(43) Life After Breast Cancer

Can acupuncture increase libido?

Acupuncture and herbal Chinese medicine incorporate more than 2,000 years of experience in treating sexual dysfunction. Multiple studies have concluded that when acupuncture needles are placed in specific key locations of the body, many processes are activated, including hormone release, nervous system regulation, and increased vascular blood flow. Acupuncture also has a profound calming effect on mental and emotional states, thus enhancing feelings of well-being and sexual desire.

Acupuncture has been used for several hundred years to treat a variety of medical concerns, including pelvic pain, headaches, menopausal hot flashes, and anxiety. The authors have developed an acupuncture and herbal medicine program that specifically addresses the concerns of women who are suffering from lowered libido. It has been very helpful for women with breast cancer who have hot flashes and lowered libido. Our comprehensive approach couples Eastern and Western medical practices. The acupuncturist typically takes a comprehensive history. An individualized management plan is created, and ongoing care often yields excellent results. Traditional Chinese medicine specialists feel that sex drive and desire are from Yuan Chi. According to the book Chi and Libido by Tom Tam, Yuan Chi is defined as the genuine chi and can be thought of as the life essence provided at conception by both parents. Yuan Chi is housed in the kidney, and its primary function is to promote normative bodily growth and development, as well as to maintain the health and vigor of all bodily functions. With time, Yuan Chi can be diminished by a variety of different issues such as poor diet, excessive lifestyle, stress, and diseases such as cancer and their subsequent treatments.

When considering the complex issue of sexual function in women, treatment must be tailored to the patterns of imbalance that are revealed through tongue and pulse diagnosis, as well as detailed history concerning diet, lifestyle, and medical and emotional health.

Acupuncturists are specialized healthcare professionals who are required to complete 4 years of academic and clinical training before becoming eligible to take the rigorous state and licensing examinations. Strict standards are required to maintain their licenses. Needles, when used, are under strict healthcare regulations for maintaining sterile environments.

Can exercise improve sexual function?

Besides the obvious health reasons, numerous recent studies have shown that regular exercise can remarkably improve sexuality. Exercise has also been linked to decreased breast cancer rates. Exercise may enhance sexual performance and decrease sexual dysfunction from physical, physiologic, and psychological perspectives. A frequent and intense exercise program that focuses on cardiovascular and muscular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility can allow for longer lasting and more comfortable sex.

One sexual encounter actually burns 50–200 calories, which is comparable to one to three small chocolate chip cookies. Physical exercise improves physiologic sexual response and functioning by increasing circulation, which includes blood flow to the genital region. A recent study conducted by Cindy Meston at the University of Texas at Austin shows that when women have exercised vigorously for 20 minutes they are more quickly aroused than without exercise. Exercise has also been shown to reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and increase a personal sense of confidence. These positive psychological effects cause you to feel good about your personal, physical, and sexual attractiveness and ability. Exercise is an important aspect for breast cancer survivorship because many studies have shown that improved exercise plans and vigorous exercise can be associated with decreased disease recurrence. Consult an exercise specialist and begin a new exercise plan today! You, your heart, and your love life will be happy you did!

Magnolia Myrick:

I decided that even if I went to the gym and laid down on the treadmill, I was getting my behind in there. People think cancer patients always lose weight. Wrong! If you’re having chemo and all you feel like eating is macaroni and cheese, guess what? I upped my training sessions to three days a week-a luxury not all budgets or schedules allow, I realize, but that is no excuse for doing nothing. A structured program, something or someone that compels you to show up is best, no doubt, but anything is better than nothing.

The hardest thing about exercising is beginning. Put on those sneakers and walk out the door. Even if you just go around the block, good! Bet you’ll go further, though. I came to see exercise as essential not just to my overall recovery and fitness, but to my confidence, energy, and sense of well-being.

All this stuff is scientifically documented, of course, but I’m telling you, it’s the best thing you can do for yourself. It makes everything better. Go at your own pace, and do what you can. You will amaze yourself. And you know what? During treatment, I definitely had some days that were better than others, but I never did lie down on that treadmill.

What is mindfulness training?

Many of us travel on preprogrammed, unthinking autopilot-going to work, going through the motions without really paying attention to our surroundings or reactions.

Often we are actually deep into a phase of life often called “mindlessness.” We go home, check e-mail, cook dinner, and attend to the children. Undoubtedly, we shoot off e-mail messages containing spelling errors or reply harshly without thought or consideration. We cut our fingers chopping lettuce or miss the joyful smile of the coy, crafty toddler getting into mischief. We are on overload.

The habit of inattention, going through the motions, or having your brain race with thoughts leads us to never be present in our daily lives. We often ignore or dismiss important information and messages from our relationships, our friends, our own health, and even our own life. We can zone out, tune out, and shut out the world almost automatically when stress invades our lives. Practicing the art of mindfulness is the key to being in the present moment-using all of your focused senses in a challenged dynamic thought process. Sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing all work in unison to create a whole image and picture of the process. Stop and smell the roses, but appreciate the hue of redness, the texture of the leaves, the imperfections of the petals, and the sparkling fragrance of the unique flower.

Dr. Lori Brotto, noted sexual health researcher, and some of her Vancouver colleagues have published extensively on the notion of mindfulness and its use in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction disorders. The concept of focusing on bodily functions and performance can help women a great deal in understanding their bodies’ normal function. Intense focusing on self can also help to solidify and enhance sexual constructs and thoughts. Brotto and her colleagues have shown this technique of mindfulness training to be effective in patients with malignancies, sexual complaints, a variety of other medical conditions, and chronic pain syndromes.

Try some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and resting comfortably in quietness. Pay attention without letting your mind wander or trying to change any thought. Be aware. Stop and smell and touch and feel and appreciate the rose petals in their universe and specific environmental context. Stay in the present, and if you wander, let yourself drift back to your original thought. Focus on your deep breathing, each breath as it enters and exits your lungs, before an activity, and think about the experience. You can expect your mind to wander or deviate from the concentration course with intrusive or conflicting thoughts, but slowly, thoughtfully, and gently bring it back to the concentrated ideal or experience. Try to anchor your awareness in the present moment. Stay focused, and try not to let your mind wander on to the future or the “what-ifs” that life may bring. Begin by trying to narrow your focus of thought and to appreciate your individual thoughts and ideals. Your mind will become clearer and senses more heightened. You will be in the moment during sexual intimacy and feel a deeper sense of connection both to your inner sexual self and your partner’s sensuality. Do not expect to achieve a state of mindfulness overnight-it is a process of practice and dedication. The more you focus your mind and channel your energies, the easier it will become for future endeavors. Yoga, meditation, and even acupuncture may be helpful in the treatment of sexual complaints. New data are emerging about these stress and relaxation techniques, and many find help by incorporating them into their treatment plans.

Term:

Yuan Chi – The genuine chi and can be thought of as the life essence provided at conception by both parents.