Acupuncture Online CEU

Acupuncture Continuing Education Online

The following is an excerpt from an online continuing education course for acupuncturists called "PID and Chinese Medicine."  The following section is downloadable in a PDF file for NCCAOM PDAs, California Acupuncture Board CEUs, Florida Board of Acupuncture CEs, Texas CAEs (pending), and CTCMABC credits.

Excerpt:

Diagnoses:
I    Damp Heat in the Lower Burner
II    Excess Heat and Toxins
III    Spleen & Kidney Qi Deficiency and Dampness

Indications:
Completely asymptomatic (or)

White, Red, or Yellow Belt leukorrhea (typically gray or yellow color and often more pronounced immediately following the menstrual period), vaginal bleeding (between menstrual periods, post-menopausal bleeding, and especially following sexual intercourse), painful intercourse, vaginal itching, irritation of the external genitals, burning or frequent urination, lower back pain, abdominal pain, infertility.  In severe cases: fever, nausea


Cervicitis

Symptomatically, cervicitis is often differentiated from other forms of PID by bleeding after sexual intercourse.  Unlike vaginal infections which are typically uncomfortable, a cervical infection may not itch.  Cervical infections, cervicitis, and cervical dysplasia are potentially asymptomatic. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that women have a pap smear at least once per year and more than once per year if there is vaginal discharge.  A cervical infection may cause inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) and/or cervical dysplasia. 

Most cases of cervicitis are caused by an infection.  Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas are three common sexually transmitted diseases contributing to cervicitis.  Other organisms such as herpes simplex, streptococcus, staphylococcus, enterococcus, and Gardnerella vaginalis may also lead to cervicitis.  Other contributory factors to cervicitis may be a reaction to chemicals in douches and contraceptives, tampons, allergic reactions to latex condoms, and physical injury.


Cervical Dysplasia

Cervical dysplasia, labeled “pre-cancer” since it has not yet advanced to the cancer stage, is abnormal growth of the cells lining the cervix.  Mild dysplasia is the most common type and the cervical tissue returns to normal without treatment in the majority of reported cases.

If untreated (and in some cases even when treated), cervical dysplasia may advance to cervical cancer.  Risk factors for cervical dysplasia include multiple sexual partners, HPV (human papillomavirus) infections, HIV infections, tobacco smoking of either the male or female sexual partner, poor nutrition, and the use of oral contraceptives.  Also, the daughters of pregnant women who were prescribed diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, are at risk.  Cervical dysplasia may be asymptomatic.  It is strongly recommended that women have a pap smear at least once per year and more than once per year if there is vaginal discharge.  Routine visits to a gynecologist for early detection may help in the prevention of cervical cancer.


Formulas for Cervical Infection, Cervicitis, & Cervical Dysplasia


FORMULA 1:

Modified Yi Huang Tang        “Modified Change Yellow (discharge) Decoction”

Pulse: slippery, rapid            Tongue: red, yellow coat

Diagnosis: Damp Heat in the Lower Burner with Spleen Qi Deficiency

Indications:  Yellow Belt leukorrhea (yellow color, foul odor), lower abdominal pain, low back pain, infertility, dysmenorrhea, cervical erosion, vaginal bleeding following sexual intercourse

Treatment Principle:  Clear Damp Heat, Drain Dampness, Strengthen the Spleen, Stop Leukorrhea

Ingredients:
Shan Yao                      (Rhizoma Dioscoreae)                 9 grams
Qian Shi                      (Semen Euryales)                     9
Huang Bai                     (Cortex Phellodendri)                6
Che Qian Zi                   (Semen Plantaginis)                  6
Bai Guo (Yin Xing)            (Semen Ginkgo)                       6
Ze Xie                        (Rhizoma Alismatis Orientalis)       6
Chun Gen Pi    (E Bai Pi)     (Cortex Ailanthi)                    6
Mu Dan Pi                     (Cortex Moutan Radicis)              6
Bai Jiang Cao                 (Herba cum Radice Patriniae)         9

For Red Belt leukorrhea add:
San Qi             (Radix Notoginseng)                          6 grams
Di Yu                (Radix Sanguisorbae)                        9

Dose:  1 bag per day        Ratio: Decocted in 3:1 cups of water