Endometriosis

Endometriosis can be associated with backache, painful defecation and/or rectal bleeding, premenstrual spotting, sciatica, urinary frequency and pain, vomiting, abdominal pain and swelling.

Any single endometriosis symptom is troubling, but in combination can be excruciating. Untreated, endometriosis can become the cause of female infertility.

Western medicine and endometriosis

Western medicine has no cure for endometriosis, therefore, the treatment goal is to restrict progression of the process, to provide pain relief, and to restore or preserve fertility when it is needed.

It usually includes pain relieving medication, laparoscopy, and laser removal of the endometrial tissue. Other drugs may be used to control hormones such as oral contraceptives, progestogens etc.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and endometriosis

According to the theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), endometriosis is known as “menstrual pain” due to its symptoms. It is not categorised as a disease in TCM, and is described as a blood stasis syndrome with formation of abdominal lumps.

Blood stasis is a condition where small vessels are not capable of carrying blood flow normally.

It is the cause of severe pain, especially in the lower abdomen during your menstruation, and is believed to be responsible for cases of excessive menstrual bleeding and infertility.

Those with blood stasis have abnormal blood flow, which may trigger a negative response from the immune system due to the endometrial cells growing outside the uterus.

In addition to blood stasis, there are often other factors which are part of the patterns of endometriosis. Liver Qi stagnation, kidney deficiency, cold retention, phlegm and heat patterns are frequently part of the mix.

In Chinese medicine, the uterus and the liver are closely related. The liver maintains patency or free flow of the qi or vital energy of the body. The liver, spleen, and kidney channels run through the pelvis and all can effect menstruation.

If any of these channels is blocked, congested or deficient, this will usually manifest in women as some sort of menstrual problem.

Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are viable and effective treatments for dealing with endometriosis and related infertility.

We investigate the underlying causes, deficiencies and imbalances to support you address your overall physical, emotional and mental well being.

• Have a consultation with an experienced Chinese medicine doctor. We can help you find out the cause of the imbalance with traditional Chinese medicine methods including pulse and tongue checkup and then a traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis will be provided.

• We will set up a specific treatment plan (which may include acupuncture, cupping or herbal medicine) to enhance fertility.
• We will provide you with suggestions of diet, lifestyle, exercise, stress management and general well being.