Women, men & hormones
Acupuncture for Endometriosis
Pain that goes beyond ordinary period cramps: so intense that you cannot work for a day, radiating to your back or legs, or present outside your period too. Many women with endometriosis go years before receiving a diagnosis. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used as a complement to your conventional treatment, with attention to pain, fatigue, tension and your cycle.
What is endometriosis?
In endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, for example on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the ligaments around the uterus, the peritoneum or between the vagina and the rectum. This tissue responds to the hormones of the cycle and can cause inflammation, adhesions and cysts. When the tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus itself, it is called adenomyosis.
The best-known symptom is severe pain around the period. Women may also experience pelvic or lower back pain outside their period, pain during sex, pain when urinating or passing stools, heavy or irregular bleeding, fatigue and bowel symptoms such as bloating. Endometriosis can also affect fertility.
The severity of the pain does not always reflect the amount of endometriosis. The diagnosis is made by a gynaecologist, sometimes with an ultrasound or MRI and sometimes only during laparoscopy. Conventional treatment consists of pain relief, hormonal treatment and sometimes surgery. Because endometriosis is often long-lasting, many women also look for ways to cope better with their symptoms.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Endometriosis from a TCM perspective
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, endometriosis is mainly associated with Blood stasis: Blood that does not flow smoothly and accumulates in the lower abdomen. The question then is what causes or maintains that stagnation, such as tension, Cold, Heat or an underlying deficiency. That is why, besides the pain, your energy, digestion, mood and the course of your cycle are also considered.
Qi stagnation with Blood stasis
Qi Zhi Xue YuWhen tension and stress obstruct the flow of Qi, TCM describes the Blood stagnating as well. This is associated with stabbing or pressing pain, tense breasts, irritability before the period and blood with clots.
Cold congealing the Blood
Han Ning Xue YuSevere, cramping pain that improves with warmth, cold hands and feet and dark blood with clots are associated in TCM with Cold slowing the flow in the lower abdomen.
Damp-Heat with Blood stasis
Shi Re Yu ZuBurning or nagging pelvic pain that is also present outside the period, sometimes with discharge, a heavy feeling in the lower abdomen and bowel symptoms, is associated in TCM with Damp and Heat mixing with the Blood.
Kidney deficiency with Blood stasis
Shen Xu Xue YuWhen pain is accompanied by a weak, aching lower back, fatigue and sometimes reduced fertility, TCM describes a deficiency of Kidney energy that leaves the flow in the lower abdomen insufficiently nourished.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with endometriosis?
Acupuncture does not remove endometriosis itself, but it can be used as support alongside conventional treatment. In the first consultation we look at the pattern of your pain, your cycle, your energy and how the symptoms affect your daily life. Any hormonal treatment or previous surgery is also taken into account.
- 01Acupuncture: very fine, sterile needles are used on points on the lower abdomen, lower back, legs and feet, among others. In TCM these are used to support the flow of Qi and Blood and to relieve pain.
- 02Tuning in to your cycle: treatment is tailored as much as possible to the phase of your cycle, with extra attention to the period in which the pain usually flares up.
- 03Ear acupuncture with the laser: points on the ear can be used as support for pain, tension and fatigue. At Bai Kang this is always done with the laser, never with needles.
- 04Needle-free alternative and acupressure: all points can also be treated with therapeutic laser light. You will also be shown acupressure points you can use yourself on days with a lot of pain.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture cure endometriosis?
No. Acupuncture can be used as support for symptoms such as pain, fatigue and tension, but it does not remove the endometriosis tissue. It is intended as a complement to treatment by your GP or gynaecologist.
Has acupuncture for endometriosis been researched?
Some research has been done into acupuncture for endometriosis pain. Some of the smaller studies describe a reduction in pain, but the number of good-quality studies is limited. It therefore remains an individual consideration.
Can I combine acupuncture with hormonal treatment?
Yes. Acupuncture can be given alongside hormonal treatment, pain relief and after surgery. Let us know during the intake which treatment you are following, so it can be taken into account.
I have endometriosis and want to conceive. Can I still come?
Yes, acupuncture can then be used as support in the period before you become pregnant, also alongside a fertility programme. You can read more on the page about fertility and the wish to conceive. Once you are pregnant, treatment at Bai Kang stops.
How many treatments are needed?
Endometriosis is often a long-term condition. Treatment usually spans a few cycles, after which we review together how you respond and what follow-up is appropriate.
I also have a lot of bowel complaints. Is that taken into account?
Yes. Bowel symptoms such as bloating, cramps or changing bowel habits are common with endometriosis. In TCM these symptoms are viewed in context and included in the treatment.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Personal Treatment Plan
Living with endometriosis?
During a first appointment, we look at your symptoms and your cycle, and how acupuncture can complement your current treatment.