TREATING ENDOMETRIOSIS WITH ACUPUNCTURE
September 22nd, 2008
Endometriosis is a common health condition in women in which tissue lining the uterus grows outside of the uterus into other areas. Endometriosis can cause lesions, nodules, tumors, and other abnormal (although usually benign) tissue growth which can result in pain, infertility and heavy periods. These tissue growths tend to get bigger and the symptoms often get worse over time.
Most endometriosis is found behind the uterus, on tissues connected to the uterus, on or under the ovaries, and on the bowels or bladder. Of the symptoms associated with endometriosis, pain is one of the most common ones, occurring in the abdomen, pelvis and lower back areas. However, in some women, pain is not experienced although they are affected by the condition.
Other symptoms of endometriosis include: Fatigue, painful menstrual cramps, pain during or after sex, intestinal pain, painful bowel movements or painful urination during menstrual periods, and spotting or bleeding between periods. Women experiencing endometriosis often have symptoms for a prolonged span of time before they become aware of having the condition.
Women most likely to develop endometriosis typically have heavy periods, a short monthly cycle and periods lasting more than seven days. Studies have indicated that regular exercise and avoidance of alcohol and caffeine can reduce occurrence of the condition.
Most cases of endometriosis are diagnosed in women between 25-35 years of age. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, endometriosis affects approximately 5 to 7 million women. There is no cure for endometriosis, but many allopathic therapies address the primary symptom of pain. Often pain medication and hormone treatment are recommended.
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 and 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 and other symptoms, among other factors.
Treatment varies from person to person according to the individual’s TCM diagnosis. Acupuncture points selected during treatment and herbal formulas chosen address each individual’s unique pattern manifestation. Acupoints commonly stimulated during treatment for endometriosis are often located on the abdomen, ears, wrists, back, legs, and feet. Specific acupoints, when stimulated, reduce pain by removing blockages, breaking up stagnation and improving circulation. Chinese herbal formulas are also tailored to the individual constitution and disease stage.
Acupuncture can effectively treat women diagnosed with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) due to endometriosis. Acupuncture regulates the endocrine system and acts as an analgesic by increasing levels of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. In addition to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, other TCM modalities for the treatment of endometriosis may include moxibustion, dietary therapy, Qigong, and Tui Na massage.
For more information about acupuncture for the treatment of endometriosis and other gynecological disorders call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500. Sept 14.
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