Acupuncture and Endometriosis – Endometriosis is a disease that affects 176 million women around the world. In the US,1 out of every 10 women is afflicted by the condition, while globally, that number is between 2and 10%. North America has, as of today, 6.3 million women who suffer from endometriosis. Experts argue that there are potentially hundreds of thousands of cases in the USA that have not been diagnosed. The disease has been flagged as the biggest cause of infertility, with 30-40% of all patients so affected.
At Boca Raton Acupuncture we have successfully treated many cases of endometriosis with our holistic, natural approach using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and sound nutritional guidance. Before we discuss the merits of acupuncture let us explore the causes, symptoms and typical treatments for this condition.
What is endometriosis?
The lining of the uterus is known as the endometrium. Around the endometrium are masses of tissue that are responsible for the various biological processes that relate to menstruation and pregnancy. However, if this tissue grows outside the confines of the uterus, then the condition is known as endometriosis and is deemed dangerous to the reproductive health of the patient. Endometriosis tissue can be found around the reproductive organs as well as around the bladder or even rectum. Doctors do not point to a definitive cause of the condition, but it has been linked to hormonal imbalance.
Symptoms of endometriosis
- Infertility – as indicated earlier, this is the biggest consequence of endometriosis, as over 30% of all patients are found unable to conceive
- Painful menstrual circles – these could run from the day a period starts to when it ends or could simply happen sometime along the way
- Painful sex – some patients will experience this stinging pain during sex or immediately after
- Pain may also manifest itself when the patient goes to urinate or pass stool
- Too much bleeding during periods or even bleeding or spotting between periods
- Chronic fatigue that goes on and on despite efforts at containment
Western medical treatments for endometriosis
Gynecology professionals indicate that there is currently no cure for endometriosis. In some instances, the symptoms will simply fade away slowly over time as the woman approaches menopause while with other patients, the problem lingers. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the pain and suffering on the patient.
- Hormone therapy – Some of the most common hormones prescribed by doctors are gonadotropin-releasing hormone, donacrine and progesterone. The work of these hormones is to either control or stop menstruation altogether, which in turn triggers the halting of the growth of the foreign tissue in the reproductive system.
- Pain medication – The kind of medication provided here depends on the level of pain suffered as well as the extent of the symptoms. Doctors can either suggest prescriptions or advise patients to go for over-the-counter choices such as ibuprofen.
- Surgery – This is, in most cases, the last result. Doctors examine the size of the tissue and perform a procedure that helps get rid of it. If the tissue is small and its scope is limited, surgeons will perform a procedure known as a laparoscopy that allows them to remove the growth by excision or via the use of heat. This is a very routine procedure and does not require any extensive incisions. Neither does it require long recuperation or treatment processes.
A laparotomy is, on the other hand, a highly specialized procedure during which the doctors carve away and remove the endometriosis tissue. At times, this might actually involve the removal of entire organs such as the fallopian tubes or uterus, depending on where the growth is embedded. This is however the absolute last resort and only applies in the most extreme of cases.
Acupuncture and Endometriosis – The Research Backs its Efficacy
Acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine practices have been hailed as the ideal remedies for endometriosis.
In 2016, a review of 10 different acupuncture studies revealed a striking pattern. In all the studies reviewed, endometriosis patients were reported to have experienced relief via pain reduction, with the control groups showing very little in the way of positive outcomes.
Iréne Lund and Thomas Lundeberg also looked at 3 studies involving 99 patients, with the projects aimed at women from the ages of 13 to 30. In all the studies, the patients reported a reduction in the degree of pain felt after a few weeks, irrespective of the acupuncture regimen applied.
Acupuncture works by improving blood circulation to specific areas of the body. Points are carefully chosen to promote proper circulation, break up stasis, reduce inflammation and spasm, and to release natural painkillers in the body. The needles used are thin, sterile and painless. The results are amazing. Most women undergoing this form of holistic treatment will find lasting relief usually within the first 3 menstrual cycles of treatment.
Stop suffering and start living. We are confident that we can help you. Call us today to schedule a free consultation!
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