Endometriosis
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is present when the tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus (womb), called the endometrium grows outside the uterus often on the ovaries and fallopian tubes, plus the bladder and bowels. The proliferation of this uterine tissues outside of the uterus is often the cause of debilitating pain and bowel & bladder issues. Endometriosis can also result in infertility.
Endometriosis treatment in mainstream Western Medicine
The current western medical treatment options for endometriosis are hormonal (oral contraceptive pill and progestogens), non-hormonal medication (painkillers and NSAIDs) and/or surgery. Unfortunately, these treatments often do not eradicate pain and according to Endometriosis Australia as stated on their website: “Medical treatments can be associated with side effects such as spot bleeding, break-through bleeding, bloating, nausea, weight gain, and depression. Skin changes (oily or spotty skin) may occur as can elevation in blood pressure. For surgery, there are risks associated with the area being operated in, like damage to other organs such as the bladder, bowel, ureters”.
The good news is that there are other treatment options available that may help to reduce the muscular cramping pain and stress associated endometriosis thus improving your quality of life.
How can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine help with Endometriosis?
There is ongoing research showing how Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can assist women who are suffering from endometriosis. It is important to note that whilst there is no ‘cure’ for endometriosis, a holistic TCM approach should reduce the severity of pain and discomfort with an overall improvement in your quality of life.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine may assist with symptoms of Endometriosis by:
Alleviating pain by increasing blood circulation
Removing blood stasis and dissolving masses to shrink endometriosis and preventing recurrence of the condition
Relieving stress and correcting disruptions in energy flow to strengthen and balance general health
Warming the uterus and regulating menstrual cycles in order to help ovulation and enhance fertility.
Minimizing undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from medication and invasive procedures.
Treatments are individualized according to ones presenting signs and symptoms. Both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can work to reduce the pain, breakup the old stagnated blood and encourage fresh red flow. Abdominal massage, castor oil packs, vaginal steaming, moxibustion, dietary regulation, and exercise are also all useful in the treatment of endometriosis.
How long can endometriosis natural treatment take?
As endometriosis is chronic and often long-standing. Don’t be surprised if your Chinese Medicine Practitioner recommends ongoing treatment with acupuncture for endometriosis pain for at least 6 months or more, depending on the severity.