Endometriosis: Managing with Acupuncture
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a leading cause of pelvic pain, significantly impacting quality of life and fertility, while causing uncomfortable, heavy, or irregular periods. In some cases, it may be asymptomatic and only discovered when someone seeks treatment for infertility. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus, known as the endometrium, grows outside the uterus. This tissue can adhere to various pelvic organs, such as the ovaries, bowel, rectum, and bladder. While rare, it can even spread beyond the pelvic region.
This misplaced endometrial tissue behaves similarly to the uterine lining, responding to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. However, unlike the uterine lining, which exits the body during menstruation, the tissue and blood from endometriosis have no means of being discharged. Over time, this buildup can form masses and lesions, which may interfere with organ function. These cyst-like masses, known as pseudocysts, often appear dark blue to brown, sometimes referred to as “chocolate cysts.”
Symptoms & Causes of Endometriosis
The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often intensifying during menstruation. This pain can also occur during or after sexual intercourse, and with bowel movements or urination. Other symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting between periods. The severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the extent of the condition. The exact cause of endometriosis remains unknown, though several theories exist. One theory suggests that menstrual blood flows backward through the fallopian tubes during menstruation, carrying endometrial cells into the abdominal cavity. There is also evidence of a genetic link, as women with a mother or sister who has endometriosis are more likely to develop the condition. It is also more common in women who have never given birth or had their first pregnancy later in life.
Diagnosis and Conventional Treatment
If endometriosis is suspected, a pelvic exam and ultrasound may be performed, but laparoscopy is the definitive diagnostic method. Conventional treatments vary based on symptom severity and whether the patient is trying to conceive. Options include pain relief, hormonal therapies, and surgery. In severe cases, a hysterectomy may be considered.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Endometriosis
Chinese medicine offers valuable tools for managing endometriosis, particularly in alleviating symptoms and slowing its progression. While it doesn't make existing endometriosis disappear entirely, it can help reduce it. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), endometriosis is generally viewed as a form of blood stagnation. Treatment involves addressing the root cause of this stagnation, which may include Qi stagnation, Yang deficiency, or Qi sinking. A personalized approach is essential for effective treatment.
Clinical Evidence and Treatment
In 1980, a study at the Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Shanghai First Medical College used Chinese herbs to treat endometriosis. The study found that 82% of women experienced significant symptom relief, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment plans in managing the condition. Acupuncture also plays a crucial role in treatment, promoting blood circulation, regulating hormones, and reducing inflammation. A study in The Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that 81% of women with endometriosis-related dysmenorrhea experienced reduced pain after receiving acupuncture.
Chinese Herbs for Endometriosis
TCM Herbs tailored to your specific condition can support treatment. Commonly used herbs include:
For excessive bleeding: Pu huang, San qi
For pain relief: Yan hu suo, Tao ren
For reducing masses: E zhu, Mu li
For improving circulation: Chuan xiong, Dang gui
For warming: Gui zhi, Gan jiang
For inflammation: Mu dan pi, Zhi zi
Self-Care Tips
Regular acupuncture can improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain.
Chinese herbs prescribed correctly by a Licensed Herbalist have been shown to reduce pain and may prevent further tissue proliferation.
Warm castor oil packs on the lower abdomen can bring relief.
Regulate your nervous system by reducing stress and cortisol levels, getting enough hours of sleep, incorporate daily mindfulness techniques, and keeping your blood sugar stable.
Regular exercise promotes blood flow and supports treatment. Find the right balance, avoid over exercising AND under exercising.
Support liver function by limiting alcohol and caffeine, and consider liver-supporting herbs like dandelion, milk thistle, and burdock root.
Incorporate Supplements like NAC (reduces inflammation and improves egg quality), Vitamin D (reduces period pain and CRP levels), Zinc (mineral found in the immune system, reduces inflammation), Curcumin, and Omega 3 acids (has been found to reduce period pain and slow the growth of endometriosis).
Adopt an anti-inflammatory blood sugar stabilizing diet to help alleviate symptoms. Consider removing or reducing a common inflammatory food like gluten, dairy, refined sugar, alcohol, caffeine.
Support gut health to reduce inflammation, create a healthy gut microbiome, and promote proper detoxication of estrogen. Incorporate more probiotic rich foods and fiber. Get tested for any gut inflections that could be contributing like SIBO.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy can improve chronic pain (one study showed 63% improvement after 6 sessions), and those with endometriosis often experience tenderness of the pelvic floor, abdomen, and uterus upon palpation.
Endometriosis is a complex condition, but with a comprehensive approach that combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, and self-care strategies, it can be effectively managed. A personalized treatment plan offers a holistic approach to alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. I’m here to help! Please reach out to discuss how we can work together on your healing journey > Book a Free Discovery Call
