6. Needles are removed once the desired relaxation of the cervical os is achieved. The woman usually feels warmth and a relaxation sensation when the stimulation of the points takes effect.
Zigong (Uterus) - On the triangular area known as the deltoid fossa, with the point of the triangle pointing to the back of the head, the uterus point is found at the midpoint of the line between the two points of the triangle towards the front of the head.
Luanchao (Ovaries) - On the lower part of the medial wall of the antitragus.
Neifenmi (Endocrine) - This point is found at the very bottom of the intertragic notch.
Appendix F: Sterilizing Equipment
Sterilization is any process that effectively kills or eliminates microorganisms. All instruments that enter an already sterile part of the body or which may touch an instrument that will enter a sterile part of the body must be sterilized prior to use. The importance of sterilizing equipment to prevent infection cannot be stressed enough. Infection of the uterus can lead to maternal sepsis and death. The vagina is not sterile, but the interior of the uterus is.
Wet Heat Sterilization
• Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker, when used correctly, is like an autoclave. Thirty minutes in a pressure cooker or autoclave at 250˚F (120˚C) at twenty pounds per square inch (psi) will inactivate all fungi, bacteria, viruses, and spores. Nitrile gloves (not latex) may be sterilized in a pressure cooker.
• Boiling and Hydrogen Peroxide Soak
Boiling instruments in tap water for thirty minutes will kill most bacteria and viruses; however this will not kill spores. Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical sterilizing agent which kills spores and may be used in addition to boiling in water. However, hydrogen peroxide must not be boiled, as the vapors from boiling hydrogen peroxide can explode.
If you are concerned about spore based diseases, like anthrax, after boiling instruments in water for thirty minutes, carefully transfer instruments with sterile tools to a hydrogen peroxide soak for one hour. Hydrogen peroxide is relatively non toxic, widely available, and leaves no chemical residue.
Dry Heat Sterilization
• Kitchen Oven
Dry heat sterilization is less effective in killing microorganisms than wet heat sterilization, however it can be used to sterilize towels and equipment that would be difficult to sterilize in a pressure cooker or by boiling. All items to be baked should first be washed with detergent, rinsed, and dried. To keep each item sterile until use, wrap each item with aluminum foil or paper tied with cotton twine. Items should be placed in the oven carefully, so they do not touch the oven elements. A shallow pan of water may be placed on the lower rack to prevent scorching. Nitrile gloves may be sterilized at 250˚F (120˚C), however nitrile deteriorates at higher temperatures.
Baking Temperature/Time Duration 338˚F (170˚C) /60 minutes 320˚F (160˚C)/ 120 minutes 302˚F (150˚C)/ 150 minutes 284˚F (140˚C)/ 6 hours 250˚F (120˚C)/12 hours (overnight)
Appendix G: Herbal Preparation Methods and Dosages
If gathering herbs, always check to see if the plant is endangered and always use an accurate field guide. Many poisonous species exist that look similar, so one must always be certain of identification. Do not gather near roads or areas which may have toxic residues in the soil. When purchasing, one must search for the purest, best quality organic herbs. Then, test dried herbs by placing a small amount in the palm of the hand and rubbing with a finger. The odor of fresh herb is aromatic and resinous. The odor of old herb may be stale or moldy. Return herbs that are old or stale, as the medicinal qualities will be lost. Use pure water and glass or enamel containers for preparing and holding medicinal preparations. As with all medicines, keep herbal medicines in a safe place that children cannot access.
Infusions are used to extract the medicinal components of delicate plant parts, such as flowers and leaves. To make an infusion: heat water to boiling, add to herb, cover, and steep. Make fresh infusions every time, do not store for later use.
Decoctions are used to extract the medicinal components of tougher plant parts, such as roots and branches. To make a decoction: Heat the water in the pan to the point that steam begins to rise off the surface. Add the ground herb, cover, and turn heat down to simmer without boiling. Decoctions stored in the refrigerator will keep 1-2 days. A quarter cup of brandy, gin, or vodka can be added to one pint of decoction to prolong shelf life.
Tinctures are used to extract the alcohol soluble components of herbs. Tinctures have a long shelf life; they are easy to carry around; and due to their concentrated potency, a smaller quantity is necessary in any dosage. Fresh botanicals are usually used for tinctures. A 190 proof grain alcohol is used for fresh botanical tinctures, otherwise the botanicals will rot. The ratio of weight of herb to ounces of alcohol is given first in the recipe. Place the sealed tincture out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks. Add distilled water to dilute to the correct percentage of alcohol in the final tincture, if required. Tinctures kept in a cool dry place are good for several years.
Wool is the preferred absorbent. Wool absorbs fluids, yet remains warm and releases the absorbed fluid readily to the surrounding tissue. For comparison, cotton is cooling and does not readily release fluids it has absorbed.
Use a piece of tooth floss to tie a knot around the piece of clean wool. The piece of wool should be approximately a fingers width when compressed. A plastic tampon applicator may be used for insertion: Wad the wool into the end of the tampon case with the string hanging down (through the case) like a tampon. Insert the wool pessary high in the vagina. Then, the barrel and plunger of a syringe, an infant medicine dropper, or a kitchen baster may be used to apply herbal liquid infusions or decoctions into the vagina onto the absorbent wool to saturate the wool pessary. Pessaries may be worn for up to 6 hours before replacing. Pessaries should be removed if irritation develops.
Vaginal fumigation is an ancient process where the fume from steaming or burning herbal medicines is introduced into the vagina.[539] “Fumigation was used to fill the uterus with vapor, open its orifice, and sometimes even rectify its position.”[540] Hippocrates wrote about steam fumigation of garlic to treat cancer of the uterus. Fumigation with sulfur was prescribed by Dioscorides to expel the fetus. In Ethiopian medicine, sulfur was used to facilitate the contraction of the uterus (as an oxytocic agent) during childbirth by direct fumigation of the female organ with sulfur vapor. In ancient India, the smoke from burning neem wood (neem is a known contraceptive) was introduced into the vagina via fumigation for contraceptive purposes.
To steam fumigate: Drill a hole through the center of the seat of a stool or chair. Affix a small plastic funnel or tube on the hole on top of the chair. Prepare a decoction. Place the decoction, ideally in an electric crock pot under the chair on the floor. Test the temperature of the steam first, and then using a blanket as a tent, carefully sit on the chair, so that the steam will enter the vagina via the funnel. Check the cervix occasionally and note its changes in softness and amount of relaxation. A cervix in its normal state feels like a nose while a cervix beginning to dilate has softness comparable to lips. (Note: Once the temperature has come down to a comfortable level, the herbal decoction may be used following the fumigation as a douche, sitz bath, and pessary.)
540
William John Stewart McKay,