Galway Fertility: Acupuncture and Endometriosis
Written by Blueheronclinic.com
Acupuncture is a section of healing derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine which involves inserting and manipulating needles in specific acupoints on the body which are believed to have health benefits for the patient. Your acupuncturist may have been trained in one or several styles of acupuncture including 5
Element, Eight Principle, Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture, micro system or medical acupuncture. All of these forms have their health benefits and can be applied effectively in many ways and for many infertility related conditions.
How acupuncture benefits endometriosis
Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide and can vary in severity from mild with few or no symptoms (usually undiagnosed) to severe which can include severe cramping pain during the menstrual cycle, bowel irregularities, low energy, headaches and fertility issues.
Not only is acupuncture an effective form of treatment it's a healthier, natural option
compared o hormonal therapy and invasive surgery - neither of which have shown to be capable of completely removing the excess endometrial tissue.
For women trying to get pregnant with endometriosis the benefits of acupuncture are many and varied including:
- Reducing stress levels – Stress has been shown to increase the inflammation response and affect hormone levels
- Regulating blood flow – In Chinese Medicine, Blood Stasis or blood not moving freely is one of the main causes of Endometriosis.
- Regulating hormone levels – Estrogen dominance is one of the main pre-cursers of this disease, use acupuncture to calm the mind and harmonize your hormone levels.
- Reducing Pain and Inflammation – Numerous studies point to the effectiveness of acupuncture in relation to chronic pain and inflammation.
TCM Diagnosis for Endometriosis
Traditional Chinese Medicine views illness and disease differently from western medicine in that we observe illness as disharmony in the movement of Chi (vital energy) on the human landscape and attempt to restore balance (holistic, nurturing) while western medicine would take the view of isolating and destroying (destructive).
With regards to Endometriosis there are several possible TCM Diagnosis from mild to severe including:
- Chi Stagnation - The inability of our body's energy to move freely resulting in "friction" and pain in the affected areas. Mild endometriosis can often be a result of Chi Stagnation or Chi Stasis.
- Excess Phlegm – When the body's digestive systems are not functioning properly we are often left with a residue which TCM describes as Dampness or Phlegm. These can form cysts, polyps and abdominal masses and should be dispersed with acupuncture treatment.
- Blood Stasis – A severe form of Chi Stagnation affecting the body's energies at the deeper blood level. Blood Stasis can result in severe stabbing pain, dizziness and migraine.
Acupuncture treatment for endometriosis
I recommend women with mild Endometriosis receive once weekly acupuncture treatment until symptoms improve while women with moderate to severe pain should receive two to four weekly acupuncture treatments especially if trying to get pregnant naturally or preparing for any medical fertility treatment. In both situations women should adhere to the blocked foods list in our endometriosis diet at all times in order to minimize symptoms.
Research on Acupuncture for Endometriosis
The aim of the study was to examine whether acupuncture is an effective additional pain treatment for endometriosis.
To observe the therapeutic effect of ear-electroacupuncture (Ear-EA) on dysmenorrhea in patients with endometriosis and to explore its underlying mechanism.
What next? Call The Blue Heron Clinic at 091895748 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us with your questions
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