Learn how Acupuncture can help with the symptoms associated with Endometriosis and improve quality of life.

What is Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a complex inflammatory condition affecting the endometrial tissue of the uterus. In this condition, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows on the outside of the uterus. The inflammatory component of this condition can result in adhesions and fibrosis causing pain and infertility. This condition affects roughly 10% of girls and women globally. ¹ Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and often lessen during menopause.

March is Endometriosis Month

The Endometriosis Association has hosted Endometriosis Awareness Month each March since 1993. It is now observed globally providing awareness and education.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

• painful periods
• chronic pelvic pain
• pain with intercourse
• painful urination and bowel movements
• fatigue
• depression
• anxiety
• abdominal bloating
• nausea

Does Endometriosis require surgery?

At present, there is no known cure and treatment works to manage symptoms. Surgery may be indicated in severe cases and is often performed as a laparoscopic procedure. Medical interventions often involve pharmaceutical medications to help regulate hormones such as oral contraceptives. This can be a barrier to those actively trying to conceive.

Things your Acupuncturist will ask.

Your Acupuncturist will start by taking a detailed health intake. They’ll want to fully understand your unique symptoms picture as well as your lifestyle habits or any other interventions you’ve explored in treating your endometriosis.

They may ask:

• How frequent is your period? Does it follow a 25-30 cycle? Is it consistent?
• How many days does your period last?
• Is the blood dark, bright or pale? Are there any clots?
• When do your cramps start and end? 
• Does anything make the pain better or worse?
• Do you experience any PMS symptoms (emotional, chest tenderness, cramping, back pain)? 

It is also beneficial for your Acupuncturist to understand your overall health picture. Do you tend to run hot or cold? Are you always thirsty? Do you wake every night at the same time? These are all important qualities when using a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach.

How Acupuncture can help Endometriosis

Chronic pain can be manifested by pain centres in the brain being hyper responsive causing an “on-alert” nervous system. Specific acupuncture points can help calm the nervous system helping to break the cycle of chronic pain. Endometriosis can vastly affect ones quality of life. Seeing a Registered Acupuncturist, especially one that is trained in reproductive health can help regulate hormones, but also help lessen fatigue, pain, and anxiety that are commonly associated with Endometriosis.

How do I know if Acupuncture is helping?

Like many natural interventions to health conditions they’re never a quick fix. More often they work to address the root cause which takes time especially if the symptoms have been present for a long time. Your Acupuncturist will go over an individualized plan that will include a proposed frequency of treatments, as well as dietary and lifestyles recommendations based on your overall goals. Regular acupuncture will help manage your symptoms, decrease your pain, regulate your period, lessen PMS, and for those trying to conceive help them get pregnant.

Choosing a multi-disciplinary approach

Endometriosis is a complex condition and one that varies greatly in severity. In addition to working with your primary care physician, there are many alternative care options to help with your symptoms and quality of life. In addition to seeing an Acupuncturist, a pelvic health Physiotherapist or Massage Therapist will address the pelvis, hip, and low back to help lessen pain, reduce restrictions in the surrounding tissues, and encourage local circulation. Pelvic floor muscle abnormalities can contribute to chronic pain and should be assessed. Some people may also experience anxiety and depression associated with chronic illness or those with comorbidities that can benefit by speaking with a Psychotherapist.

¹ https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis