Q&A with Dr. Sarah Murphy
Tina Krall, Executive Director of Fibroid Relief, recently interviewed Sarah Murphy, N.D., L.Ac., a panelist at the Los Angeles Fibroid Relief At Last Event. We wanted to learn a little more about her natural approach to treating uterine fibroids and how she became involved with naturopathic medicine.
Tina: How did you become interested in alternative medicine?
Dr. Murphy: During college, I discovered a holistic way of viewing the world and the power of natural healing. It was so profoundly helpful to me and my life that I quickly changed majors, entered the pre-med track, and applied for naturopathic medical school so I could share this wonderful and hidden secret of a medicine with other people.
At what stage in the treatment process are most women when they first come to see you?
The women I see are at various stages – from undiagnosed to newly diagnosed – to exploring options to post-surgery and fibroids have recurred. However, patients who usually come to see me have already been diagnosed and are exploring treatment options, with particular interest in alternatives to surgery or something holistic and natural.
What tools do you typically utilize to make your diagnosis?
The diagnostic tools and standards I use are the same as an MD gynecologist – based on symptoms, gynecological exam signs, and referral out for ultrasound imaging of the area. Additionally, I use alternative medicine exam techniques such as Chinese tongue and pulse diagnosis, and may run additional labs to test anything else that I suspect might be a health issue for the person and a factor affecting the fibroids.
How is your approach as a naturopath different than a traditional clinician?
My approach is unique because I look at the whole person’s health picture and treat and balance the whole body at once (not just about the fibroids). Everything is inter-connected in the body system from a holistic medical approach. This is a natural treatment approach without drugs or surgery. Instead, therapies such as nutrition and natural supplements, herbal medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and lifestyle counseling are utilized.
What are some simple and natural steps women can take who are in the ”watchful waiting” stage?
Exercise, Sleep, Play, and Relax more. Eat a Healthy Diet with Fresh, Whole, Organic Foods. Eat less meats and dairy and more fruits and vegetables. You can also take proteolytic enzymes on an empty stomach to decrease inflammation and fibrous tissue build-up in the body.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I love to dance. My past career path was a dancer. All styles are fun… samba, salsa, ballet, anything, you name it… I want to try it!
Dr. Sarah Murphy is a board certified and licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist in the state of California. Dr. Murphy completed her naturopathic medical training at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon and received her Master’s in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs from the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, Florida. She currently enjoys consulting with people about their health at the historic and reputable Santa Monica Homeopathic Pharmacy and working with patients in her private practice at Lotus East-West Medical Center in Santa Monica, California.
I have been diagnosed with fibroids. I am an 47 year old African American female. It was recommended to have my uterus removed, but I am looking for an alternate solution. Please refer or advise me as to what steps I can take. Thank you.
Sharon,
You are fortunate in that you do have options for treatment of your uterine fibroids. Please review our updated treatment options chart to learn about these options. As always, you will need to consult with your gynecologist or medical practictioner to determine which option is best for you based on the size of the fibroid, location and other factors.
If you are interested in finding a naturopathic doctor, please visit and click on the “Find a Doctor” page. You can then search for someone in your local area who can consult with you on natural remedies to treat your fibroids.
Best,
Tina
Dear Sarah Murphy
l am 42 years ols and l was diagnosed with fibroids last year l had a misscarage 3 months ago
l think it was because of the fibroids. now l am two months pregnant again and l still have fibriods
l am happy that l am pregnant again just afraid of the fibroids. is there anything safe to take without hurting the baby
l would really be thankful for any advice you give me
thanks
lucy daniel
Lucy,
Thank you for your post on the Fibroid Relief website. I wanted to let you know that we posted a link to a searchable directory of naturopathic physicians on our Facebook page today. I would encourage you to reach out to someone to secure information about safe and natural remedies for you to use during your pregnancy.
In case you did not see the post, here is the information:
Visit http://www.naturopathic.org and click on the “Find a Doctor” page and then search for listings by city, state, or zip code.
Best of luck,
Tina
Chinese herbs do work because it is time tested.-.;
chinese herbs are very helpful on my allergic rhinits;,;
The above is very interesting, but not everyone can afford the alternative route, ie, consultations, is there any information that can be passed on which enables one, to alternative self healing methods, products which can be purchased safely?
Thank you
Anita Howard
I do not know the lay of the healthcare land in the UK, but there are natural medicine practitioners (and even M.D.s that specialize in natural medicine) here whom accept health care insurance and thus can be affordable to patients with health insurance that covers it.
I think working with a qualified practitioner is the most efficacious route, but if that is really not possible, then a couple books I like that may be helpful for women looking for more information on their health condition and how to help it naturally…. Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis Balch and Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Tori Hudson.
Hope this helps,
Sarah Murphy, N.D., L.Ac.
Lotus East-West Medical Center
chinese herbs can actually treat a lot of ilness and have fewer side-effects too,,”
I found your post comments while searching Google. Very relevant information. I do not make posts on blogs, but I have to say that this posting really forced me to do so. Really awesome post. Really fantastic and I will be coming back for more information at your site and revisit it! Thank you. careers natural medicine.
Thank you! We’re glad to hear that it was helpful to you.
Fibroid Relief
Your post is Great! I learn more and back soon for your future post. Thanks a lot
Naturopathy is one of the major forms of alternative medicine that focuses on an individuals natural healing capacities. It is one of its own kinds of treatment procedure that includes the comprehensive approach towards treating different types of illness and improving health. courses for naturopathy offer a wide variety of degree programs. Please follow the program links below to find out more about each program including course titles and credit hours.
I’m experiencing a difficulty with your rss feed . Don’t know why I am not able to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting similar rss problem? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thanks
Thanks for letting us know. We believe the matter is corrected. If not, please let us know. Thanks.
I i would like to leave a simple comment to talk about your website was wonderful. I came across it on yahoo seek after dealing with plenty of other information that’s not really related. I thought I might come across this much earlier considering how fine the info is.
We’re glad it was helpful to you!
We’re so glad it helped!
Thanks for your compliments. We’re glad you like the site. You can sign up for the newsletter on the bottom right of the home page.
http://www.fibroidrelief.org/