Chinese Herbal Medicine For Endometriosis
February 4th, 2010
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder in which tissue lining the uterus grows outside of the uterus into other areas. Endometriosis can cause lesions, nodules, tumors, and other abnormal tissue growth which can result in pain, infertility and heavy periods.
Most endometriosis is found behind the uterus, on tissues connected to the uterus, on or under the ovaries, and on the bowels or bladder.
Chinese herbal medicine may relieve symptoms in the treatment of endometriosis. A review by Cochrane researchers found some evidence that Chinese herbs had comparable benefits with conventional medications for women experiencing endometriosis.
Surgical and other conventional treatments for endometriosis do not always lead to long-term improvement in symptoms and medications can have adverse side effects such as hot flashes, acne and weight gain.
Key points for women with endometriosis:
- As many as one in seven women get endometriosis
- It can be benign. You only need treatment if you experience pain.
- A laparoscopy test is utilized to determine if you have endometriosis.
- Conventional treatments for endometriosis include surgery, hormones or medications.
- There is no cure for endometriosis, but many allopathic therapies address the primary symptom of pain.
The researchers conducted the first review of Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of endometriosis. Two studies, which focused on a total of 158 women, were included in the review. In one study, Chinese herbal medicine provided symptomatic relief comparable to that provided by the hormonal drug gestrinone, but with fewer side effects. In the other study, Chinese herbal medicine was more effective than the hormonal drug danazol, and also resulted in fewer side effects.
“These findings suggest that Chinese herbs may be just as effective as certain conventional drug treatments for women suffering from endometriosis,” says lead researcher Andrew Flower of the Complementary Medicine Research Unit at the University of Southampton.
Acupuncture can aid in the treatment of the pain associated with endometriosis. Acupuncture regulates the endocrine system and acts as an analgesic by increasing levels of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) modalities, such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, are often used successfully in the treatment of a wide range of female gynecological disorders, including endometriosis. TCM assesses the condition based on differentiated pattern manifestations, specific to each individual.
Endometriosis, from the TCM perspective, is caused by several factors, including particular cold and heat conditions, energy stagnation, deficiency, and blood stagnation. Your acupuncture physician will determine your particular clinical pattern after examining your menstrual history, duration of the menstrual cycle, and location and occurrence of pain.
Acupuncture points selected during treatment and herbal formulas chosen address each individual’s unique pattern manifestation. Specific acupoints, when stimulated, reduce pain by removing blockages, breaking up stagnation and improving circulation.
For information about Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture for the treatment of endometriosis call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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