Acupuncture and TCM Are Powerful Alternatives For Curing Vaginal Yeast Infections

One of the commonest health problems affecting women today are vaginal yeast infections. A lot of them may seek acupuncture treatment for other conditions but they often also suffer from yeast infections. After being informed that acupuncture in Miami can help cure their infection, most of these women do get treatment from it as well.

The typical factors that can trigger a vaginal yeast infection include:

? Obesity
? pH imbalance
? Birth control pills
? Steroids
? Antibiotics
? Diabetes
? Pregnancy
? Stress

Perhaps, the most important factor in determining whether or not one gets infected is the health of their immune system.

Our immune system suffers when we live in a constant state of stress. Also, cortisone and other steroid medications can inhibit the immune system allowing fungi, viruses, and bacteria to thrive in our body.

The overgrowth of the fungal species Candida albicans is the culprit to the yeast infection known as candidiasis. Because Candida albicans is an organism that naturally resides in the human body, some Western physicians do not view it as a hostile organism and so are reluctant to label candidiasis as an actual disease. Viruses, bacteria, and fungus are usually kept in check by our immune systems, by our body’s normal feedback systems, and by each other. The conventional Western medicine treatment approach to candidiasis is to radically reduce the growth of the organism or completely eliminate it. Drugs used to address vaginal yeast infections are solely designed to destroy the yeast cells.

In the treatment of candidiasis, Chinese medicine takes a more comprehensive approach. The combined use of dietary changes, Chinese herbal remedies, and acupuncture is aimed at beefing up the immune system to prevent recurrence, altering the environment that helps breed the fungus, and bringing the yeast cells under control. The following is a treatment approach acupuncturists and other Chinese medicine practitioners often use to help address candidiasis or vaginal yeast infections.

First, they use an herbal formula designed for external application that would eliminate excess yeast cells. The raw herbs are placed in a pot of water and boiled to make a liquid that can be used as a wash or douche to clean the affected area. Herbs that are known to possess anti-fungal qualities include Pu Gong Ying (Mongolian Dandelion), Ye Ju Hwa (Wild chrysanthemum), Yi Yi Ren (Coix seed), Cang Zhu (black atractylodes rhizome), She Chuang Zi (Cnidium Fruit), Huang Bai (Amur Cork Tree Bark), Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus Cortex), and Ku Shen (Sophora Root). Internal herbal formulas are also used to help eliminate the elements within the body that promote the overgrowth of yeast and to strengthen the function of the immune system. One of the great things about these herbs is that they don’t have any harmful side effects. They all are safe to use and can be taken for long periods of time without the risk of side effects. In case women suddenly develop an infection, a lot of them have been known to keep anti-fungal herbs in their spare bag.

Acupuncture and herbs that restore balance to the energy of the body, remove dampness from the system, dispel excess heat, and stimulate the immune response are the best healing approaches that can completely cure candidiasis and vaginal yeast infections.

The next phase once an infection is kept under control is to prevent the rise of future infections. The keys to permanent freedom from recurring infections are a strong immune system and a healthy diet. We don’t recommend following the typical American diet because it promotes the development of yeast and is mainly composed of wheat, dairy, and sweets. No person can expect to become healthy when eating these foods especially when one is susceptible to a yeast infection. It is very hard to achieve a total yeast-elimination diet; nevertheless, it is extremely important to limit the consumption of mushrooms; fermented foods (tamari sauce, alcohol, vinegar); pasta, bread, and other wheat-based products; fats; and sweets. Instead of dairy products can consume soy products such as soy yogurt, soy cheese, or soy milk. Instead of cooking with cream cheese, use tofu. Wheat alternatives can include oats and rice. You can also buy breads in several groceries and supermarkets that are yeast-free.