Endometriosis 

Endometriosis is a disorder that can start in the teenage years of a woman’s life, but is often diagnosed between the ages of 30-40. The endometrial cells (cells that compose the lining of the uterus) can migrate to the outside of the uterus, the fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, colon, bladder wall, and sometimes to the abdominal cavity. The misplaced cells/tissue respond to the estrogen and progesterone during the onset of menstruation and begin to bleed when the menstrual cycle starts. Because this blood cannot exit through the cervix, it gets trapped and causes inflammation and the potential for scarring and adhesions. The scarring and adhesions can prevent the egg from passing through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus, ultimately leading to infertility issues.

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The immune system may also play a role in endometriosis and its ability to decrease fertility. In an attempt to react to the overgrowth of the endometrial cells outside the uterus, the immune system begins to see the displaced and uterine endometrial tissue as if it were a foreign invader. This can cause the endometrial cells in the uterus to cease their production of an essential protein marker that fosters implantation.
 

Symptoms of Endometriosis

• Dysmenorrhea or painful periods

• Painful intercourse

• Spotting before periods

• Pathological uterine bleeding
   

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine for Endometriosis​

Acupuncture works by stimulating the meridians that run through the uterus and works to move stagnant blood and qi. Acupuncture can help symptoms associated with endometriosis, such as reducing pain and excessive bleeding. Acupuncture helps reduce symptoms associated with stress and helps restore the body to an overall less inflamed state by clearing heat in the body. 
 

Research on Acupuncture & Endometriosis​

In a study published in the December 2002 issue of The Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, researchers selected 67 women diagnosed with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) due to endometriosis. It was reported that 81% of these women had less painful periods after receiving the acupuncture treatments. Research shows that acupuncture promotes blood circulation, regulates the endocrine system, and suggests that acupuncture could act as an analgesic by elevating levels of endorphins in the blood.

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Zhu, Xiaoshu, Kindreth D. Hamilton, and Ewan D. McNicol. “Acupuncture for pain in endometriosis.” Sao Paulo Medical Journal 131, no. 6 (2013): 439-439.

Endometriosis. Linda C. Giudice, M.D., Ph.D. N Engl J Med 2010; 362:2389-2398 June 24, 2010.

Wayne PM, Kerr CE, Schnyer RN, et al. Japanese-style acupuncture for endometriosis-related pelvic pain in adolescents and young women: results of a randomized sham-controlled trial. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2008; 21:247-257.