Nodules in the Vocal Chords

An unusual case walked in today. She was with her sister, who has had acupuncture in the past... and who seems very educated about alternative medicine and holistic health.

We shall see how this goes, but a very interesting case. Only 25, she already has had so many health issues. Her doctors believe she strained her voice by teaching, coaching, singing and acting... Certainly possible to strain the voice, but to just keep going through the pain, to the point of nodules... that is quite a strong will she possesses!

In addition, acid reflux has damaged her throat. And she has been diagnosed since the age of 18 with osteopenia... quite young to experience this! And a thyroid disorder to boot!

As far as the voice goes, often issues of the voice and throat have to do with the 5th Chakra. Officially Chinese medicine doesn't talk about the chakras, so I am no expert. So treatment with acupuncture has to do with opening the meridians, loosening all the tension around the neck, shoulders, and jaw/tongue. And boy was she tense! Tears flowed as she released tension, which often happens when an area is especially stagnant: emotions are trapped in the tension as much as physical trauma is.

5th Chakra has to do with self-expression. For someone to strive so hard to express says to me that either they feel they have to try harder than everyone else, or that they have to over-achieve for some reason. A balanced and happy 5th Chakra doesn't need to strive so hard. If anything, that person can speak softly and exert influence - the quality and depth of presence is powerful enough.

In this case acupuncture alone is not going to solve the problem, she will have to supplement with introspection and meditation. I advised her to write as a meditation (not just creatively). I also recommended The Artist's Way, a great book by Julia Cameron. Not everyone thinks it is a great book, but the greatness of the book is its simplicity. There are plenty of other ways to deeply inquire within about issues of self-expression, but I found this book very accessible. I have had some major breakthroughs of my own, sometimes with the simplest of questions from this book - it's as much about the context that she lays out as it is about the techniques.

Well, she left much lighter in her step, with a smile and a sense of direction. I believe this will turn out great - a turning point in her life. I'll keep you posted about the case!