Acupuncture, Herbs & Lifestyle Recommendations to Treat Endometriosis

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A brief overview of what is ENDOMETRIOSIS.

 Endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This can occur almost anywhere in the pelvic area- outer wall of uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic wall. Unlike actual endometrium, endometriosis tissue has no way to get out of the body when it breaks down. The body detects endometrial cells in the wrong place and mounts an inflammatory response to protect itself, attacking ALL endometrial tissue.

 Endometrial tissue can display differently and have different behaviors. It also presents with various symptoms and physiological challenges.  For example, brown or pigmented endometriosis typically shows small dark spots. This is the trapped blood from endometrial tissue that has nowhere to go. Commonly this presentation causes PAIN. In some cases there are cysts in the ovaries. If they are dark and brown these are called chocolate cysts, which are filled with old menstrual blood and tissue. If the cysts are pale pink/white and non-pigmented, these are immature cysts that have not developed enough to bleed. Cysts can be very active in secreting substances which inhibit conception.

Common symptoms associated with endometriosis are Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, intense pain and cramping, painful bowel movement at menses, low back pain and chronic pelvic pain. kAn underlying concern with all cases and presentations is infertility.

 How Endometriosis Can Affect Fertility

  • 5% of women with endometriosis have it located in inconvenient areas- fallopian tubes/ovaries. This can prevent successful conception, implantation and carrying pregnancy to full-term.

  • Macrophages are attracted to the out-of-place endometrial tissue and eat up cellular debris/foreign matter, which can include picking off potential inseminating sperm. Macrophages also produce cytokines, which are toxic to sperm and embryos, providing another obstacle for conception.

  • Endometrial tissue has glands that secrete mucus. Mucus coats the fimbriae or the ovary, preventing the transfer of the egg to the tube.

  • Endometriosis is linked to increased prostaglandins, specifically PGE2, which causes inflammation, pain and uterine contractions.

  • Associated with higher incidence of ovulatory disturbance (LUFS)

  • Women usually have lower IVF rates because of implantation problems.

 Chinese Medicine Protocols & Treatment for Endometriosis

 We do this with HERBS, ACUPUNCTURE & DIET/LIFESTYLE changes.

 Boosting KID YANG in ALL treatment protocols.

In Western Medicine, endometriosis is rooted in a low progesterone diagnosis. We link this to the LUTEAL/YANG phase of the cycle

Prime in the follicular phase and BUILD KIDNEY YANG in the luteal phase.  

MOVE BLOOD- Stagnation of Blood in/around the uterus, particularly if there are masses or cysts. More aggressive treatment focus while a woman is menstruating.

  •  Reduce exposure to estrogens

  • Support the liver & improve circulation

  • Include omega-3’s to fight inflammation

  • Take evening primrose oil- OMEGA 6

  • Eat fruits high in Vitamin C and bioflavonoids

  • When menstruating- avoid strenuous exercise and aversions.

  • Use menstrual pads instead of tampons.

 If there are endometrial polyps/cysts:

  • Lose weight, if overweight

  • EAT low fat, HIGH fiber, mostly vegetarian diet is ideal

  • Avoid dairy

  • No hormones in meats

  • Avoid SOY- especially the heavy processed soy products

  • Eat organic

  • Eat plenty of cruciferous veggies- broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussel sprouts. All have high content DIM (DIINDOLYLMETHANE)

  • Avoid refined/hydrogenated oils

  • Limit sugar, alcohol, caffeine

  • Enjoy dark chocolate, but don’t eat too much

  • Increase B Vitamins from whole foods, such as lentil, rice, bran and blackstrap molasses. Vitamin B6 particularly helps the breakdown and removal of estrogen from the body.

  • Eat artichokes

  • Stimulate the liver by using lemon juice and including bitter greens such as dandelion/endive/radicchio

  • Use liver supporting herbs- dandelion root, burdock, milk thistle, turmeric

  • Consider a month-long detox

  • Consistent, moderate exercise to help improve circulation

  • Essential oils like lavender/frankincense

  • Apply a castor oil pack to your lower abdomen 2x/day during your period. ONLY during your period. Lie down, rub castor oil over your abdomen, cover the area with plastic wrap and place a heat-pad/hot water bottle over it. Warm, but not scalding. Relax for 20 minutes

  • Meditation & Yoga