Everyday Health – Acupuncture for Endometriosis, a non-invasive approach

Endometriosis is a condition that affects women. It causes the tissues that line the inside of the uterus to grow on the outside, which can cause pain, fertility issues, nausea and a host of other health-related complications. 

It can be difficult to get an Endometriosis diagnosis as much of the illness is still misunderstood and awareness surrounding Endometriosis symptoms is sparse.  

Endometriosis is often referred to as an invisible illness, due to the fact that it causes pain and discomfort on the inside of the body. In an effort to increase the awareness of Endometriosis, Andrea Baine has used makeup to visualise the pain it causes in women.

Endometriosis symptoms

Endometriosis can cause an incredibly wide range of symptoms in women, which is often why it is so difficult to diagnose. 

This excess tissue can cause inflammation and pain, which can sometimes lead to scar tissue developing. Women who have Endometriosis may also struggle with fertility complications, which can take an emotional and physical toll on those living with the condition. 

If you think you may have Endometriosis, look out for the following symptoms. 

  • Pain in your lower tummy or back.
  • Pelvic pain.
  • Severe period pain that stops you doing your normal activities.
  • Pain during or after sex.
  • Pain when peeing or pooping during your period.
  • Feeling sick or nauseous.
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Blood in your pee or poop during your period.
  • Difficulty getting pregnant

It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone with Endometriosis will experience the same symptoms, it can affect women differently and cause women to experience just a few or all of these symptoms. 

How does Acupuncture treat Endometriosis?

Dietary changes and acupuncture methods can make an incredible difference for those living with Endometriosis. 

Chinese Medicine would describe Endometriosis as a spleen, kidney and blood deficiency issue. Acupuncture has the ability to reach these deficiencies, accessing the acupressure points to help ease and relieve the symptoms caused by Endometriosis.

Some of the Acupressure points that will help relieve Endometriosis symptoms are:

Kidney 13

Kidney 13 is considered as a diagnostic point for all Uterine problems, including Endometriosis, PMS, Fibroids. This point is four fingers below the Umbilicus.

Liver 2

Liver 2 is another very Important diagnostic point for conditions like Endometriosis, Bladder Inflammation or an enlarged Prostate gland. This point has a sedating effect on the Liver.

Spleen 5

Spleen 5 is located at the medial aspect of the ankle between Liver 4 and Kidney 6. This is a major treatment point for Fallopian Tube inflammation and Endometriosis. Spleen 5 is also used together with Liver 5.

Sacral Liao Points

The 2nd and 3rd Liao points, over the posterior sacral foramina are not always easy to find, but they are essential for the treatment of Endometriosis, Fibroids and Cysts in the Pelvic cavity.

 

Gallbladder 31

The Gallbladder 31 also serves as an important support point for Pelvic Inflammatory disorders and Endometriosis. For men, Gall Bladder 23 is an important supporting point for the treatment of Prostatitis.

The body is filled with interconnected muscles and nerve endings and by accessing multiple points with Acupuncture treatment, the uterus can be targeted in order to reduce the symptoms caused by Endometriosis. 

An Acupuncture professional will be able to effectively reach these points within the body in order to reduce the inflammation and pain that is caused by the Endometriosis condition. Many women find relief from their Endometriosis  after just a few appointments of the treatment. 

Why choose Acupuncture for Endometriosis? 

Whilst some western medicines recommend surgery for coping with advanced Endometriosis conditions. Acupuncture provides an alternative and non-invasive approach that may work just as well. 

Another method for coping with Endometriosis is Hormone Therapy, however this may not be suitable for some women, or some women may simply not want the presence of artificial hormones within their body. 

Acupuncture provides a natural alternative that instigates your body’s natural healing responses. Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with other treatments that are working towards relieving the symptoms caused by Endometriosis. 

How long does Acupuncture for Endometriosis sessions last? 

Although it varies from patient to patient, initial Acupuncture treatment for Endometriosis usually occurs one or twice a week and lasts between 6-8 weeks. 

After the initial treatment, the Acupuncture professional will evaluate how you are coping with your symptoms and they will usually drop you down 2 weeks of sessions per month. 

Depending on how you are coping with your symptoms, the Acupuncture professional will provide guidance on further treatment if necessary. 

How quickly will acupuncture treatment relieve Endometriosis symptoms? 

By rule of thumb, patients of Acupuncture treatment should expect to see their Endometriosis symptoms resolved or at least eased, within 3 – 6 months. Although it is worth bearing in mind that each individual is different and so is their Endometriosis condition. 

Book Acupuncture for Endometriosis today

Patients who have had painful conditions such as PMS, Fibroids and Endometriosis can move on to a positive fertility experience following successful treatment. 

In cases of patients with Endometriosis, fertility can be boosted with surgery then Acupuncture or Electroacupuncture as a follow up treatment. For patients with PMS, Manual Acupuncture may be used to relieve symptoms. 

It’s important to remember that everyone’s fertility journey and experience of pain is different when coping with PMS, Fibroids or Endometriosis, one woman’s experience may be completely different from anyone else’s. 

If you are tired of dealing with PMS, Fibroids or Endometriosis symptoms that impact your ability to lead a normal life, book a consultation today to discuss how Acupuncture for Endometriosis can help you. 

Click here to book a consultation

 

Ros Chambers