In my practice as a phytotherapist specializing in hormonal health, I encounter many cases of women whose options for treating fibroids are severely limited beyond the clinic. It often seems that a benign finding is ultimately destined for surgical intervention. In this article, I share my expertise on how well-targeted and regular herbal steaming therapy can help…
To begin, let’s familiarize ourselves with the term fibroid.
Fibroids are firm, round, non-cancerous growths of the muscular layers within the uterus. They consist of dense tissues and, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), are “stagnant phlegm.” Fibroids are typically found in the main part of the uterus and cause unpleasant intermenstrual bleeding, irregular menstrual cycles, and pain. They can vary significantly in size, from tiny, pea-sized growths to very large ones. Cysts, unlike fibroids, are benign fluid-filled growths that, when they increase in size, begin to cause pain but do not cause bleeding.
- Intramural fibroids: These are the most common type of fibroids and are located within the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Submucosal fibroids: These fibroids protrude into the uterine cavity and are usually found in the muscle beneath the inner lining of the uterine wall.
- Subserosal fibroids: These fibroids extend beyond the uterine wall and grow in the surrounding outer layer of uterine tissue. These fibroids can still be treated with steaming, but the steam reaches them with slightly more difficulty.
Why do they occur?
- Impaired digestion and metabolism
- Hormonal imbalance
- Stress and emotional pressure
- Improper diet and lifestyle
The occurrence and growth of fibroids are associated with high estrogen dominance in the body. (Similar to cysts. Note that they have much in common, and therefore their treatment will not differ significantly.) The hormones estrogen and progesterone function like scales. If they are not in balance, one side becomes dominant. Estrogen dominance can be caused by hormonal contraception, estrogen-producing foods, toxic cosmetics, an unhealthy lifestyle, or other hormonal disorders.
What your symptoms might look like
- Mild to severe pelvic pain
- Irregular and painful menstruation
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Weight gain
- Discomfort or swelling in the lower abdomen (especially with large fibroids)
- Urinary or bowel problems, including frequent urination and constipation
Herbal Steaming Therapy
First and foremost, I strongly recommend that you book a consultation with a certified instructor and trained herbal steaming provider who will set up a personalized treatment plan for you. You can use my services here: https://www.steamingvagaia.sk/p/poradenstvo/<br>
Regular steaming can be truly effective in healing fibroids because steam has the ability to release stagnation and dampness in the body. Fluid/mucus gets trapped in the body, and this accumulation of fluid creates dampness. Steam can help release stagnation and facilitate the drainage of mucus and the clearing of fibroids.
Bleeding is a contraindication!
We must remember that we never steam if we are bleeding frequently, typically fresh red blood. If bleeding has permanently stopped at some point during treatment, we still prioritize gentle steaming over advanced steaming. This means 5 to 10 minutes of steaming – longer steaming is NOT RECOMMENDED.
Frequency: 2 to 3 times a week.
Which herbs do we choose?
We choose a blend of herbs with cleansing and anti-inflammatory effects: Yarrow, Calendula, Motherwort, Lavender, Lemongrass.
