Non invasive alternatives to healing fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non cancerous tumors that grow within the wall of the uterus. Fibroids, known as leiomyomata, can vary in size and numbers and maybe accompanied by infertility, miscarriage , and early onset of labor. 50-75% of women will suffer from fibroids in her lifetime that’s 1 in 5 women over the age 35. Black women in the U.S. are 3 times more likely than white women to develop uterine fibroids and are 2 to 3 times more likely to undergo surgery.

WHY?

Researchers have found a number of elements that are linked to this disparity, though no cause had been identified. Here’s what we know:

• There may be some genetic element that increases this tendency among African-American women.

• Another study suggested that greater overall lifetime stress might help trigger fibroids.

• Some evidence suggests environmental factors, such as diet or a history of abuse, increase the risk.

• Another study pointed to a Vitamin D deficiency due to darker skin.

• One of the most unusual – and possibly controversial – connections seems to be with hair relaxer.

• To do the job, hair relaxers contain hormonally-active compounds and harsh chemicals, some which even cause burns on the skin.

• A study of more than 23,000 African-American women found increased risk of fibroids among those who had the longest and most frequent use – and most burns – from hair relaxer.

• Women living in the South with higher educational attainment, higher income and white-collar jobs registered the most frequent use of hair relaxer and, therefore, the greatest risk of early and more severe fibroids.

There are 4 different types of Fibroids

Fibroids are classified by there location and can range in size from the size of pinhead to that of a 9 month baby. Their growth rate is usually slow but will thicken and grow quickly due to stress. Estrogen is one of the leading causes of new fibroid development.Fibroids that are inside the cavity of the uterus are called introcavitarymyomas will cause bleeding in between periods also known as metrorrhagia and often cause severe cramping.

Submucousmyomas are partially in the cavity and partially in the wall of the uterus. They too can cause heavy bleeding between periods.

Intramural myxomas are fibroids that are in the wall of the uterus and ca nrange from microscopic to the size of a grapefruit. Doctors often say these type don’t cause problems unless they get large however the goal is for them not to ever get large so taking care of your fibroids as soon as you find out that you have them is important.

There are 2 types of fibroids that are in the walls of the uterus. Subserousmyomas are on the outside of the walls of the uterus and may even be connected to the uterus another type of fibroid. They also say that they don’t need treatment unless they grow large but also states how these types of fibroids can twist and cause pain. This is why as I recently mentioned the importance of taking care of your fibroids early.

Women whose fibroids cause heavy menstrual bleeding may become anemic over time. Women with large uterus may not be able to eat normally as the fibroids can be leaving little room which can make it uncomfortable to eat. This is how women with fibroids can also become malnourished.

Types of foods to avoid when you have fibroids

If your are trying to manage your fibroids and maintain or shrink their current size, balancing your hormones naturally is a first great step. Your diet has a huge impact on your hormone levels which is why it is one of the first areas you can apply changes.

• High-Fat, Processed Meats – Red processed meat is known to be high in added hormones, particularly estrogen.

• High-fat Dairy Products – Conventional dairy can contain high levels of steroids, hormones, and other chemicals that promote inflation.

• Foods High in Salt – Highly salted foods are hard on your liver, which is the organ that is most responsible for removing toxins and balancing hormones.

• Refined Carbohydrates – White foods such as pasta, white bread, white rice, cakes, and cookies have been known to alter estrogen levels, causing fibroids to increase in size.

• Refined Sugar – High consumption of sugar can result in inflammation and weight gain; there is an association between weight gain and hormone imbalance.

• Caffeine – Too much caffeine puts additional stress on your liver, discouraging the organ from working the way it should (think: balancing hormones!)

• Alcohol – Over-consumption of alcohol can lead to inflammation of the body and reduced immune function. Reducing or eliminating alcohol can help promote a healthy balance of hormones

Supplements may also help shrink or maintain fibroid size. Vitex, fish oil, and B-complex are a few supplements that have been known for creating a better hormone balance. Additionally, the fatty acids in fish oil (or cold water fish) may help fight inflammation that could contribute to fibroid growth. Be sure to speak with your physician before introducing new supplements into your diet.

Foods to buy when you have fibroids

• Organic foods

• Leafy greens

• Flaxseeds

• Whole grains

• Foods high in iron ( grass fed beef and legumes)

• Beta Carotene rich foods such as (carrots and sweet potatoes)

Treatment Options

While most doctors would often times just recommend hysterectomy procedures I am against this for so many reasons. I think its a genocide to black women to be prescribed hysterectomy procedures for fibroids when there are less non invasive alternatives that also a women to keep her uterus. There is a case last year where a medical doctor treated her uterine fibroids. with a consistent yoni steaming practice. After consistent steaming for 6 months, her ultrasound showed that all 3 of her fibroids had decreased in size. The first went from 11cm to 8cm. The second went from 7cm to 4cm and the third went from 6cm to 3cm. The doctor attributed the reduction of her fibroids to the vaginal steaming she had been doing and decided that she was going to take it more seriously after seeing the results.

If you’ve bent the gynecologist and have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and would like to take a more natural approach to your healing as opposed to doing invasive procedures like a myomectomy or hysterectomy book a womb healing consultation to learn more..

Common Misconceptions of Yoni Steaming

Today I want to share with you some of the common misconceptions that I often experience as a yoni steam practitioner from women who aren’t familiar with the practice. I hope that if you’re a goddess that is on the fence about starting your yoni steaming practice that this information is helpful to you.

Steaming caused my BV to get worst

Green fishy discharge is often one of the main signs of BV. When this discharge appears after a steaming session one might think that steaming may have worsened their BV. However steam can't introduce mucus into the vaginal canal. So if you see green discharge after your steaming session it is important to understand that the steam encouraged the discharge to exit your body but didn't create it.

When steaming for BV the steam plan is to remove the irregular discharge so the bad bacteria no longer have a place to thrive and so the good bacteria can re-populate. So if you see green discharge after your steaming session it's okay and encouraged. If you are using yoni steaming for infections working with a yoni steaming professional is helpful to understand what to expect and how to interpret a successful outcome.

Steaming caused me to get a yeast infection

If someone wants to yoni steam for yeast infection purposes. It is important to understand that when you're steaming with this intention which in this case it would be to remove excess mucus from the reproductive organs so that the yeast can no longer thrive in the vagina. So in this case seeing clumpy discharge in your steaming session is encouraged.

Steam cannot introduce mucus into the vagina. Steam is water and it cannot create thick mucus in the reproductive organs but it does help drain it out Just as a shower might help drain nasal congestion. a vaginal steaming session may drain the mucus that may be sitting in the vaginal canal.

Steaming caused my cramps to get worse

You usually will not experience cramps if you practice this. However, occasionally yoni steam users report an increase in cramping after yoni steaming. The majority of these experiences stem from women who use plug-in products such as tampons which restrict the blow flow and cause the uterus to contract aka cramp. If someone has a substantial amount of old residue in their womb steaming will help loosen that old residue.

As a steam user, you have to understand that the period is a uterine cleanse and implements the 5 principles of womb cleanse care

• Prioritize rest

• Do not plug (no tampons)

• Keep your womb warm

• Hydrate/ Nourish

• No strenuous exercise

I tried steaming and it didn't work for me 

Sometimes people will say they've tried steaming and it didn't work for them. This could be several reasons. A woman may feel like steaming didn't work for her because she experienced mucus, discharge, or cramps. Yoni steaming is not one size fits all so she may have not had the right herbs tailored for her body. Or she may have not dedicated enough time to her steaming regimen. It is recommended to steam for at least 3- 6 months. Or she may have not had a comfortable set up which prevented her from being able to complete her sessions.

Doctors don't recommend vaginal steaming

It's not true that all doctors don't recommend yoni steaming. Some of them don't recommend it because they aren’t knowledgeable about the practice. Even though your doctor may be a woman the foundation of the medical system is very patriarchal. Dr. Laurena White, an ob-gyn incorporates yoni steaming into her practice because of her personal experience with it and the results she’s seen with her patients. She also shines a light on how other doctors may advise against the practice because they're unfamiliar.

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Yoni Steaming for Postpartum

Yoni steaming for postpartum recovery has a rich, robust, and global history. Unfortunately, with the onset of Western gynecology in the late 19th century, vaginal steaming was part of the wisdom lost though the banishment of midwifery. Thankfully, birthing people around the planet are revitalizing this practice. Indigenously Yoni steams were was and is still used to help the womb completely cleanse after birth. For those who have had C-section births...YOU can/need to do this to!! Vaginal steaming is a relaxing self care ritual that is good for the mind and heart and can even help with nursing. 

Here are eight ways you may experience the bountiful healing potential of postpartum yoni steaming.

1. Steam Aids in Clearing out the Lochia

Postpartum yoni steaming supports the complete cleanse of the uterus including the lochia, a mixture of blood and mucus. The steam helps loosen and liquify the lochia allowing for its release to occur more quickly and more completely. Clearing out the Lochia: * Helps reduce the chance of infection, of which a fever is often a sign * Reduces postpartum contractions * Helps the uterus get back to size and return to pre-pregnancy position * Helps the menstrual cycle return with a normal, optimal, and pain free period

2. Supports the tightening of the vaginal opening and vaginal canal

As these vaginal tissues tighten they are better able to hold the uterus in aligned placement. In turn, other organs return to optimal positioning which helps prevent prolapse.

3. Steam helps lift the uterus and neighboring organs back into place

Steam has a rising action and lifts everything back into place which is a critical aspect of postpartum healing. With organs back in place, incidences of bladder incontinence are reduced. Contrary to our cultural misbeliefs, incontinence is not inevitable. Rather incontinence is a sign of incomplete postpartum healing.

4. Steam reduces skin swelling

Yoni steaming postpartum helps swollen skin go back to normal.

5. Steam can help heal hemorrhoids

For optimal benefits for hemorrhoid release make sure you are positioned properly so that the steam reaches all areas of the pelvic floor, including the anus.

6. Increases circulation and disperses water retention

As unaddressed water retention turns to fat after 3-4 weeks, this may be why one study showed that postpartum vaginal steaming supported quickened weight loss.

7. Postpartum yoni steaming may addresses past period problems

After delivery, the cervix remains open for 4-6 weeks. So during your yoni steam for postpartum, the cervix is open. This makes it it an optimal time for for a full uterine reset. Birthing people who received a good cleanse from postpartum vaginal steaming have reported experiencing healthier periods after having given birth than they had pre-conception.

8. Vaginal Steaming releases Oxytocin, the feel good/ bonding hormone

Stimulation of the cervix and uterine walls releases oxytocin. As mentioned above, during postpartum yoni steaming the cervix is often open. This allows the steam to touch the vaginal canal and cervix and to stimulate the uterine walls. This happy/love hormone is also an important piece of the prevention of postpartum depression and oxytocin also helps support milk supply. IMPORTANT: Postpartum yoni steaming is only safe after the uterine arteries have closed. Proper herb selection and a personalized steaming schedule are critical for safety.