Get a closer look at how acupuncture can support women’s health issues including endometriosis.
Painful, oftentimes debilitating periods, aren’t normal, but they’re also not uncommon. It’s thought that 1 in 10 women of childbearing age faces a women’s health issue known as endometriosis.
We’ll examine endometriosis thoroughly below, but know that if you suffer from painful periods, acupuncture is a great solution!
At Lee Acupuncture in Newport Beach, we’re an acupuncture clinic specializes in women’s health and can help you figure the best treatment plan for endometriosis today!
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when typical uterine tissue grows on the exterior of the uterus, lining the pelvis, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and bowels. Although it’s outside of the uterus, it continues to respond to hormonal changes in a woman’s cycle but can be problematic when the blood and tissue that would normally exit during menstruation becomes trapped. As a result, heavy bleeding, extreme pain, and infertility can occur.
What does endometriosis feel like?
Because there is no firm diagnosis of endometriosis that you can do yourself, many women believe they are suffering from really bad cramps. And while mild cases of endometriosis may feel like intensified cramps, it depends on the individual, and many times the symptoms are extremely painful.
With endometriosis you may experience the following:
- Belly or pelvic pain (sharp and stabbing pains)
- Backache
- Painful sex
- Leg pain
- Painful bowel movements
Endometriosis symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Spotting between periods
- Allergies
- Migraines
- Long periods
- Heavy periods
Acupuncture For Endometriosis
Acupuncture is a revered treatment for endometriosis because unlike Western medicine that requires surgery to remove the excess tissues, acupuncture is a noninvasive option with little to no side effects.
When managing endometriosis, the acupuncture will identify a cluster of symptoms such as blood stasis damp heat stagnation, spleen chi deficiency, kidney yang deficiency, and chi stagnation. While many of these have little bearing on what you need to know about treating endometriosis, this is likely what your practitioner will be looking for.
If acupuncture is an option you want to try for endometriosis, one to two weekly appointments spanning six to eight weeks is typically recommended in addition to any Chinese herbs and nutritional therapies your practitioner may prescribe.
While it’s great to know there is an alternative in treating endometriosis, most women want to know how effective acupuncture is for endometriosis. Many women who have received acupuncture for endometriosis have seen excellent results — not only does it minimize overall painful menstruation cycles but it helps to reduce the symptoms associated with endometriosis.
Get support for your painful periods from Lee Acupuncture in Newport Beach!
If you dread your period because it interrupts daily life and impacts your quality of life, know that it can be different. There are a myriad of Chinese medicine solutions that can are tailored to your symptoms. From acupuncture and Chinese herbs to nutrition support, we’re here to lend a solution so you no longer fear your period.