One case of fallopian tube obstruction

Patient

Female: 31 years

Introduction

Hysterosalpingography showed both fallopian tubes blocked at both ends with signs of hydrosalpinx. No prospect of successful surgery was ofered. No sign of current infection. Had prolonged pelvic inflammatory disease in 1991 with long-term pain following. Generally few current symptoms. Some signs of mild Liver fire (red tongue sides and premenstrual irritability) and some signs of lingering damp-heat in the lower jiao (moderate greasy, slightly yellow coating at rear of tongue).

Treatment

1. Acupuncture

Tituo (N-CA-4) and Zigong (M-CA-18)
Alternated with
Shuidao ST-28 and Guilai ST-29
plus
Xuehai SP-10 and/or Diji SP-8
Ququan LIV-8 or Yingu KID-10
Sanyinjiao SP-6 and/or Fuliu KID-7
Xingjian LIV-2 or Taichong LIV-3

Acupuncture treatment was given twice a week for 6 months

2. Internal Chinese herbs

Wei Ling Xian (Radix Clemetidis Chinensis) 9g
Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci Mongolici cum Radice) 12g
Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) 15g
Lu Lu Tong (Fructus Liquidambaris Taiwanianae) 15g
Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae) 9g
Qian Cao Gen (Radix Rubiae Cordifoliae) 9g
Zhi Ke (Fructus Citri seu Ponciri) 6g
Zhe Bei Mu Bulbus Fritillariae) 12g
Zao Jiao Ci (Spina Gleditsiae Sinensis) 12g
Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) 20g
Xia Ku Cao (Spica Prunellae Vulgaris) 12g
Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis Lachryma-jobi) 12g

Taken as a daily decoction for 6 months

3. External Chinese herbs

Da Huang (Rhizoma Rhei) 30g
Ji Xue Teng (Radix et Caulis Jixueteng) 30g
Ai Ye (Folium Artemisiae) 30g
Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 30g
Ze Lan (Herba Lycopi Lucidi) 15g
Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae) 15g
Chuan jiao (Fructus Zanthoxyli Bungeani) 15g
Hu Zhang (Radix et Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati) 15g
Chuan Xiong (Radix Ligustici Wallichii) 15g
Xiao Hui Xiang (Fructus Foeniculi Vulgaris) 15g
Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cassiae) 15g
San Leng (Rhizoma Sparganii) 15g
E Zhu (Rhizoma Curcumae Zedoariae) 15g
Wu Yao (Radix Linderae Strychnifoliae) 6g
Xi Xin (Herba Asari cum Radice) 6g
Jiang Xiang (Lignum Dalbergiae Odoriferae) 6g
Bing Pian (Borneol) 3g

Ground to a coarse powder. A suitable amount was moistened with alcohol (gin), and placed (daily) between two layers of cloth over the abdominal area. A hot water bottle was then applied for 20 minutes. The same herbs were used as long as they remained fragrant.

4. External qigong

was administered to the abdominal area twice a week during retention of acupuncture needles. After 6 months, a further hysterosalpingography showed that one tube had become patent (i.e. no longer obstructed).

Thanks to Steve Clavey for his advice on herbal protocols.