover with a plastic bag and then a dry cloth. Leave in place and rest for an hour. • Alternate cold and hot sitz baths. Sit in a hot bathtub for 5 minutes then stand up and pour cold water over the pelvic area for 30 seconds. Repeat this procedure 3 times.

HOMEOPATHY: From the following homeopathic medicines choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue 3 times a day for 10 days between meals. • Apis 12c: For stinging with a swelling sensation of the abdomen. • Colocynth 12c: If there is abdominal pain that is relieved with warmth and pressure.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR TREATING P.I.D. ARE AS FOLLOWS: • Avoid constipation. Eat plenty of fiber foods and drink at least 8 cups of fluids per day. If you need further information, refer to the article on constipation. • Get adequate rest – at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Take naps as needed. • Avoid sexual intercourse for at least 2 weeks or more to give the infection time to clear. Do not resume intercourse until you and your healthcare practitioner are certain that the infection is gone.