by Victoria Goldsten, HD, Phd, LAc, ND, LPN, LMT
According to the Mayo Clinic
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids aren’t associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.
Uterine fibroids develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus (myometrium). A single cell divides repeatedly, eventually creating a firm, rubbery mass distinct from nearby tissue. The growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary – they may grow slowly or rapidly, or they may remain the same size. Some fibroids go through growth spurts, and some may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that have been present during pregnancy shrink or disappear after pregnancy, as the uterus goes back to a normal size.
Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. They can be single or multiple, in extreme cases expanding the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage.
As many as 3 out of 4 women have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives, but most are unaware of them because they often cause no symptoms. Your doctor may discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound.
In women who have symptoms, the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Prolonged menstrual periods – seven days or more of menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Constipation
- Backache or leg pains
Once you know you have fibroids, you can work with your conventional medical and complementary medicine practitioners to treat the condition.
Complementary Medicine Evaluation for Fibroids
When working with Uterine Fibroids at the Washington Institute of Natural Medicine we first provide the Natural Health Care Exam. This exam evaluates function rather than using the diagnostic techniques offered by Medical Doctors. This evaluation complements the conventional medical care provided by practitioners such as MDs and Nurse Practitioners. It is important for clients with Uterine Fibroids to have an official diagnosis from their Medical Doctor or Nurse practitioner.In treating Uterine Fibroids naturally the practitioner assess the body with natural theories, recommends natural remedies to shrink the fibroids, and focuses on the filtration mechanisms of the body through the kidneys or liver. Although conventional medical techniques may show there are no abnormalities in the filtration systems the natural health care exam reveals sub clinical weaknesses that do not show up on conventional tests. This is based upon function rather than disease.
About the Natural Health Exam
The natural health exam is a comprehensive study of the human body using observation skills from the Orient and Europe. It is a preventative approach focusing on organ system efficiency and cleansing. Its goal is to heal the internal workings of the human body rather than just treating symptoms. By improving the condition of the organs and tissues, symptoms will begin to dissipate and as a result the body becomes stronger.
The natural health exam looks for imbalances prior to and during a disease state. These imbalances point the practitioner in the proper direction for healing the areas of concern. It also helps with disease prevention. These methods augment conventional medical care. The components of a natural health exam provided at the Washington Institute are:
Client History
Hara Study
Iridology
Pulse Reading
Visual/Face Observation
Kinesiology
Bio-Energy Field Testing
Remedy Testing/Selection
Homeopathic Remedies, Herbal, Aromatherapy, or Supplement Recommendations
After an exam is completed there are additional therapies can be added to intensify the power of the natural remedies such as:
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Chakra Balancing with Guided Imagery
Detox Massage
Acupressure or Acupuncture
Reflexology Foot Therapy
Reiki Energy Work
For an evaluation and exam ask for Dr. Victoria Goldsten, HD
About Dr. Goldsten:
Dr. Victoria Goldsten, HD, has been caring for the sick since 1973. Her first health care experience was in nursing at several local hospitals and health care facilities. She later studied and received certificates in: homeopathy, Reiki, acupressure, massage, lymphatic drainage, cranial spinal therapy, and hypnotherapy. She has a B.S. degree in Nursing and a Doctorate degree in Homeopathy. She is currently working as the Director and an Integrative Homeopath at the Washington Institute of Natural Medicine.
The phone number is (202) 686-8202. The web site is: www.NaturalHealthDC.com.