Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the lining of your uterus grows in other parts of your body, which causes painful, heavy periods, irregular bleeding and difficulty conceiving. Endometriosis most commonly occurs around the bowel, rectum, ovaries, urinary bladder and pelvic region. You are more likely to have endometriosis if you have never had children, started menstruating at a young age, have periods that last longer than seven days or have a family history of endometriosis. Traditional medical treatment for endometriosis includes pain medications, hormone therapy or surgery; however, acupuncture may provide natural, effective relief for your endometriosis symptoms.
Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture is an ancient medical therapy that originated in China more than 2,500 years ago. As of 2010, more than 1 million Americans utilize this alternative medical treatment as a part of their regular heatlhcare regimen, according to the nonprofit Alternative Medicine Foundation. Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny needles at various points throughout the body with the intent to activate your body's qi — life force energy — and reduce pain, regulate hormones, treat and prevent illness and balance your internal organs and body systems.
Research
Acupuncture may provide effective pain relief for endometriosis, according to a study published in the February 2011 issue of "Zhonggui Zhen Jiu," a Chinese medical journal. Researchers reviewed the effectiveness of abdmonal acupuncture for endometriosis pain, comparing two groups of women with endometriosis. One group received abdominal acupuncture and the other group took a popular Chinese herbal pain medication. After three months of treatment, the women in the acupuncture group experienced a higher level of pain relief than the women in the control group.
Treatment
When you arrive for your first acupuncture treatment, your acupuncturist may ask you questions about your condition, symptoms, health history and lifestyle. She will feel your pulse and look at your tongue in order to develop a Chinese medical diagnosis. You will lie comfortably as your acupuncturist inserts tiny needles at various points on your body such as your arms, legs and abdomen. You will relax with the acupuncture needles in for approximately 20 to 60 minutes, during which time you may actually fall asleep. You may need a number of acupuncture treatments before you experience a noticable and lasting effect on your endometriosis symptoms.
Safety
Although acupuncture is generally considered safe, it does pose a number of risks and potential side effects. Acupuncture may cause discomfort at the site of the needle, bruising, bleeding or infection; however, these risks are rare if acupuncture is performed by a well-trained and experienced practitioner. Ask your doctor, friend, relative or local health department for a qualified referral in your area. Consider choosing a Chinese medical practitioner who specializes in women's health and gynecology.
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Endometriosis
- Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; Acupuncture: An Alternative and Complementary Resource Guide
- Zhonggui Zhen Jiu; "Effect of abdominal acupuncture on pain of pelvic cavity in patients with endometriosis"; Xiang, D.F., et. al.; February 2011
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Acupuncture: An Introduction
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