Endometriosis: Easing the Pain and Treating Infertility of with Acupuncture

Millions of women suffer from pain associated with endometriosis each year. Endometriosis typically impacts individuals in the 25-45 age group and can be a cause of female infertility. Endometriosis occurs when the tissue of the endometrial lining within the uterus grow outside of the reproductive organ. The tissue generally grows in the pelvic area but can expand to many other parts of the body. Like the endometrial tissue in the uterus, the displaced cellular matter also enlarges and bleeds during the menstrual cycle and can cause excruciating pain and discomfort.

Additionally, severe endometriosis causes pelvic scarring and distortion of pelvic anatomy. The tubes can become damaged or blocked and the ovaries often contain cysts of endometriosis (endometriomas) and may become adherent to the uterus, bowel, or pelvic side wall. Any of these anatomic distortions can result in infertility. Acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicine therapies have been shown to provide effective relief from the condition using non-invasive, holistic treatments.

Endometriosis symptoms
In Traditional Chinese Medicine terms, endometriosis is associated with a condition called blood stagnation, in which blood circulation is blocked and flows to areas it shouldn’t. Stress, old injuries, imbalanced diet, and poor sleep can all cause blood stagnation. The body has a hard time adjusting to this imbalance, and as a result, create the painful symptoms of endometriosis.

Most women experience extreme pain and tenderness in their lower abdominal around their menses. Other symptoms of endometriosis include nausea, very heavy periods that can lead to anemia, pain during intercourse, and infertility. The symptoms of endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose, and the only conclusive way of diagnosing endometriosis is through laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a surgical diagnostic procedure used to examine the organs inside the abdomen. Small incisions are made in the abdomen, and is minimally invasive and considered low-risk.

Using acupuncture and Chinese medicine to treat endometriosis
If you are experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, it’s important to see your obgyn to properly diagnose and rule out more serious conditions. Depending on the severity of symptoms and urgency of treatment (such as when someone is trying to conceive or is experiencing extremely heavy bleeding that can lead to anemia), sometimes surgery is necessary. However, our acupuncturists can help you navigate your treatment options, and recommend the best and healthiest therapy.

With a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, lifestyle and dietary suggestions, patients with endometriosis have been able to manage endometriosis and its symptoms with minimal surgery, medication, or hormones. Acupuncture releases endorphins, improves circulation, and regulates the nervous system to reduce pain, and even cure endometriosis.

If you are looking for a holistic approach to treating endometriosis, Chinese medicine treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicines provide excellent complementary care to Western diagnosis and treatment. Contact the team at Annie Wang Acupuncture in one of our two locations: Belmont and Los Altos, CA to learn more about the healing power of acupuncture. We are open seven days a week for your convenience! All of our practitioners are knowledgeable and experienced in natural and holistic care for female reproductive health.

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