Endometriosis is a common chronic condition affecting roughly ten percent of the global population of women and girls or reproductive age. Ten percent may not sound like a lot, but that is around 190 million people who suffer with this painful condition.
So, what exactly is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic health condition where cells similar to those that line the uterus, end up growing outside of it—usually in the pelvic area, ovaries, or fallopian tubes. While it rarely goes beyond these zones, the condition can be incredibly painful, and is often a real concern for many women.
In this article we will discuss how Acupuncture helps those who suffer with this often debilitating condition.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique where super-fine needles are inserted into specific body points. It's commonly used to treat issues like chronic pain and stress. The idea is to balance your body's energy, or "Qi," and many people find it both effective and surprisingly relaxing.
Acupuncture for Emdometrisosis Pain Management
Studies have shown that those suffering with Endometriosis who received acupuncture during the time of the study reported less pain. One such study that took place in Austrailia, it found that those participating in the study who received acupuncture over an 8 week period, recorded a significant 48% drop in pain levels.
Research from China has compared the efficacy of acupuncture with that of Western painkillers in treating endometriosis pain. Both methods were found to reduce pain, but interestingly, the acupuncture group reported slightly better outcomes. Moreover, a one-year follow-up showed a significantly lower recurrence rate among the acupuncture group, suggesting that acupuncture may target the root cause of the pain rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Acupuncture and Endometriosis Associated Infertitlity
Endometriosis can be a roadblock for women trying to conceive. Often, those with moderate to severe forms of the condition are advised to explore IVF to increase their odds of becoming pregnant. The catch-22 here is that the same hormonal medications used to ease endometriosis symptoms can also double as contraceptives, complicating the fertility journey even more.
Acupuncture offers a different avenue for women dealing with endometriosis who are trying to conceive. Unlike hormonal treatments, which can act as contraceptives, acupuncture aims to balance the body's energy or "Qi," and this can translate to a more regulated menstrual cycle and improved blood flow to the reproductive organs. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may even improve the effectiveness of IVF treatments and reduce pelvic pain often associated with endometriosis. So, it could be a useful complement to conventional fertility treatments, or even an alternative worth considering for those looking to improve their odds of conception without hormonal medications.
Here at Asheville Integrative Acupuncture, we're dedicated to expanding the options available to women dealing with endometriosis. We understand that conventional medicine often provides limited choices, especially when it comes to fertility challenges. That's why we offer acupuncture as a viable alternative or complement to traditional treatments. Our goal is to improve your chances of conception and enhance overall well-being by balancing your body's energy and focusing on holistic care.
Read More: Increase the Chance of Getting Pregnant with Fertility Acupuncture
Asheville Integrative Acupuncture
At Asheville Integrative Acupuncture we take Endometrisosis seriously. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with Endometriosis. Let Dr. Kinnunen take your pain away.
Dr. Krystal Kinnunen, DAOM, L. AC, is certified through the National Certification Commission For Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, and Traditional Oriental Medicine. She has been practicing acupuncture for 12 years, and in addition to infertility, she treats various other issues, including maternity and postpartum care, chronic pain, mental health, digestive health, and women’s health.
Call (or text) 828-739-0345 to contact us today to schedule your acupuncture appointment and get started on your path to wellness and fertility. You can also book an appointment directly or use the contact form to reach us.
