Today we are going to look at a common diagnosis in Chinese Medicine Fertility Acupuncture….DAMP.
In Chinese Medicine, internal Damp is similar to environmental Damp. When water doesn’t flow freely, it becomes stagnant and therefore isn’t healthy. Imagine a stagnant pond, you wouldn’t want to bathe in it!
If the fluids don’t flow freely in the body, they accumulate and create Damp accumulation. Damp is created in the Spleen. One of the functions of the Spleen in Chinese Medicine is to flow the fluids throughout the body. If the Spleen Qi (energy) is weak, then it doesn’t have enough energy to complete it’s role effectively and the fluids slow down their movement.
The Damp can then accumulate in any area of the body. If it accumulates in the sacral chakra which includes the fertility organs it can cause fertility issues with ovulation and implantation.
How Does this Manifest in your Cycle?
1. Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Damp can manifest as toxic fluid and this can block the fallopian tubes. This can be diagnosed by a Hycosy, where water or dye is flushed through the tubes to check if they are clear.
2. PCOS
When Damp accumulates in the ovaries and follicles, it causes multiple cyst formation and interferes with the production of hormones such as LH and FSH. This can cause anovulation or oligo-ovulation, long follicle phase and irregular cycles.
3. Implantation Issues – Cysts, Polyps
In addition to cysts on the ovaries, cysts and polyps can appear in the uterus, and depending on the size, can prevent embryo implantation. If these are fluid filled, they can be caused by the accumulation of Damp.
4. Weight Gain
Damp also manifests as fatty deposits. If you suffer from Spleen Qi Deficiency and Damp, you may carry excess weight and find it difficult to lose weight.
5. Tongue Coating
One of the properties of Damp is that it is thick and sticky. This causes a white, thick, sticky coating on the tongue.
6. Nasal Congestion
When the fluid accumulates and causes Damp in the Lungs, it becomes Phlegm. If you hold more Damp/Phlegm in the upper body, you may have nasal congestion, frequent and frequent colds.
7. Heavy legs or muscles
Damp is heavy in nature and when it accumulates in the lower body and muscles, you may feel fatigued with heavy legs.
8. Ovulation Cramps
Although ovulation cramps are common, they are not to be expected in a healthy cycle and they are indicative of Damp in the Uterus.
9. Vaginal Discharge
If Damp is held in the lower body, you may experience increased vaginal discharge which would be white, thick and sticky, rather than the clear, stretchy cervical mucus that is normal at ovulation time.
Damp is a common diagnosis in fertility acupuncture in the West, and especially in England due to the wet and cold environment.
Treatment is to ‘clear the Damp and Phlegm’ which can be supported with acupuncture, herbs and the lifestyle advice below:
How Can I Clear Damp?
1. Acupuncture
There are specific acupuncture points which focus on supporting the Spleen Qi and clearing the Damp. There are also specific points to clear Damp from the fallopian tubes, and the fertility organs. Acupuncture to clear Damp can be undertaken at any point of the menstrual cycle.
2. Exercise
All exercise moves the Qi which also helps to flow the fluids and clear Damp. Cardio exercise such as running, cycling, swimming, and HIIT is the most effective.
3. Avoid Damp Environments
Avoid excessive swimming, or camping on damp floors and always dry your hair and your feet after being in the rain or washing your hair.
4. Diet for Damp
To clear Damp, include more radishes in your diet and avoid dairy, peanuts and bananas, all which cause Damp to accumulate in the Spleen. Also include warm foods and drinks in your diet, avoiding fridge cold foods and drinks, especially in the Winter.
5. Keep the Uterus and Feet Warm
Use a hot water bottle on your uterus and wear socks and slippers, avoiding cold floors.
Chinese Herbs
Ask your acupuncture about the use of an individualised prescription for your Spleen Qi deficiency and Damp diagnosis.
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