Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects millions of women, with symptoms ranging from mild or asymptomatic to severe. The condition is classified by its severity and symptoms include painful periods, pathological uterine bleeding, and bleeding at sites other than the endometrium during menstruation. Other symptoms include back pain or severe abdominal cramping during menstruation, painful intercourse, painful intestinal upset or urination during menstruation and of course, infertility. The infertility stems from an inflammatory intrauterine environment that either destroys the embryos or makes the uterine lining inhospitable to an embryo which is trying to implant.
Western medicine now understands this condition to be an autoimmune disease. Endometriosis creates an inflammatory reaction in the body, the body’s response is to grow endometrial tissue outside its intended site, the uterus. Western medical treatment consists of pain medications, hormonal treatments and/or surgical removal of the tissue. Even after surgical intervention the underlying cause is still present allowing reoccurance of endometriosis.
The TCM view and treatment of endometriosis focuses on calming the inflammatory reaction, moving and resolving the stagnant blood and tissue, relieving pain and bringing the whole body into balance- treating the underlying cause.
Studies done in China treated women with severe menstrual pain with either Western or Eastern medicine. The women treated with Eastern methods received an herbal formula. The herbs were administered twice daily beginning two weeks before the anticipated start of the period. The other women were given the Western medicine indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic. In both groups, treatment was administered for three months.
80.4% of women experienced relief being treated with herbs. 73.3% for the indomethacin group. The herbal group showed other benefits as well; lower levels of a negative type of estrogen, increase in late-phase progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum (crucial for embryo implantation). The indomethacin group had no marked effect on either estrogen or progesterone. 1
Acupuncture can improve the functioning of the immune system and increase the flow of energy through the meridians, or energy pathways, in the body. Acupuncture can also stimulate the nervous system to release hormones, and is very effective at relieving pain. For these reasons, acupuncture is a viable and effective treatment modality for dealing with endometriosis. The use of specific acupuncture points and herbal formulas for each pattern of endometriosis can produce dramatic improvements.
Diet is also an important factor in controlling endometriosis. A low-fat, high-fiber, dairy-free diet is recommended, along with the addition of certain foods such as Daikon radish (moves Qi) and kelp (dissolves masses and stasis). Avoiding cold foods and drinks is also very helpful. Animal products free of hormones and antibiotics are a must.
http://acupuncture.com/conditions/endometr.htm
1. The Infertility Cure, Randine Lewis, Ph. D
