Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects 10 – 15%
of all menstruating
women.
The lining of the uterus is called the
endometrium. Each month
this is shed in the form of a period. Endometriosis occurs when stray
fragments of this lining find their way into the pelvic cavity and attach
themselves to various organs and tissues. These endometriosis growths are
still influenced by female hormones, and continue to bleed each
month. Bleeding into
the abdominal cavity causes scarring, adhesions and severe
pain.
There is compelling evidence that
endometriosis may be an autoimmune disease, and sufferers are at
increased risk of other autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid
arthritis.
Symptoms of endometriosis
include:
*PAIN. Be suspicious of periods which
suddenly become painful. Pain on intercourse, or during
bowel motions is also common.
*Infertility
*Lethargy
*Heavy and painful
periods
*Abnormal bowel motions during
periods
*Unexplained exhaustion and
lethargy
Treatment
TCM understand endometriosis as resulting from a blockage or
stagnation of the flow of qi and blood in the abdomen. Chronic blood stasis can result in
“masses” in the abdomen such as fibroids, cysts or
endometriosis. Blood stasis
often occurs as a result of long term qi imbalance, especially affecting
the kidney and liver meridians.
Women with endometriosis can benefit
greatly from a long-term commitment to TCM treatments. There are no quick, overnight
“fixes” with this condition, and treatment often involves several months
of regular acupuncture, along with herbal and nutritional medicine;
dietary change; exercise and stress management.
Women usually begin to notice an
improvement by the time of their third menstrual cycle after starting
treatment (sometimes earlier). Improvement is usually noticed as
increased energy and a more regular and less painful
period.
Naturopathic recommendations include the
use of magnesium and essential fatty acid supplements and a diet low in
animal protein, alcohol, caffeine, sugar etc. Changing estrogen metabolites
through diet and nutritional medicine also helps to reduce the ongoing
stimulation of endometrial growths. A gut and liver detoxification
protocol is also recommended to improve breakdown and excretion of
estrogen metabolites.
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