Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a critical health condition in which tissues that line the uterus grow outside of it. This chronic health defect usually involves tissues that line body organs such as the ovaries, pelvis, or fallopian tubes. Although it rarely goes beyond the region of the pelvic organs, it can come with excruciating pain.
If you are looking for a way to manage endometriosis pains naturally, we recommend acupuncture.
In this blog, we will cover how acupuncture can help manage and treat endometriosis, what you should expect when seeing an acupuncturist and how you can incorporate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into your life.
Let’s dive right in.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a holistic health treatment where thin needles are inserted in specific areas, known as acupuncture points, of a person’s body.
This form of treatment that dates back about three millenniums ago in China has come to be recognized by Western medicine as a technique through which the connective tissues, muscles, and nerves can be appropriately stimulated.
The needles aid to release any blockages in a person’s energy channels to allow the free flow of blood and Qi (life energy). In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that the body has the power to heal itself naturally so long as it is in balance. Allowing Qi and blood to circulate freely throughout the body promotes this balance.
In addition to acupuncture treatment, an experienced acupuncturist can also prescribe Chinese herbs for endometriosis.
Curious to find out how effective acupuncture together with endometriosis Chinese medicine is in the treatment of this health problem? Keep reading!
Does acupuncture really work for endometriosis?
As satisfying as it would be to give an exact answer to this important question, there is no definite one. Everybody is unique and responds in its own unique way to acupuncture.
However, many people swear by acupuncture for different reasons. Endometriosis, as a condition, is difficult to cure. However, acupuncture can help people ease the discomfort that comes with endometriosis and reduce symptoms such as infertility.
In fact, multiple studies indicate that acupuncture has proven to be of some help in relieving endometriosis-related pain. A 2009 study revealed that acupuncture was, to some extent, effective in managing chronic pain conditions.
Another study review done in 2018 showed that acupuncture alleviated endometriosis symptoms better than other therapeutic methods such as yoga, exercise, and electrotherapy.
Over the years, acupuncture grew in popularity as an alternative, natural and effective way to help in the alleviation of the symptoms related to endometriosis.
What to expect when seeing an acupuncturist for endometriosis
On the first consultation with your practitioner, they will take discuss and take note of your health history. Moreover, they could even ask you questions about your health before you started experiencing any endometriosis-related condition.
Since acupuncture is a holistic treatment, it is important for your acupuncturist to understand your unique circumstances, including your levels of stress, your lifestyle, and anything else that you feel comfortable sharing.
This information helps your acupuncturist to understand the functionality of your body and also to come up with an appropriate treatment plan according to your current condition is.
After having a long chat with your practitioner, you’ll have your first acupuncture session. Your practitioner may also put you on some Chinese herbal medicine for endometriosis while you go through the acupuncture session as this could enhance the potency of the acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture is a relaxing process
After the first consultation with your acupuncturist, follow-up appointments will get shorter as your practitioner is now aware of the changes going on in your body. Acupuncture is a process and the benefits are cumulative. The more often you come for treatment, the better it gets.
If you’re wondering about those acupuncture needles, don’t worry! Acupuncture needles are as fine as a hair and don’t hurt.
You might just feel a dull ache or throb around the points where the needles are inserted, but that tiny pain should settle in the next 30 seconds. If you feel uncomfortable during the acupuncture session, be sure to let your practitioner know. The essential point of going through an acupuncture treatment is to feel safe and relaxed, always.
How many acupuncture sessions do you need for endometriosis?
If you intend on trying out acupuncture to curb the pains or discomfort that comes with endometriosis, it is advised to go for an acupuncture session once or twice per week over 6 to 8 weeks.
Subsequently, your acupuncturist could lessen the session periods to two weeks in a month, depending on your progress. Typically, you should start seeing results in the next 3 to 6 months. However, it is imperative to note that your treatment session could differ as a result of your health needs and changes in your lifestyle.
Keep in touch with your acupuncturist and let them know if you feel any shifts in your body or your moods. In acupuncture, we aren’t simply treating the symptoms, we are treating you as a whole entity. Understanding where you are at physically, emotionally and spiritually, helps your acupuncturist help you better.
What are the acupuncture points for endometriosis?
The acupuncture points for endometriosis include the following points: CV 3, 4, and 5; ST 25 and 36; GV 20; LI 4; LV 3; KI 3; SP 6 and 9. Also, Ah Shi and Zi Gong Xue points should be included alongside Chinese herbs for endometriosis such as tea, tea pills as well as foods that will work best for endometriosis.
However, your professional acupuncturist would already know this, so you won’t have a problem. They will explain everything in detail and give you plenty of tips you can incorporate at home to make better-informed decisions for your health.
Is acupuncture good for endometriosis pain?
As mentioned earlier, acupuncture is one such therapeutic remedy that has proven effective in alleviating the pains that come with endometriosis.
This Chinese remedy which has been around for 3,000 years is still relevant in the contemporary medical world and it also improves endometriosis-related conditions.
Does Chinese medicine help with endometriosis pain?
There are many types of traditional Chinese medicine for endometriosis that you could try. Ideally, if you select herbs that aid blood circulation such as danshen (red sage), taoren (peach kernel), chishao (red peony), and the likes.
Traditional Chinese medicines for endometriosis are quite effective and they are naturally therapeutic in the treatment of endometriosis. Some Chinese herbs for endometriosis, like Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan (cinnamon twig and poria pill), contain sedatives and anti-inflammatory properties which are quite useful in the treatment of any endometriosis-related conditions.
In contrast, Western medicine surgically removes the ectopic endometrial tissues so as to achieve fast relief from pelvic pain. This procedure is invasive and involves a long recovery period that might come with its own set of side effects.
Although Western medicine does have its importance and might be the best option for you depending on how acute your endometriosis condition is, TCM offers a far less invasive, yet powerful way of managing pain. This, coupled with natural dieting, lifestyle changes and acupuncture offer promising results.
How can I reverse endometriosis naturally?
Apart from acupuncture treatments and other traditional Chinese medicine for endometriosis, you could try natural herbs and other spice remedies. Here are some:
Turmeric: This natural spice contains curcumin; an active ingredient that has anti-inflammatory properties. A 2013 research indicates that curcumin may be effective in the alleviation of endometriosis-related conditions as it helps in lessening the production of estradiol.
Also, a study in 2015 indicates that curcumin may be effective in reducing the migration of the tissue of the uterus lining.
Chamomile: Based on a 2018 study, chamomile is effective in the reduction of endometrial cell growth. This happens as a result of a compound in chamomile called chrysin. Thus, you should try taking chamomile more often if you want to keep the endometriosis-related condition at bay.
Ginger: Given the anti-inflammatory properties ginger possesses, it could help in relieving the pain that comes with endometriosis.
A mixture of cinnamon, rose, and lavender: Advocates of natural healing believe that a mixture of cinnamon, rose, and lavender oils, which have natural healing properties, may be effective in relieving the pain of endometriosis.
Other things to consider: In terms of observing a natural dieting plan against endometriosis:
Increase your Omega-3 fatty acid intake
Take foods high in antioxidants
Include foods with anti-inflammatory properties in your diet
Completely avoid sugar and processed foods
Stay hydrated and get enough sleep.
Can acupuncture shrink fibroids?
In Chinese medicine, employing the ancient art of acupuncture and other Chinese herbal remedies in the treatment of uterine fibroids isn’t a new thing. However, it is imperative to note that the treatment will be more effective if the size of the fibroid is within small to medium size.
To be precise, the fibroid should be around 5cm, which is within the size of a lemon fruit. However, studies indicate that the combination of Chinese herbal remedies and Western medicine are more effective in shrinking fibroids, and alleviating other symptoms such as subfertility, preterm birth, bleeding, and the likes.
Final thoughts
Many people consider acupuncture a complementary therapeutic measure instead of an effective alternative. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of endometriosis-related pain, and above all, promote deep relaxation in your body and lift your moods.
While we believe acupuncture will have great benefits for your mental and physical health, we do encourage you to discuss your decision to go through an acupuncture session with your personal doctor and make sure you choose a professional and licensed acupuncturist. If you are under professional hands, there’s little risk involved.
Want to learn more about our acupuncture services at Unplug Hour Wellness? Check out all our services or contact us directly. We would love to talk to you and help you plan a healthier, brighter future!