Endometriosis and Acupuncture

As we mentioned in previous articles, endometriosis growing somewhere else other than the endometrium also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle by building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. As we know, acupuncture plays a very important role in some cultures in treating all kinds of diseases. In this article, we will discuss how acupuncture helps to treat endometriosis.

I. Definition
Acupuncture is one the oldest forms of Chinese medical treatments. It has been around for over 2500 years. It is a technique of inserting and manipulating the fine needles into specific energy points on the body with the aim of relieving pain and restoring the flow of energy known as Qi and blood stagnation. Chinese medical practitioners believe, by restoring the balance of Yin and Yang Qi, the body will heal itself.

II. How it works

a) Diagnosis
Normally, the first session with a Chinese medicine practitioner, He or she will take your pulses and blood pressure and through a series of questions such as your living style, medical history, body function, and symptoms of the disease. These questions are used as a base to find a holistic pattern of disharmony in the body as well as forming a foundation for future treatment.

b) Find the causes
Since each individual has a pattern that marks the foundation and progression of the disease it is important to diagnose the patient according to their own specific pattern because it is believed that there are many factors including blood stagnation, energy stagnation and deficiency, as well as cold and heat conditions that cause endometriosis.

c) Treatment
The treatment of endometriosis with acupuncture usually involves placing fine needles on the energy points along the meridians on the abdomen, hands, and legs. Needles are usually retained for 30 to 45 minutes. The acupuncture points and herbs chosen help to restore the free flow of energy and balance the qi in the body. In some cases, herbs are used to break up blood stagnation and stop pain depending on the diagnosis of the individual.