Endometriosis is one of the most common causes of pelvic pain that we treat at Two Rivers Acupuncture. Most of the time it is under diagnosed or can even be asymptomatic. Endometriosis can be a leading cause of both infertility and painful, heavy periods but fortunately Chinese medicine is very good at treating both the root cause and the symptoms associated with endometriosis.
Endometriosis can only be clearly diagnosed during laparoscopic surgery. During surgery they are able to see the endometrial scar tissue and can also remove it though for many women, it can come back.
What is Endometriosis?
When the tissue that normally lines the uterus ( aka the endometrium) grows outside of the uterus and sticks to pelvic organs such as the bowel, rectum, bladder, ovaries and the tissue lining the pelvis is known as endometriosis. Sometimes the tissue can spread beyond the pelvic region into the legs, hip and various other areas.
Since there ends up being built up during the menstrual cycle instead of tissue being shed and discharged, this can cause lesions and masses over time as well as affect uterine and ovarian function. Over time, this can affect fertility and the general health of the reproductive organs.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis
Pelvic pain worse during the period
Pain during or after sex
Pain associated with bowel movement
Pain associated with urination
Nausea
Fatigue
Bowel changes
Abdominal Bloating
How does Western Gynecological medicine treat endometriosis ?
The standard of care is dependent on if you are currently trying to conceive, how severe your symptoms are and the location of where the endometriosis is. Typical treatments are pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, birth control pills and / or other hormonal treatments and sometimes if severe, a hysterectomy is performed.
How Chinese Medicine Treats Endometriosis ?
Since every case is different and TCM treats patients uniquely according to their symptoms and patterns of diagnosis, how we treat endometriosis is also very unique. We usually recommend twice weekly treatment along with Chinese herbal formulas for more severe cases and treatment can last anywhere from six months to years since for some, TCM treatment can actually keep even the most severe symptoms at bay.
Chinese Medicine Treatment for Endometriosis can :
Significantly Reduce Pelvic Pain
Reduce Pain during Sex
Greatly Lower Inflammation
Help stop the spread of further Endometriosis
Helps treat the root of the Endometriosis
Can help be a complementary treatment post laparoscopic surgery especially when couples are trying to conceive to help stop further spread of endometriosis and recovery from the surgery
Important Studies For Endometriosis
The Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Shanghai First Medical College conducted a clinical trial in 1980, using Chinese herbs to treat endometriosis. There were 156 participants who were endometriosis sufferers and they were divided into three groups. The groups were based on the diagnoses and then given a herbal formula that addressed their specific underlying condition and blood stagnation ( which is one of the main Chinese medicine diagnosis in endometriosis)
According to the report, 82% of the participants saw their symptoms mostly or entirely alleviated, while 18% of the participants had either no effect or any beneficial effect was very short term and stopped when the herbal prescriptions were no longer given. Click here to read more about this study
After reading this study, it is surprising more conventional medicine Dr.s have not been recommending Chinese medicine to their endometriosis patients, since not only has this study been around since 1980 but women who have endometriosis tend to really suffer with their symptoms. This research also shows how effective Chinese herbal medicine can be in the treatment of endometriosis when prescribed correctly and in accordance with the patient’s individual diagnosis and patterns.
More Endometriosis Research
There was a research study conducted in 2002 published by the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine which was a study with 67 participants who suffered from very painful periods due to endometriosis. Half of the participants received ear acupuncture while the other half did not. The conclusion showed that in the acupuncture control group,81% of the participants had less painful periods while the other showed no change whatsoever.
Through this research it is understood that acupuncture can regulate hormones, has anti- inflammatory properties which stop pain as well as change endorphin levels and helps promote blood circulation in reproductive organs.
Jessica’s Story :
“Dr. Dulberg is truly a life changer. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endo a few years ago and have had numerous procedures for it. I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to even work with top doctors in NYC. However, even after my last 6 hour long laparoscopic procedure, the pain and symptoms came back within a year. The next step was a full hysterectomy. Aside from going on hormone medications or Lupron, which being in my 30’s and someone who values clean and holistic living as much as possible, and not an avenue I was about to engage willingly in, there was no end in sight to the surgeries and procedures. I had heard about Acupuncture for Endo but honestly thought I was too far gone, even my Endo Dr’s had told me not to have too much faith with how much the disease is present throughout my body. I researched for months to find the right doctor and had a feeling when I found Dr. Dulberg that this was it. Upon the first visit my life was forever changed for the better. My body immediately started to feel like it was being righted, and the herbs she provides have drastically removed pain that was once overbearing by not just masking but by correcting what needs to be internally. Prior to being a patient, the flare ups and pain were controlling my life. The carefully balanced plan my husband and I laid out of workouts, diet, tea tonics, etc were not making the cut anymore and the pain and symptoms were once again beginning to control my life. Being a patient of Dr. Dulberg’s has given me the opportunity to take my life back and not have this disease control me has it has for nearly a decade. If you are reading this and are questioning whether or not to try this avenue of holistic medicine, or perhaps it is out of your comfort zone or you don’t think it works, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Dr. Dulberg is warm and welcoming and she will make your life better for it as she has mine.”