ilumina Healing Sanctuary
7520 East Camelback Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
602.957.2602




In This Issue:

Nutrition, Massage, Acupuncture Can Help Ease the Suffering of Endometriosis

We recently acquired a great new book to our lending library, "Endometriosis: A Key to Healing and Fertility Through Nutrition" by Dian Shepperson Mills MA And Michael Vernon PhD HCLD. Nutrition therapy can be very effective in reducing symptoms and controlling pain associated with Endometriosis.

 

This book gives information including:

  • an explanation of how endometriosis affects the body
  • advice on how reduce pain and improve fertility
  • the key role played by nutrition
  • information on foods that harm, foods that heal, and vitamins and minerals
  • recipes and meal suggestions
  • case studies from women that have improved their quality of life using these dietary changes

Along with the suggestions and advice given in the book, ilumina also offers Mayan Abdominal Massage Therapy, which can reposition displaced organs and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, and acupuncture. Both of which can decrease pain symptoms and improve fertility for those wishing to conceive.

Is your lifestyle affecting your qi?
Acupuncture and herbal therapies help you maintain a healthy balance of Qi, the Chinese term for vital energy.

In Chinese medicine, your body is considered to be the storehouse of Qi. You are born with a certain amount of Qi and you acquire another kind of Qi through the food you eat and the air you breath. You want to be sure this storehouse of Qi and essence is full and that you are vigilant to maintain a healthy balance. This Qi and essence keeps your body functioning and running smoothly.

I often tell my patient to make sure they do not spend all their "Qi chips." Activities that drain your energy bank include dietary abuses, inadequate sleep, stress, sexual excess, and exhausting physical labor.
Business Hours
Monday: 8:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m. 
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
Sunday: CLOSED

Please note that while these are our standard office hours, on occasion we may not be open during these times. Please give us a call before stopping by. Our practitioners see clients by appointment only. 

Contact ilumina 
to schedule a session.

    Endometriosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine 

Endometriosis is a common disease affecting 10-15 percent of menstruating women between the ages of 24 and 40 years old. It is a hereditary disorder and common symptoms include pelvic pain, infertility, painful menstruation and intercourse. The pain can range from relatively minor to severe which can negatively disrupt daily life and personal relationships. Diagnosis can be tricky and is sometimes given based upon symptoms and a skilled ultrasound reading but the gold standard is laparoscopic surgery. Allopathic medicine treats endometriosis by surgically removing the endometrial 'plugs' or with hormonal therapy.

 

Chinese medicine views endometriosis as a stagnation in the reproductive organs. The stagnation of Qi, Blood, Cold and/or Phlegm arises out of an underlying Kidney organ system deficiency. The tongue can have a purplish tinge especially towards the root and the pulse can have a bowstring quality.

 

Treatment revolves around correcting the root imbalance and includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs and supplements, abdominal massage, and nutritional recommendations that move the stagnation and restore the Kidney Qi.

 

Although this in itself will not get rid of endometriosis, Chinese medicine treatment can significantly reduce pain and other symptoms, decrease inflammation, and increase fertility.

 

Although Chinese herbs are always used in formulas consisting of multiple herbs and I formulate each for the individual, I wanted to share with you one of my favorites for endometriosis.

 

Yi Mu Cao (Leonuri Herba) the literal translation is 'benefit mother herb'. It is effective for moving the stagnation caused by endometriosis and effectively treats heavy menstruation which is purple and clotty with pelvic pain. It can regulate menstruation and treat post partum pain. Please do not try this herb without consultation as there are contraindications and this herb is not suited for everyone.

 

Some nutritional and lifestyle recommendations are:

  • Eat an organic, whole foods, high fiber, plant based diet
  • Use ginger, turmeric, and flaxseeds
  • Avoid alcohol, red meat, caffeine, sugar and chocolate
  • Supplement with Vitamin E and Vitamin C
  • Exercise daily
Whole Food Nutrition for Endometriosis
two-takeout-boxes.jpg
A quick and easy vegetarian recipe adapted from "Recipes for the Endometriosis Diet" by Carolyn Levett:

 

Sesame Broccoli, Red Pepper and Spinach

 

A trio of vegetables is flavored Asian-style with sesame and garlic.
  • 1 tsp. sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp. organic olive oil
  • 1 bunch organic broccoli, cut  into 1-inch florets, stems peeled and cut into 2" x 1/4 " strips
  • 1 organic red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
  • 1 garlic clove, minced or finely chopped
  • 10 oz. washed organic spinach (can substitute organic kale, if desired)
  • 2 tsp. sesame oil
  1. Toast sesame seeds in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, stirring until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer to a small bowl.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in same pan until hot. Add broccoli and red pepper; cook until the broccoli is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, spinach and sesame oil, mix well. Cover and cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
front of clinic
Visit our Yelp Find us on Yelp page to read  reviews, or leave one yourself.
  

Check in to our Yelp page when you visit, leave a tip or review, and receive 10% off your herbs and supplements.

 

 

Learn what your first visit will be like or call us at 602-957-2602 to book an appointment.
 
Receive a complimentary 30 minute  
massage when you refer a friend

To thank all patients who tell their friends and family about the health benefits of massage and acupuncture, we would like to reward them with a complimentary 30 minute massage. After your friend completes their first appointment, we will mail you a gift certificate to thank you! Call 602-957-2602 for more details.
Share the benefits of health with a friend
Find us on Yelp Twitter Facebook
STAY CONNECTED