Acupuncture For Endometriosis
by Candice Esposito, Naturopathic Doctor
Algoma Natural Healing Clinic, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
Acupuncture and naturopathic medicine is one of the few natural treatment options that can be profoundly helpful for women suffering from endometriosis. This condition, which occurs when the tissue that lines the endometrium is found to be growing outside the uterus, is a painful and sometimes debilitating condition that affects 10 to 20% of American women of childbearing age. The typical symptoms are severe menstrual cramping, irregular menstrual bleeding, lower back pain, pain after intercourse, fatigue, and occasionally difficulty in conception.
Endometriosis is seen as a sign of blood stagnation in Chinese medicine. This can be due to blood deficiency, kidney deficiency, or excessive internal cold. Each specific pattern tends to respond very well to treatment. There are some cases of endometrial growth, however, that are so pronounced that surgical intervention is necessary. Most mild to moderate cases can be treated with Chinese medicine.
The typical course of treatment for endometriosis is acupuncture once a week for 6-8 visits, at which time we will assess for progress and discuss future treatment. The process tends to be condensed if the patient is willing to take herbs or nutritional supplements and make dietary changes.
The Chinese herbal formula shao fu zhy yu tang treats blood stagnation and cold in the lower abdominal region. Gui zhi fu ling wan is perhaps the most popular herbal formula for cysts, fibroids and enodmetriosis .
Important dietary changes include avoiding refind carbohydrates, minimizing caffeine, eating plenty of vegetables and essential fats, as well as choosing organic sources of meats.
It is also important to exercise 3-4 times a week to maintain the proper circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body.
Pursuing acupuncture and herbal treatment for endometriosis can be a life-changing decision for many women. When combined with proper diet and exercise, the root cause of this condition can often be healed.
Contact our office today to make your first appointment and find out more about the use of acupuncture for endometriosis.
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