Hello tozzy5-ga!
Finding reliable information about alternative and complementary
medicine on the internet can be quite challenging at times. Unlike
traditional medicine, there are relatively few well-constructed
studies available on alternative treatments, so evaluating true
?effectiveness? is nearly impossible. What is available is a plethora
of claims and testimonials about various treatments and their ability
to treat selected conditions. I have tried to give you good, solid
sources so you can look into what seem to be the most credible claims.
This answer is not intended to substitute for the opinion of a
qualified health professional that you trust. If you have any specific
concerns or questions you should discuss them with him or her. With
that said, here is what I found.
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ASPIRATION
You?ve mentioned wanting to avoid surgery, but there are some
physicians that will aspirate a hydrocele (remove the fluid with a
needle and syringe). This is not the first treatment of choice, and it
may still qualify as ?invasive,? but I thought I?d mention it just in
case.
?Hydrocele aspiration
* Aspiration of a hydrocele reveals a clear amber fluid.
* Aspiration is not therapeutic because the fluid generally reaccumulates quickly.
* Aspiration of hydroceles is not recommended because it is associated
with a high rate of immediate recurrence and with a risk of
introducing an infection. If an associated hernia is present, risk of
perforating a loop of bowel also exists.?
http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic256.htm
?One option is to remove the fluid in the scrotum with a needle (a
process called aspiration). However, aspiration can cause infection,
and it is common for the fluid to re-accumulate. Therefore, aspiration
is not routine and surgery is generally preferred. On the other hand,
aspiration may be the best alternative for people who have certain
surgical risks.
Injection of sclerosing (thickening or hardening) medications may be
performed after needle aspiration to close off the opening through the
scrotal sac. This helps prevent re-accumulation of fluid. The
medications include tetracycline, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, or urea.
Possible complications after aspiration and sclerosing include
infection, fibrosis, mild to moderate pain in the scrotal area, and
recurrence of the hydrocele.?
http://health.allrefer.com/health/hydrocele-treatment.html
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YOGA
Yoga, of all the things I?ve read, is by far the simplest and
cheapest. It carries little to no risk as far as side effects are
concerned, calls for no special equipment, and requires very little
instruction.
Vajrasana, or the Thunderbolt pose as taught on the following website,
is one that benefits many ailments that originate or involve the
pelvic area. Be sure to use Variation II when practicing this pose for
full therapeutic effect. Testicular swelling and hydrocele are two
conditions treated in this way. There is a nice illustration to help
you do this pose properly.
http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/yoga/asanas/thunderbolt2_pose.asp
Here is another site with a description of Vajrasana and its potential
benefits. It also has an illustration of the pose.
?If done regularly, Vajrasana improves digestive efficiency, prevents
hernia and relieves piles, hyperacidity and peptic ulcers. It reduces
blood flow to the genitals and is useful for treatment of hydrocele
and menstrual disorders. It assists women in labour. It is a very
popular meditative posture and is a central practice for Muslims and
Zen Buddhists. It is an excellent substitute for those who find it
difficult to sit in cross-legged meditative postures like Padmasana or
Siddhasana.?
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050822/asp/atleisure/story_5137532.asp
The Dharma Yoga Center?s website has descriptions of many yoga poses.
The Garudasana (Eagle Pose) is one that they say will cure many
ailments, including hydrocele. A description of the pose is on their
website.
?The nerves and bones are strengthened. The hands and legs are
lengthened. A man may grow tall by the practice of this Asana. The
nerves of the kidneys also are strengthened. Sciatica, rheumatism of
the legs and hands are cured. The bones of the vertebral column get
developed and strengthened. Hydrocele and swelling of the testicles
are cured. The muscles of the calves get developed. The nerves of the
legs and hands are strengthened.?
http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/asanas/asana-mukhya-5.htm
This next article from Newindpress.com has a description of a yoga
pose that can be useful in treating a number of issues, including a
hydrocele. The article is only available on the cached site currently.
http://64.233.187.104/search?q=cache:gOx1Juq5QGEJ:www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp%3FID%3DIE320060801071308%26Page%3D3%26Title%3DFeatures%2B-%2BHealth%2B%2526%2BScience%26Topic%3D168%26+hydrocele+yoga&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=2
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HERBAL MEDICINE
One Chinese herbal combination is called Yin Chen Wu Ling San. It is
also known as Artemisia Yinchenhao and Five Ingredient Powder with
Poria or Capillaris and Hoelen Formula. According to Acupuncture.com
it ?promotes urination, drains dampness, strengthens SP, warms yang,
promotes the transforming functions of Qi, clears damp-heat and treats
jaundice.? Hydrocele is one of the conditions it specifically mentions
as being treated by this combination.
http://acupuncture.com/education/zf.formulas/yinchenwuling.htm
Another herbal remedy that claims to be effective is a mullein-lobelia combination.
?Men have "special" glandular problems, also, for example, injured
testicles, or those that have not completely descended, etc. One
problem that is an unsavory one is hydrocele.
Hydrocele is an accumulation of fluid in the sac of the tunica
vaginalis of the testis. In adults, the cause is unknown and the fluid
is clear, slightly viscid, and contains 6-10% of solids, including
proteins, salts and sometimes cholesterol. We have seen hydroceles
cleared by using the mullein-lobelia combination as a fomentation over
the penis and testicle area six nights a week until the healing comes.
The tea, or capsules, or tablets, are also used as an oral aid: a cup
of the tea or two or three capsules or tablets three times a day. This
formula is excellent, not only in aiding the healing in a glandular
area, but also to counterattack infection in the glandular system.?
These mentioned products are, of course, available for purchase on this site.
http://www.shoppure.com/nl_infection.html
A product that I found on a number of websites is a Chinese herbal
combination called SHY. It claims to bring about excellent results in
the treatment of a hydrocele.
?The first reason is due to its excellent efficacy that has been
evaluated. During observations on 50 patients with noncommunicating
hydrocele, receiving treatment with this herbal combination, 46 cases
were judged as healing (full recovery and symptom free), 2 cases other
significant improvement. Physicians judged the clinical efficacy to be
good or excellent in 96.0%. During other observations on 39 patients
with communicating (congenital) hydrocele, receiving treatment with
this herbal combination, all 39 cases were judged as healing (full
recovery and symptom free). Physicians judged the clinical efficacy to
be excellent in 100%.?
There are pictures of the 9 herbs included in the formula, with their
scientific names. Here are the herbs it contains:
* Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii
* Ramulus Cinnamomi
* Radix Angelicae Pubescentis
* Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae
* Fructus Viticis
* Caulis Spatholobi
* Radix Ledebouriellae
* Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae
* Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong
http://www.hnmrc.net/pd-1850290674.html?categoryId=36&gclid=CMGxqaOyxoYCFSYyOAodBDYkeg
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HOMEOPATHY
Homeopathy works on the principles that ?like cures like? and that the
more diluted a medicinal, the more potent it becomes. So substances
that would cause certain symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals
will actually treat those same symptoms in ill persons. In an article
written in 1919, Thuja (Thuja occidentalis) was considered an
excellent treatment for hydrocele. The described treatment involves
aspiration initially, so is probably not a treatment you can do
yourself.
?Professor A. J. Howe cured hydrocele almost exclusively with this
agent [Thuja]. The following is the course he adopted as described in
his own words: ?In an ounce of warm sterilized water pour a dram of
Lloyd's Thuja. Mix thoroughly by drawing a quantity into the syringe,
and forcing it back repeatedly for a few times, then draw up about two
drams of the dilute mixture in the barrel of the syringe to be ready
for use. Introduce a large exploring needle into the sac of the tunica
vaginalis testis and allow the fluid to escape. Before withdrawing the
needle, place the nozzle of the loaded syringe into the needle's open
mouth and with a plunge of the piston force the diluted Thuja into the
cavity recently distended with serum. Then in order to cause the
liquid to enter every crevice of the sac of the hydrocele, pinch and
knead the scrotum with the fingers quite vigorously. The needle is
then withdrawn. The pain induced is quite considerable for at least
half an hour, then the patient goes about his business and usually no
additional treatment is required.? The above method, with some
unimportant variations, has been in general use among our physicians
since suggested by Professor Howe, and the result as reported by very
many has been satisfactory.?
http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/ellingwood/thuja.html
One of the buttercup species, Rununculus bulbosus (also known as Acrid
Crowfoot, Bulbous Buttercup, Cuckoo Buds, Crowfoot, Frogwort, King's
Cup, Meadowbloom, Pilewort, St. Anthony's Turnip) is used topically to
treat a hydrocele. It is available as a tincture for external
application.
http://earthnotes.tripod.com/buttercup.htm
Sanukehl Myc 5X, a diluted extract from a bacteria called
Mycobacterium bovis is used by homeopaths to treat a hydrocele. It is
usually used as an injection so again, a qualified practitioner would
most likely need to administer it.
?Sanukehl Myc contains specific extract polysaccharide components
(Haptens) of Mycobacterium bovis. . . . The effect is based on the
absorption of the bacterial antigens and their toxins. . . . By the
application of Sanukehls, a specific microbiological sanitation of the
terrain is possible.?
http://www.sanum.com/materiamedica/index.htm
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DIET
I found one reference to a fresh fruit diet on one natural remedies website.
?The sufferer from hydrocele should begin with an exclusive fresh
fruit diet for seven to ten days. In this regimen, he should have
three meals a day of fresh juicy fruits, such as apples, pears,
grapes, grape-fruit, oranges, pineapple, peaches, melon or any other
juicy fruit in season but no bananas or dried, stewed or tinned fruit,
and no other foodstuff whatever. For drinks, lemon water unsweetened
or water either hot or cold may be taken. During this period the
bowels should be cleansed daily with a warm water enema. If
constipation is habitual, all steps should be taken for its
eradication.?
The site goes on to describe what should be done after this initial diet.
?Breakfast : Fresh fruit as obtainable, or grated raw carrot or other
raw salad-stuff, prunes or other dried fruits, if desired, and a cup
of milk.
Lunch : Steamed vegetables, as obtainable, with either a poached or
scrambled egg or a vegetarian savory. Stewed fruit or a baked apple
may be taken for dessert.
Dinner : A good-sized raw salad, of any suitable vegetable as
obtainable, with whole wheat bread and butter, and prunes or other
dried fruits as dessert.
Further short periods on the all-fruit diet should be undertaken at
monthly intervals as required, for two or three consecutive days each
time. The diet factor is of the utmost importance and fruits and
salads must form the main basis of the future dietary . Alcohol,
strong tea, coffee condiments, pickles and sauces should be avoided.
Smoking, where habitual, should be given up.?
It also describes a ?water treatment? consisting of frequent ?cold hip
baths? to reduce swelling and improve overall health.
http://www.natural-advice.com/hydrocele.htm
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MAGNETIC THERAPY/ENERGY HEALING
In a book entitled ?Conquering Pain: The Art of Healing With
BioMagnetism,? author Peter Kulish gives an overview of conditions
that can be treated by using magnets and energy healing. One of the
many conditions mentioned is hydrocele.
http://www.stopcancer.com/magnetdirections2.htm
This book is available through sellers on Amazon Marketplace.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0966626001/ref=olp_product_details/103-8810969-6283029?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155
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AYURVEDIC HERBS
Ayurvedic medicine has its roots in India and has become increasingly
popular in the U.S. and abroad. There are some herbs used especially
in this healing tradition that can be used to treat hydrocele.
Aloe vera is one such herb claimed to be effective in the treatment of hydrocele.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_herbs_and_minerals_in_Ayurveda
?Both Haldi (Turmeric) and Kali Haldi (Black Zeodary) are used by the
traditional healers in treatment of hydrocele (A pathological
accumulation of serous fluid in a bodily cavity, especially in the
scrotal pouch). Both are used externally.?
http://www.rootsherbal.com/PageIngr_right.html
Pankaj Oudhia, an Indian Agricultural Scientist has an article about
treating a hydrocele with Ayurvedic herbs. This next excerpt explains
a herbal combination currently used to treat hydrocele. The article
also describes some other treatments that have been used historically
in India, but they are not used now because some of the herbs are not
available.
?I have written a lot on medicinal uses of Triphala [A combination of
Harra (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellirica) and Aonla
(Phyllanthus emblica) Fruits] in treatment of many common diseases.
The reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in
India are also full of information regarding medicinal uses and
properties of Triphala. But through the interactions with the
traditional healers of Gandai region, I got information on use of
Triphala internally in treatment of Hydrocele. In general, in
Triphala, all ingredients are mixed in equal proportion but the
traditional healers add Harra, Bahera and Aonla in 3:2:1 proportion.
This is new combination of Triphala. According to them, through this
combination, Hydrocele can be managed effectively.?
http://botanical.com/site/column_poudhia/publish/journal.cgi?folder=journal&next=20
The Aamla fruit is considered the most ideal fruit in Indian healing
systems. It is the richest natural source of Vitamin C and is used to
cure a wide variety of ailments. It is also a component of Triphala, a
commonly used medicinal. Hydrocele is one condition that can be helped
by Aamla.
?This fruit has also ample amount of proteins, fats, mineral salts,
carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus and iron. It is not these
ingredients? individual effect but their collective effect that makes
Aamla what it is. It is the richest natural source of vitamin ?C.? The
amount of vitamin ?C? in Aamla is four times more than it is in
oranges and eight times more than it is in tomatoes. It is so rich
that the vitamin doesn't get destroyed whether you burn or dry it. And
we know how necessary vitamin ?C? is for our system. Besides keeping
the system clean of the various germs and other filth, it provides
resistance power to the body.
Aamla is capable of curing many diseases and ailments alone if it is
taken in the right combination. Aamla is one of the essential
ingredients of ?Triphala? churna (powder). This is the most important
and most popular combination of Indian Herbs in Ayurvedic system of
medicine. The other two ingredients are known as ?Harda? & ?Behda.?
The combination of these three super herbs is so wonderful that it can
create miraculous results in body and mind. It has the power to
balance Tridosha (Imbalance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha).?
http://www.ayurvedtoronto.com/aamla.htm
There are a number of sites on the internet that sell the Aamla fruit
or its extract. It is also spelled ?Amla.?
http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=amla%20fruit&sourceid=mozilla-search&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&sa=N&tab=wf
Castor oil is a purgative used often in Ayurvedic medicine, either
alone or in combination with other substances. This site has an
overview of castor oil?s many uses, including its use in the treatment
of hydrocele.
http://www.astrojyoti.com/ayurvedaherbs.htm
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INTERESTING STUFF
There are some Arabic writings that came out of the Middle East during
medieval times discussing the use of a poultice of marijuana as an
externally applied compound to treat and cure hydrocele. Of course
there is a whole legality issue to consider here, but I thought I?d
mention it as an aside.
?The medieval Arabic author of the Mukzun-ul-Udwieh said of cannabis
that . . . ?the dried leaves bruised and spread on a castor oil leaf
cure hydrocele and swelled testes.??
http://cannabisculture.com/articles/1736.html
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HOLISTIC HEALERS
If you are serious about pursuing alternative and complementary
medicine as an option for treating your hydrocele, it may be
worthwhile to meet in person with a naturopath or other holistic
healer. This way your condition can be evaluated properly and a
treatment protocol can be recommended specifically for you.
The American Holistic Medical Association has a search feature where
you can look for practitioners in your area. Many are physicians who
practice with an emphasis on holistic healing, and others are
naturopaths and other health professionals with similar healing
philosophies.
http://www.holisticmedicine.org/ahma/public?action=findDoctors
Here is their main website.
http://www.holisticmedicine.org/about/about.shtml
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I hope that you find this information useful and that you are able to
gain some relief soon! Again, if you have specific concerns or
questions, be sure to discuss them with a qualified health
practitioner that you trust. If you have any need of further
clarification, please let me know how I can help.
Sincerely,
Boquinha-ga
Search terms:
Hydrocele
hydrocele more:alternative_medicine
hydrocele homeopathic
hydrocele ayurved*
hydrocele herb*
hydrocele ?energy healing?
hydrocele yoga
hydrocele chinese medicine |
