9

Untangling the Fishing Net

Uterine Fibroids

What do you mean I have fibroids?” Shauna, age forty-five, asked her doctor. When she had made the appointment, she had attributed her bloating sensation with indigestion, but now her doctor was telling her that she has a whopping fibroid, seven inches in diameter! No significant pain was involved, just a subtle feeling of bloating, but when she pressed on her abdomen, she could feel a faint sensation of something roundish and harder than its surroundings. It was around this time that Shauna started wearing looser clothing to self-consciously hide her abdomen. Soon afterward, she began to notice spotting of darker blood in between cycles but again thought it was just a sign of impending menopause. It was only when the bleeding and bloating worsened that she went to visit her doctor, who didn’t share her disbelief. “Yes, you and about 40 percent of all other women entering perimenopause have fibroids,” her doctor continued, “but I wouldn’t be too worried. Since fibroids are estrogen-fed, most of the time they shrink naturally after menopause, and most importantly, they are benign, not cancerous tumors. I wouldn’t be concerned about your fibroids unless they are causing you pain or distress.” Shauna’s doctor discussed with her several options, such as waiting until menopause to see what happens, cryotherapy, uterine ablation, or fibroidectomy. Shauna was relieved that he didn’t mention the need for a hysterectomy, but she still felt uneasy about the other options. Instead she was able to reduce the size of her fibroid from seven to two inches by modifying her lifestyle through exercise and diet years before she reached menopause.

When to See a Professional about Your Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are generally not life threatening but could cause significant health issues if not addressed appropriately. If you experience extreme pain, heavy bleeding, frequent UTIs, anemia, and/or non-menopause-related infertility, then I suggest consulting a health professional.

By age fifty, fibroids, also called myomas or fibromyomas, occur in approximately 80 percent of African American women and 40 percent of Caucasian women, while obesity increases the odds of occurrence. There are four types of fibroids: The first, most common type is called intramural, protruding from the inner wall of the uterus. The second most common, and often the largest type, is subserosal, which grows from the outside wall of the uterus. The third is submucosal, which grows within the lining of the uterus wall. The last, least common type is called cervical because it grows at the cervical opening to the uterus. Every year, almost four out of ten women below the age of sixty undergo hysterectomies, and close to 200,000 hysterectomies are performed in the United States for the sake of removing fibroids.

Most of the time fibroids are symptom-free, but occasionally they involve one or more of the following:1

Why do so many women get fibroids during perimenopause? To answer this question, we need to discuss how hormone levels within the body fluctuate rapidly during this transition, with estrogen peaking right before menopause. Among its various functions, estrogen is responsible for retaining moisture within the uterus and thickening the uterine wall in preparation for pregnancy. This process occurs naturally during the monthly cycle. With elevated levels of estrogen and reduced levels of progesterone during perimenopause, the uterine lining sometimes thickens out of control, causing blood and moisture to stagnate within and/or around the uterus. In the first chapter, we discussed how estrogen is associated with yin, which correlates with moisture, cold, reduced circulation, and contraction. Hence sudden increases in estrogen and yin may contribute to circulatory issues during perimenopause.

The average woman has approximately five hundred monthly cycles in her lifetime, which technically makes her capable of having hundreds of babies! Yet a 2015 census suggests that the average mother gives birth to 1.87 children. So that’s only one or two eggs out of five hundred that get fertilized! Yet despite these odds, the body consistently prepares itself every month for approximately forty years for the possibility of conception. With so much attention and energy devoted to preparing the uterus, things do not always go smoothly.

The perimenopausal transition is a time for impregnation of a different nature involving a shift from nurturing the life of another to embracing our own needs and desires. For many women, this is a period of uncertainty as they intuitively feel the need to shed old skin but are not so sure what the new coating will look like. They may choose to hold on, letting the lives of their husband or child(ren) occupy their every thought, or pour themselves into work despite inner signals suggesting that they need more time for themselves. Internally, their uterus may also cling to old blood as if it were a fetus, causing the formation of a fibroid. Perimenopause is an opportunity to rid ourselves of toxic or unnecessary thoughts and shed the lining of our past.

WESTERN AND EASTERN PERSPECTIVES ON UTERINE FIBROIDS

The source of uterine fibroids is still a topic of debate in Western medicine. Reasons such as family history, excess adipose tissue, abdominal trauma, or hormonal imbalance have been the top contenders. Although these factors may contribute to the formation and growth of uterine fibroids, they aren’t always the culprit. Treatment is equally ambiguous and options are limited, usually leaving surgical removal of fibroids as a last resort. Since most women would rather opt out of surgery, doctors often suggest that their patients wait until menopause begins and estrogen levels rapidly decrease, which often reduces the size of fibroids. This option may work for some but not for others who have higher levels of estrogen and/or other complications due to extensive fibroid growth. Other treatments, usually reserved for more acute cases, include the use of progesterone via birth control pill or hormonal IUD to counteract the effects of estrogen; gonadotropin-releasing hormone to artificially induce the onset of menopause; uterine ablation, which involves the removal of the uterine lining to prevent excessive bleeding; or embolization, a method used to seal off blood supply to the fibroid. While one or more of these procedures may be the only option(s) for some women with acute fibroids, they aren’t infallible. Fibroids have a tendency to regenerate even after they are minimized or removed.

In Eastern medicine uterine fibroids are a result of energy and blood stagnation in the lower abdomen from physical and emotional imbalance, and if left on their own, they could lead to other energy blockages down the line. The uterus is located along an intricate network of energetic pathways that flow throughout the body. Eastern medical practitioners take into account these pathways, tracing their flow via the patient’s pulse or other traditional diagnostic methods. The reason for blood stagnation in the lower abdomen differs according to the individual, and while easily detected in some women, in others it is not so apparent. Layer upon layer of physical/emotional imbalance may point to other areas of the body that are indirectly related to the uterus. Treatment is implemented whether or not menopause is approaching and often involves the integration of specific foods, herbs, acupuncture, and exercises that enhance blood circulation through the lower abdomen and address other potential energy imbalances.

THE YIN AND YANG OF UTERINE FIBROIDS

In Sasang medicine, the uterus is associated with the kidney system, which is responsible for circulating energy and blood through the lower abdomen. As we’ve discussed earlier, the kidneys are the source of yin and cold, and with an abundance of thick yin fluid and congealing cold, circulation through the kidney system presents a challenge for anyone, healthy or not. Uterine fibroids are a result of long-term yin and blood stagnation in the lower abdomen that eventually accumulates and solidifies. The emotional and physical center of a woman’s body, the uterus, and the flow of yin and blood through it, is particularly dependent on comfort—the emotion of the kidney system. The ability to feel comfortable with others and with one’s self is a major part of staying healthy. In the hustle and bustle of modern-day life, it is so easy to forget the seemingly not-so-urgent things and disregard the more intimate aspects of our lives and bodies. A woman’s uterus is like an inner child that, even though it may not be harvesting a fetus, needs to be nourished, cared for, and heeded on a daily basis through self-reflection, self-love, self-appreciation, and self-care.

Before we go into body-type-specific methods for addressing fibroids, let’s take a look at a few general tips that help promote the flow of yin and blood in the lower abdomen and send love and energy to the uterus regardless of your body type.

Tip #1: Exercise Them Away!

Well, actually, exercise itself does not reduce the size of fibroids, but it stimulates several processes that can. Hormonally speaking, exercise increases testosterone levels but decreases estrogen levels in women. In Eastern medical terms, this is described as increasing yang and decreasing excess yin within the body. Since fibroids are considered to be a result of excessive yin accumulation and entrapment within or around the uterus, an increase in yang energy causes a decrease in yin accumulation.

Cardiovascular exercises in particular are effective at increasing metabolism and burning calories. Studies show that excessive weight gain contributes to the onset of fibroids and hence the need for exercise. Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, using a treadmill or elliptical, swimming, or bicycling are the fastest ways to work up a sweat, which is the best indication that we are burning off calories and balancing estrogen levels. Make sure to pace yourself when exercising because high-impact movements may aggravate fibroid-related pain. If you do not experience pain when exercising, then don’t worry about worsening a fibroid situation.

Tip #2: Massage Your Abdomen with Essential Oils

Enhancing the movement of abdominal energy is essential for addressing your fibroids. Try lightly tapping your lower abdomen before you get out of bed each morning, while inhaling and exhaling deeply. Then circle the palm of your hand around your abdomen in a clockwise direction, with the uppermost point being your belly button and the lowermost point your pubic bone. For added effect, you may also want to apply essential oils, such as tea tree oil, castor oil, and/or lavender at the same time.

Tip #3: Guided Imagery

Studies have shown that guided imagery assists the healing of wounds and the lowering of stress levels.2 In Eastern medicine we often include it as a method to enhance the flow of energy to different parts of the body. Imagine a bright light emitting outward in all directions from the uterus around your fibroid (if you are not sure of its location, then an approximation will do). This exercise can also be done by placing your hands on your lower abdomen while performing this exercise.

Tip #4: Try Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupressure promotes the flow of energy throughout the body. Each acupressure point on the body acts as a valve, enhancing flow where it is needed and slowing it down when it is out of control. Used for thousands of years to balance emotion and energy, acupuncture and acupressure utilize the same points on the body.

image LIV3 (THIRD POINT ON THE LIVER MERIDIAN): “GREAT SURGE”

image

Fig. 9.1. LIV3, third point on the liver meridian

The LIV3 point is located on the liver energy meridian between the first and second toes (see fig. 9.1 above). Lightly run your finger along the web between these toes. At approximately one inch down you’ll come to a V-shaped junction between them. LIV3 is directly below this junction in an area that feels soft when pressed.

UTERINE FIBROIDS AND THE YIN YANG BODY TYPES

As with other health issues, each body type has its own unique fibroid source, which originates from an imbalance of flow from stronger to weaker organs. This flow is restored and maintained with the use of body-type-specific foods, herbs, exercises, and, most importantly, emotional balancing. Since estrogen, which feeds fibroids, is a yin hormone, fibroids are more commonly present in the yin types. The yang types, however, are not completely off the hook. Whereas abundant yin in the lower body may contribute to the accumulation and blockage of flow, weaker yin may also result in lower body blood and energy stagnation due to a lack of downward flow from the upper body. Hence flow for the yin types needs to be directed upward from the lower body, while flow for the yang types should be directed downward from the upper body.

YANG TYPE A

The Yang Type A’s predominant emotion of anger flows strongly upward from the spleen, feeding the chest and head. Hence it is a fundamental challenge for the Yang Type A to relax and feel comfortable while sending energy downward to her weaker kidneys. The ability to embrace and tolerate others, or do ryang, is a quality also associated with the kidneys. The Yang Type A’s tendency to ridicule and judge others gets in the way of manifesting do ryang, inhibiting the flow of fresh, warm energy to the lower body. This may lead to the accumulation of stagnant blood and other fluids in the lower body. The Yang Type A’s fibroids are a result of long-term unsettled anger and a lack of flow to her sexual organs.

As the Yang Type A transitions through menopause, she may find it even more difficult to overlook others’ shortcomings, criticizing their every move. Rather than embracing others, the Yang Type A may start losing her temper and distance herself from them, throwing intimacy out the window (see the the discussion of libido in chapter 11). Yet unlike the Yin Type B, she doesn’t discover much comfort in distancing, so she finds herself back to square one. The menopausal transition is an opportunity for her to shift into a more tolerant attitude, accepting others despite their faults. This doesn’t mean she has to stay married to an abusive husband or hang out with “friends” who make her feel uncomfortable. Instead, she can cultivate an inner sense of acceptance, one that allows her to chill out and feel more comfort with her own life and circumstances. This comes not from finding the time to slow her life down, but from the decision to make the time for it, without exception.

The following herbs help the Yang Type A embrace others and send energy downward to the uterus.

imageRu Xuang
(Common: Frankincense; Latin: Boswellia spp.)

While many herbs in Eastern medicine are unique to the region, frankincense is certainly an exception. This herb, along with myrrh, was mentioned in the Song of Solomon section of the Hebrew Bible. The word frankincense means “pure fragrance,” and it has been used as an incense in religious ceremonies for centuries. It is frequently prescribed in Eastern medicine, along with its friend myrrh, for issues related to blood stasis. As a cold-natured herb, it is ideal for the heat-induced stagnation of the Yang Type A and can address menstrual difficulties, nonhealing sores, trauma, and fibroids. There are over three hundred known active components of frankincense, among them boswellic acid, prized for its strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Common Uses

Frankincense relieves dysmenorrhea (the lack of menstrual flow often accompanied with darker red, brown, or purplish clots), fibroids, blood stasis, pain, and traumatic injury.

Sources

Frankincense is readily available as an essential oil from suppliers such as doTERRA, Swanson Health Products, and Puritan’s Pride. Please keep in mind that several other manufacturers mix frankincense with turmeric. Although turmeric is also effective in promoting blood circulation and reducing accumulation, as a warming herb, it isn’t compatible with the Yang Type A.

Preparation and Dosage

Please follow the manufacturer’s suggestions.

Herbal Friend: Mo Yao (Common: Myrrh; Latin: Commiphora myrrha)

Frankincense and myrrh are inseparable friends in both Eastern and traditional Western herbal medicines, since they enhance and assist one another in promoting blood flow, reducing inflammation and accumulation, and healing wounds. Surprisingly, I have yet to find a supplement on the market that combines these two ingredients into a simple formula. Myrrh can be purchased in capsule form from Nature’s Way as “myrrh gum” and as a tincture from Eclectic Institute. Follow the manufacturer’s suggested dosage and take with frankincense.

YANG TYPE B

The Yang Type B’s energy is similar to the Yang Type A’s in that it spends most of its time in the upper body, especially the neck and head. The Yang Type B, however, is slightly worse off because her weakest organ, the liver, is responsible for sending energy to her uterus. This is precisely why the Yang Type B often suffers from infertility. A weak uterus is also a side effect of having so much upper body energy and an unsurmountable desire for forward and upward movement.

Menopause may give the Yang Type B an overwhelming sense that time is running out as she chooses to speed things up even more. Yang Type Bs have a weaker liver, the organ associated with heng gom—the ability to reflect on one’s actions. Hence the unreflective Yang Type B often hastily takes matters into her own hands, doing as she pleases without considering others. As she moves through the change, this approach no longer seems to work as well as it did in the past. The defiant Yang Type B will keep going without heeding the messages from her friends and within her own body. The ability to self-reflect can effectively change the course of her ship in full throttle.

imageLong Dan Cao
(Common: Gentian Root; Latin: Gentiana spp.)

Long Dan Cao (meaning “dragon’s gallbladder”), or gentian root, has a strong effect on the energy of the liver and gallbladder. Dragons represent strength and vigor in Asian philosophy and the term dragon is applied to several herbs, all of which have a strong effect on the body. Gentian root is often used in Eastern medicine to clear stagnant heat within the liver. Sasang medicine, in particular, uses it to treat swelling in the lower body, manifesting as cysts, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. In both Sasang and Chinese medicine, it is also used to treat red and painful eyes—often a result of excess heat within the lungs and liver. Gentian root contains glycosides, gentiopicrin, and amarogentin, all of which are extremely bitter even when diluted fifty thousand times. Studies show that these substances help protect the liver, making them particularly suitable for the Yang Type B’s weaker liver function.3

Common Uses

Long Dan Cao addresses eye disorders and reduces toxicity, swelling, and inflammation due to accumulation of heat in the abdomen.

Sources

Gentian root is offered in capsule form by Solaray and as an extract from Nature’s Answer.

Preparation and Dosage

Please follow the manufacturer’s suggestions.

Caution

This is an extremely cold-natured herb that is very efficient at cooling the Yang Type B’s excessive heat but can easily freeze up and inhibit the function of the Yin Type B’s inherently cold digestive system. Reduce or discontinue use of this herb and retake the yin yang body type test if you are experiencing indigestion, diarrhea, lack of appetite, or a common cold.

Marla, the Fireball Yang Type B

What took Marla, age forty-five, a single day would take the average person a month to accomplish. Not only was she the mayor of her small town, but she was also a part-time psychic and full-time employee. On the weekends she spent most of her time preparing for work, devising new and efficient ways to promote sales. On a hot summer morning in July, things suddenly changed. Marla felt utterly exhausted and had to cancel work for the first time in her life. As the days passed, her energy continued to flatline, and she noticed a significant amount of mid-cycle dark bleeding. Marla was stunned when her gynecologist discovered a twelve-centimeter uterine fibroid, since she hadn’t had any previous discomfort. Other than fertility issues, she couldn’t recall a single health issue since childhood, although she did admit to consistently feeling out of touch with her lower body—as if it wasn’t connected to the rest of her. A week after her fibroid diagnosis, Marla’s fatigue became so intense that her legs felt like heavy weights. Shortly thereafter she decided to try Eastern medicine rather than wait, as her doctor suggested, until menopause for the possibility that her issues would naturally go away. I identified her as a Yang Type B with an extremely weakened liver and prescribed a formula containing Long Dan Cao (gentian root) and Mu Gua (quince fruit) to fortify her lower body and descend excessive upper body yang energy. After one month of taking these herbs and slowly reducing her workload, Marla noticed a significant increase of energy. Her three-month follow-up appointment with the gynecologist also went very well, revealing that her fibroid had shrunk to half its original size!

YIN TYPE A

While insufficient flow to the liver may contribute to fibroids of the Yang Type B, excess liver absorption presents the same issue for the Yin Type A. In both Eastern and Western medicine, the liver is responsible for absorbing and filtering digestive by-products from the blood. The Yin Type A’s stronger liver often absorbs more than it can excrete, holding on to by-products and toxins from the blood. Her weaker lungs are responsible for differentiating between profit and loss, friend and foe, and right and wrong through a process called ju chek. The Yin Type A may find it difficult to filter out unnecessary relationships or get herself out of unprofitable situations. Her uterus may also find it hard to let go of old blood, which then accumulates over time, leading to scanty periods, blood clots, PMS, ovarian cysts, and/or fibroids. Menopause is a time to let go of regret, pain, and sadness and start anew for the sake of enhancing her ability to decipher and distinguish.

Letting go of the past might imply turning away from friends who have a tendency to soak up her energy and no longer serve her needs. The Yin Type A’s predominant emotion of joy easily manifests around like-minded people—a trait born from dang yo, or group orientation. She also prefers familiar situations over ones that require substantial adaptation and modification. She may decide to hold on to these situations just for the sake of holding on. Little does she know that if she can shed her old skin, new and improved dang yo awaits her. She can enhance this process through purifying her diet, simplifying her life, and learning how to say no to toxic situations and negative influences.

The following are herbs that help filter the liver and treat the Yin Type A’s fibroids.

imagePu Huang
(Common: Cattail Pollen; Latin: Typha angustifolia)

Pu Huang, or cattail pollen, is commonly used in both Chinese and Sasang medicines to address a variety of blood-related disorders. Its ability to promote blood circulation and stop bleeding makes cattail pollen one of the most versatile herbs in the medicine cabinet. It is often used for dissolving accumulations within the body, such as fibroids, cysts, hematomas, and scar tissue caused by traumatic injury, while preventing excessive blood loss—a common issue with submucosal fibroids. With its ability to invigorate blood flow, cattail pollen cleanses the Yin Type A’s easily congested liver and counteracts abdominal blood stagnation and accumulation. A recent study demonstrated that cattail pollen is effective in reducing both acute and chronic inflammation.4 As an added benefit, it contains flavonoids and sterols that have cholesterol-lowering and antiatherosclerotic effects!5

Common Uses

Cattail pollen alleviates blood stasis (fibroids, hematoma, amenorrhea, inhibited blood circulation) and bleeding disorders (fibroids, excessive bleeding associated with the monthly cycle, traumatic injury).

Sources

Due to its infrequent use in the West, Pu Huang isn’t readily available, but a tincture can be found online on the Hawaii Pharm website, which offers both alcohol-based and non-alcoholic tinctures.

Preparation and Dosage

Please refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for effective and safe dosage.

imageJiang Huang
(Common: Turmeric; Latin: Curcuma longa)

In Sasang medicine, turmeric is used to counteract the strong absorbing nature of the Yin Type A’s liver, making it an effective herb to promote circulation and reduce accumulation in the lower body. Curcumin, the most active component of turmeric, is known to suppress the growth of fibroids by acting together with the body’s own peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma to regulate the process of cell division and suppress inflammation.6 From my experience turmeric is well tolerated among the Yin Type Bs, too, likely because it enhances the circulation of yang throughout the body—a quality that both yin types can enjoy.

Common Uses

Turmeric promotes blood circulation, alleviates pain, and reduces swelling.

Sources

Turmeric can be purchased from most supermarkets as a powder or condiment, of which two teaspoons a day will suffice. Turmeric extract can be purchased in capsule form online from Life Extension, Puritan’s Pride, and Nature’s Way. CuraPro is a high-quality source of turmeric that can be purchased from the EuroMedica website.

Preparation and Dosage

Follow the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines on the above product labels. For added benefit, take with cattail and black cohosh (see “Herbal Friend: Sheng Ma” below).

Herbal Friend: Sheng Ma (Common: Black Cohosh; Latin: Actaea racemosa)

In Sasang medicine, Sheng Ma, or black cohosh, is primarily prescribed for its ability to clear heat and congestion from the liver. By promoting the flow of liver energy, it is also used to reduce the size of uterine fibroids. A study involving 122 participants with fibroids undergoing a twelve-week controlled dosage of black cohosh extract showed a 30.3 percent decrease in tumor size.7 Black cohosh is commonly used for other liver-energy-related symptoms such as tinnitus, nausea, hot flashes, excessive stomach acid, acne, and fever. It is also used to treat sore throat and sinus congestion, making it suitable for use whether headaches are due to lung weakness and/or liver stagnation. Because of its common use for hot flashes and postmenopausal symptoms, black cohosh is readily available and is carried by Nature’s Way and Planetary Herbals. This herb can be taken with turmeric and cattail to enhance its ability to inhibit fibroid tumor growth. Please follow the manufacturer’s label for dosage guidelines.

Caution

Black cohosh is a cold-natured herb. If you cannot drink cold fluids without sneezing or getting a stomachache, diarrhea, or indigestion, then black cohosh may not be suitable for you. These symptoms will occur after ingestion of black cohosh if there is not enough heat in the body. Very high doses of black cohosh may cause a slower heart rate, lower abdominal cramps, dizziness, tremors, or joint pain.

YIN TYPE B

With stronger kidneys, correlating with peacefulness and calmness, Yin Type Bs would be satisfied living as a hermit and avoiding the complexities of public life. The ability to publically govern and administer affairs, however, comes from the Yin Type B’s weaker spleen. While some of us may succeed at the hermit’s life, most require at least minimal interaction with others. Our connection with others is reflected in the relationship between each of our organs. As the lowermost of the yin organs, the kidneys often prefer to get by on their own, hidden underneath the hustle and bustle of the other organs. Yet just as people need to connect and communicate with one another, so do the organs. The kidneys of the socially disassociated Yin Type B will eventually isolate themselves from the other organs, causing accumulation of cold energy in the lower abdomen, eventually forming cysts, fibroids, or related intestinal issues.

The menopausal Yin Type B may feel an overwhelming urge for peace and quiet, easily feeling anxious and irritable, looking for that perfectly quiet place. Without her own space and comfort, the Yin Type B will lose her mind and the lower body, the seat of comfort, will also suffer. Yet knowing whether or not she is truly deprived of these things is particularly difficult for the Yin Type B, requiring considerable self-reflection. The Yin Type B may feel deprived of quietness and aloneness even if she has spent ample uninterrupted time by herself. She who craves the hermit’s life despite distancing herself from others may lose the sense of her need to coexist, eventually feeling remorse and loneliness. The balanced Yin Type B finds comfort and peace within herself, even when she is with others.

A warm abdomen is the secret to keeping the Yin Type B healthy since heat facilitates blood circulation, bowel movement, and the ascent of yang energy. A lack of comfort, anxiety, excessive intake of cold-natured foods, and exposure to cold temperatures can all contribute to abdominal cold and toxic accumulation. This can be avoided by regularly drinking ginger tea, eating hot-natured foods, and trying the herbs below, which promote comfort and flow in the Yin Type B’s lower abdomen.

imageDang Gui/Dong Quai
(Common: Chinese Angelica Root; Latin: Angelica sinensis)

With its many functions, Dang Gui, or Chinese angelica root, is one of the most commonly used herbs for Yin Type Bs. Its most significant claim to fame in Eastern medicine is the ability to promote blood flow, especially in the lower abdomen. This unique property makes it a great candidate for addressing various gynecological issues. Chinese angelica root also generates and circulates blood throughout other areas of the body to heal wounds, address vascular issues, and alleviate anemic disorders, headaches, and menstrual cramps. It also supports the function of the Yin Type B’s weaker spleen, thus assisting with digestion.

Chinese angelica root looks like a dried squid and emits an aromatic, earthy smell. If left sitting on a shelf, it will eventually cause the whole room to smell like an Asian medical pharmacy! A small piece of it placed inside the mouth will leave behind a tangy taste and sensation for hours, giving a hint of its power. Try chewing on a little piece for a quick pick-me-up!

Common Uses

Chinese angelica root alleviates circulatory issues (like fibroids) menstrual cramps, cold extremities, numbness of the extremities, heart palpitations, anemia, vision disorders (blurry vision, floaters, eyestrain), indigestion, insomnia, and irregular menstruation (scanty, early, or late cycle), and it heals cuts and wounds.

Sources

An encapsulated form of Dang Gui root can be purchased from Nature’s Way under the name “Dong Quai.” A liquid extract can be purchased from Nature’s Answer.

Preparation and Dosage

Follow the dosage guidelines specified by the manufacturer.

Caution

Excessive intake of Chinese angelica root can lead to gas and bloating even for Yin Type Bs. Start with smaller dosages and work your way up to the recommended dose. Volatile oil extracts of Chinese angelica root have been known to cause skin sensitivity to the sun, leading to a greater risk of skin cancer. Because the liquid extract sold by Nature’s Answer and the capsule form sold by Nature’s Way are not volatile oils, they don’t present this risk.

Do not ingest Chinese angelica root if you are currently taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, because as mentioned above, it promotes circulation and could interfere with prescription-drug effects, causing excessive bleeding. The Nature’s Answer version may cause bruising because of its potential blood-thinning effects. There are several different species in the Angelica genus that are native to North America. Most of these plants have high levels of toxicity and should not be ingested.

Herbal Friend: Yan Hu Suo (Common: Corydalis; Latin: Corydalis yanhusuo)

Yan Hu Suo, or corydalis, is one of the most effective herbs in Eastern medicine to promote blood movement and break up stasis and accumulation within the body. Along with Dang Gui (Chinese angelica root), Yan Hu Suo supports the Yin Type Bs’ circulation and dissolves accumulation, warms their weaker spleen, and assists with digestion. Higher doses of Yang Hu Suo may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and abdominal distension. Doses over 60 grams have also caused difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and muscle spasms, so make sure you don’t go overboard! Fortunately, most readily available sources don’t even come close to this dosage range. Hawaii Pharm offers a tincture of Yan Hu Suo on its website, and Biotech Nutritions offers it in capsule form. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the correct dosage and take together with Dang Gui for added effect.

Diana, the Reclusive Yin Type B

Diana, age fifty-four, spent most of her life running away from relationships. Despite her attractiveness, she managed to stay single, celibate, and satisfied. Diana found men desirable, but all it took was a few hours with them and she’d turn and walk the other way. While this frustrated others, it didn’t seem to faze Diana, who felt just fine being alone and focusing on her own introverted pleasures. It wasn’t until she turned fifty-two, with an erratic monthly cycle and a sense that menopause loomed ahead, that she experienced a deep feeling of loneliness. Moreover, Diana’s appetite decreased further, a telltale sign for a Yin Type B that something isn’t right. Filled with anxiety and uncertainly, she visited her doctor. One test led to another, until finally she was diagnosed with three medium-sized uterine fibroids. I explained to her that an unbalanced desire for comfort and solitude could backfire, leading to stagnation and accumulation of energy within the body. Uterine health depends on our ability to be intimate with others, not just ourselves. Without embracing others and letting them in, the lower abdomen remains cold and damp. Sensing this was Diana’s case, I prescribed an herbal formula with Dang Gui (Chinese angelica root) and Yan Hu Suo (corydalis) to warm up and befriend her uterus, and I encouraged her to slowly, but consistently, warm up to others. After ingesting her herbs, Diana said that she felt a gentle warmth fill her lower abdomen. Eventually this feeling intensified and became apparent whenever she cuddled with her new boyfriend. A checkup with her gynecologist three months later showed that Diana was fibroid free.