Dealing with endometriosis can feel like an endless search for answers. Relief can seem elusive and fleeting sometimes. Just getting a diagnosis can take years and often comes with some hurdles. When you're dealing with constant, debilitating pain, you just want answers. You want to feel better. What is wrong?! How can you get relief? Well, you are not alone. According to Yale Health, about 50% - 80% of women with pelvic pain have endometriosis.
I see patients dealing with endometriosis all the time. There is hope. The profound healing and transformation I've witnessed people experience from treatments is indescribable.
In this blog, we will be discussing...
What is Endometriosis?
Common symptoms associate with endometriosis can include:
Getting an Endometriosis Diagnosis...
What are some alternative options of treatment?
Some nourishing and empowering resources
Benefits of Acupuncture & herbal supplements can include
What is Endometriosis?
Endometrial tissue is the natural lining of the uterus. The body produces a new endometrial lining in the uterus with each cycle. This lining is what the body sheds during menstruation. Endometrial tissue found in the uterus is physiological. That's where it belongs. When the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, it is known as endometriosis and can cause issues.
Why the hell is it so painful?!
Well, physiological fluctuations in hormones throughout a cycle signal the shedding of the endometrium in the uterus, creating a period. However, the change in hormones can also affect the endometrial tissue that has grown outside the uterus, in people with endometriosis. This can cause severe pain and other symptoms. People with endometriosis can experience severe pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, throughout the abdominal cavity, and into the legs.
Common symptoms associate with endometriosis can include:
painful periods, known as dysmenorrhea
breast tenderness
breast swelling or distention
irregular menstruation
clotting during periods
chronic pelvic pain (worse during menstruation)
mood swings
painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia
constipation
infertility
Getting an Endometriosis Diagnosis...
The path to an endometriosis diagnosis can be long and challenging for some. Conventionally, laparoscopic surgery is often the means to a diagnosis. Currently, there are no non-invasive options available to definitively diagnose endometriosis. Usually, a combination of pain medications (analgesics), hormone therapies, and/or invasive surgeries are used to manage symptoms, but are not usually curative. In fact, these treatment options can cause side effects that can be difficult to tolerate.
Are there alternatives options that can bring relief?
Yes. In East Asian Medicine, treatment is based on restoring balance in the body. Not all patients with endometriosis are treated the same. There is a well-known saying in Chinese Medicine, "Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong." It translates 'If there is no free flow, there is pain; if there is free flow, there is no pain. Typically, when someone is experiencing pain, it is a sign that Qi and Blood are not flowing smoothly, as they should. There are blockages or stagnation in the body.
During an acupuncture appointment, the practitioner will assess how the entire body is functioning using a holistic approach. They are able to identify what the body needs in order to restore harmony, bring the body back into homeostasis, and alleviate pain. Each patient receives an individualized treatment to address the root of the issue, manage symptoms, and bring relief.
In my practice, I use acupuncture and herbal supplements synergistically to support the body, accelerate healing, and help us reach the desired outcome.
Eastern and Western medicine can be incorporated together in an integrative approach. It does not need to be an 'either - or' choice. It is up to each individual to decide what is right for them and their body.
Some nourishing and empowering resources
When dealing with a condition that can seem to consume many aspects of your life, discovering some tools that may help manage your symptoms can be profound.
Diet
Perhaps you've heard that cutting out gluten and dairy can help manage pain associated with endometriosis, but you've been reluctant to try this. I will say, my patients with endometriosis who have eliminated gluten and dairy from their diets have noticed a significant reduction in pain. They report, after eating the occasional bread or cheese, their pain symptoms flare up. Gluten and dairy do not affect everyone the same. Each body is able to handle and metabolize them differently. Both can wreak havoc on the body for many people because gluten and dairy are inflammatory foods. They can create more systemic inflammation and exacerbate pain symptoms. When a condition can make you feel like your body is attacking itself, it can be incredibly empowering to discover something you can control.
Some nutrition guidance from East Asian Medicine...
Incorporating nutrient-rich foods, such as sweet potato, leafy greens, bone broth, and quality protein is recommended. Salmon is a great option for many people.
Keep in mind, eating gently cooked vegetables is typically easier for the body to digest and extract nutrients. Cold and raw foods, such as salad, can be difficult to digest and may create digestive issues like bloating.
That being said, in East Asian Medicine, we encourage living and eating according to the season. So, in winter time, soups, stews, and root vegetables are more appropriate. However, in summer, cooling foods like cucumber, watermelon, and mint tea are more appropriate. Salads can be incorporated occasionally during summer time.
Also, remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Try to minimize or eliminate sugary drinks, such as soda.
Home remedies
Endometriosis is often aggravated by cold and alleviated by warmth. Drinking ice cold
beverages or eating ice cream might make symptoms worse. Whereas, drinking warm beverages, such as tea, and eating warm food can be soothing and nourishing. Taking a warm Epsom salt bath or using a heating pad may also help reduce pain when you're at home.
Acupuncture
Incorporating Acupuncture and herbal supplements may help to manage symptoms by treating the whole body and restoring balance, helping you feel better. Rather than just treating the symptom, acupuncture supports the entire body to function more efficiently. Our bodies are wise. When dealing with endometriosis, the body may need some help to get back on track, restore balance, and alleviate symptoms.
Speak with a licensed acupuncturist to learn if this is an appropriate option for you.
Benefits of Acupuncture & herbal supplements can include
Reduces pain
Regulates menstruation
Balances moods and emotions
Improves circulation and nourishes tissues
Oxygenates cells throughout the body
Improves metabolization and clearing out of toxins
Promotes healthy bowel movements
Stimulates release of endorphins
Reduces tension in muscles and fascia
Restores physiological function
Improves lymphatic drainage
Boosts the immune system
Reduces inflammation
Disclaimer: There is not a 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to finding the right herbal supplement for you. Speak with a licensed herbalist to find an appropriate option for you.
To learn more about how I may be able to help you feel like yourself again, check out my Hormone Balancing page:
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