An introduction to Fu Ke Chinese Gynaecological Medicine

Like all branches of Chinese Medicine, traditional gynaecology has a long history dating back more than 3,000 years. Inscriptions found on bones and shells as early as 1066 BC describe Fu Ke Chinese Gynaecological ailments and treatments. The earliest records of gynaecological medical writing date back to the Shang Dynasty (1500 -1000 BC).

Since 1949 there has been some integration of Western and Chinese medicine and subsequently, many innovative treatments have been devised. For example, in China, ectopic pregnancy is often treated without surgical intervention; Acupuncture is used for breech presentation of the foetus and for pain relief during caesarean sections. Chinese herbs are used in the treatment of myomas and cervical carcinoma.

Chinese gynaecology can be seen to provide a viable complement to Western medicine, in an area where it is much needed. It supplies a comprehensive framework for the classification and treatment of the 'vague' symptoms which often accompany a functional disorder, by re-establishing the proper workings of the body with methods which are more gentle and subtle than those offered by contemporary medicine.

Moreover, when necessary, this non-invasive, conservative treatment combines well with standard Western medical techniques, in, for example, the treatment of structural diseases or the side effects of more drastic and invasive therapies.

How does traditional Chinese gynaecology differ from Western gynaecology?
What areas of gynaecology does Chinese Herbal Medicine address?
What can I expect in a consultation?
What happens during a treatment?
How many treatments will I need?
What is the cost of treatment?
How can I make an appointment?
Where can I find books, websites and research?
What do Jo's clients say?

How does traditional Chinese gynaecology differ from Western gynecology?
The main difference is that Western gynaecology deals in general with 'organic' diseases, which are usually detectable by visual or microscopic examination of the tissues and organs involved. Treatment therefore consists of repair, excision, or replacement of the diseased tissue. The disadvantage of this approach is very apparent before the disease reaches a destructive stage, at which time diagnostic tests are often inconclusive.

This is where Chinese Gynaecology and Chinese Medicine are most useful, as it can perceive imbalance in the body that may not be picked up by investigative techniques. Endometriosis for example does not occur suddenly, but over the whole of a women's reproductive lifetime. In Chinese Gynaecology, clinical attention is focussed on details such as the regularity, amount, colour and texture of the menstrual flow, and any imbalances are corrected as they arise. Irregular periods, scanty flow and period pain for example are considered pathological in China, and are treated accordingly.

What areas of gynaecology does Chinese Herbal Medicine address?
Traditionally, there are certain disorders for which Chinese Herbal Medicine is particularly recommended; Menstrual disorders including shortened or lengthened cycle, irregularity, excessive flow or insufficient flow, amenorrhoea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, PMT, period pain, infertility, and menopausal symptoms can all be improved by the use of Chinese Gynaecological Herbal Medicine.

Chinese herbs also have a long history of aiding and promoting fertility. No individual herb is considered especially useful but instead, more than 150 different herbs are used, normally given in a complex formula of 15 herbs or more. The differences between individuals and their symptoms, accounts for the variation in the selection of the formulas and herbs used.

Although the outcome for any given individual cannot be predicted, clinical studies conducted in China suggest fertility can be aided in some cases (male and female) by Chinese herbs. Included in these statistics are cases of infertility involving obstruction of the fallopian tubes, amenorrhoea, absence of ovulation, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and a low sperm count in the male. However, it must be stressed that treatment outcome is always very individual, and western medicine may also have been included in these clinical trials.

Chinese Herbal Medicine is also used effectively to treat vaginal discharge, infection, inflammation and itching.

Whilst Chinese obstetricians have relinquished supervision of delivery to Western medicine, Acupuncture has is extensively used in private practice, and in a unique NHS maternity clinic in Plymouth where nearly three thousand pregnant women have been treated.

Antenatal ailments successfully treated with Acupuncture include nausea and hyper emesis, backache and sciatica, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, constipation, headaches/migraine, heartburn, carpal tunnel syndrome, oedema, abdominal pain, skin problems, anxiety, breech presentation, and the side effects of becoming a non-smoker.

Post partum difficulties including retention of the afterbirth, vaginal bleeding, fever, abdominal pain, constipation, impeded or uncontrollable urine flow, anaemia, generalised aching of the joints, and deficient and excessive lactation can also be treated, as can abdominal masses (endometriosis), prolapsed uterus, and emotional disturbances.

What can I expect in a consultation?
Diagnosis in Chinese gynaecology does not involve a gynaecological examination as performed in Western gynaecology, although the findings of such examinations are taken into account in determining the nature of the problem. This is because the results of such an examination describes the status of the structure of the tissues while Jo's interest is primarily in the status of the functioning of the body.

Diagnosis, therefore, mainly involves attention to the symptoms of the patient such as what kind of pain or tension she feels, where and when she experiences it, the presence or absence of thirst, perspiration, dizziness, tinnitus, emotional upset and stress. Emphasis is also placed on food intake, functioning of the bowels and urination, the menstrual flow and the patient's environment at home and at work. These findings are combined with observations of the complexion and build, the tongue, and the palpation of the pulse at both wrists.

What happens during a treatment?
Chinese Medicine has a whole range of therapeutic techniques at its disposal, including herbs, Acupuncture, Moxibustion, diet, massage, and specialised exercises, some of which involve training in breathing. Each of these techniques is a field of a study with its own specialists. However Herbs and acupuncture are by far the most common methods of treatment that Jo uses. During Acupuncture, needles are either inserted for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20-30 minutes, depending on the effect required. During this time there may be a heavy sensation in the limbs and a pleasant feeling of relaxation. Herbs can be taken as a decoction (like tea), in powders, pills, plasters, and syrups. The most common form is the decoction.

Following diagnosis, a standard herbal prescription is chosen for the condition, and then sculpted by adding or taking away different but related herbs until the formula matches precisely the needs and state of health of the individual patient. The effect of the prescription upon the patient is determined at the next consultation and the herbs are adjusted accordingly.

How many treatments will I need?
Treatment can be as short as one or two weeks in cases of for example, vaginal discharge or may take up to three months for something like dysmenorrhoea, or even up to a year or longer in the treatment of infertility. While the average treatment may be slower than its Western counterpart because of the more conservative methods employed by physicians of Chinese gynaecology, and while no treatment western or Chinese, can ever claim 100% success, it is generally conceded that of all the departments of Chinese Medicine, gynaecology obtains the best results.

What is the cost of treatment?
**All treatments/consultations are one hour in length

- For Chinese herbal medicine estimate around £12-15 per week in addition to the treatment charges above.
- Out of clinic hours one - hour embryo transfer treatments are £75 each (subject to availability).

How can I make an appointment?
Phone Jo on 020 8374 4566 for an appointment at her clinic in Highgate, North London.

What do Jo's clients say?

Pregnancy, constipation and Insomnia
I first visited Jo when I was 9 weeks pregnant with my first child. I was suffering from chronic constipation and was already having problems sleeping. As I was only in the UK for 8 weeks, I asked for weekly appointments. I was amazed how relaxing the Acupuncture sessions were. Although I'm not keen on needles, Jo's professional touch meant I felt virtually no discomfort and I was able to relax completely. Jo also introduced me to Reiki and massage therapy. The energy that flowed through my body after these wonderful sessions was very uplifting and I always felt really positive and alive.

I know a lot of this is purely down to Jo's unique and lovely personality. It takes someone special to give back so much to others. The herbal remedies she advised me to take helped give me energy and I had a wonderfully healthy pregnancy and am now the proud mum of a beautiful baby girl. I would have loved to have Jo present at the birth of my daughter here in Singapore. When I return to the UK I will definitely continue with the Acupuncture
MT, Mother Singapore

Pregnancy
As a busy mother of two young children, I regard my monthly massages with Jo as a pampering treat. Using a combination of aromatherapy massage and Chinese Herbal Medicines, Jo supported me throughout my second pregnancy and twice helped me to recover post natally. With Jo's expertise, guidance and support, I have overcome various ailments including back pain, heavy periods, poor skin, colds, exhaustion, scarring and fear of birth (I had two caesarean sections). I would highly recommend Jo to anyone.
KS, Mother, London N6

Painful and irregular menstruation
I came to Jo with a long history of painful, irregular menstruation with PMT and pelvic pain, headaches, fatigue and a bad back with sciatica. After nearly a decade of unsuccessful treatment by conventional Western medicine with drugs, internal examinations, scans and surgery, there was still no diagnosis for my endometriosis-like symptoms. I felt exhausted, depressed, desperate and almost violated by the invasive approach employed by traditional doctors. I chose to seek an alternative approach when I was told by a consultant, at the age of 24, that the only “treatment” was a hysterectomy as I was probably infertile anyway.

My first appointment with Jo was a breath of fresh air. She listened to me patiently while I explained the history of my symptoms. She recognised a link between my symptoms that had never been recognised before. She began to formulate a series of acupuncture prescriptions and herbal medicine that was tailored to my situation. Unlike traditional prescriptions, my treatment was continually modified, according my progress and specific needs at the different times of my cycle. Throughout the sessions, I felt relaxed, safe, individual and important. Almost instantly, my symptoms “peeled” away. Within 1 month, I saw a dramatic improvement in my health and state of mind. After only 3 months of treatment, which now includes Reiki, my menstrual cycle has been regulated, PMT symptoms reduced, pelvic pain very infrequent and the sciatica hasn’t returned.

Jo’s approach to healing was a welcome change to traditional medicine. It is non-invasive and personal. She encourages to me to understand the treatment I am receiving and has introduced me to Reiki healing. She is a warm, compassionate and highly skilled, intuitive healer, who is continually striving to improve her knowledge and its application.
CD, Neuroendocrinology Research, SW11