Johanna Utter, L.Ac., FABORM Acupuncture, Herbs, and Spiritual Direction in Davis, California

Endometriosis

What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining inside your uterus (the endometrium) is found outside of it, usually within the pelvic cavity. This tissue grows and sloughs in response to your monthly cycle. Because the blood is trapped inside the pelvic cavity, it often forms adhesions (scar tissue), lesions and blood-filled cysts.

Endometriosis can start as early as your first period. While the condition usually improves a at menopause, symptoms may not resolve if you have scar tissue or adhesions from the disease and/or surgery.

An estimated 1 in 10 women are affected by endometriosis during their reproductive years, approximately 176 million women worldwide. Endometriosis is the biggest cause of infertility in women.

What Are the Symptoms of Endometriosis?

• “killer cramps”
• heavy bleeding
• painful ovulation
• pain during or after sexual intercourse
• pelvic pain
• fatigue
• bloating
• suppressed immune system
• inflammation
• infertility

What Causes Endometriosis?

The cause of is unknown, but it tends to run in families and may be triggered by exposure to pesticides and environmental toxins, such as dioxin and other xenoestrogens, or hormone disrupters found in food, beauty and cleaning products, and plastics.

While endometriosis is associated with inflammation, it has not yet been proven to be an autoimmune disease.

How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed?

Although it may be suspected in women with a history of pelvic pain and spotting between periods, only a laparoscopy can give you a definitive diagnosis.

How Does Conventional Medicine Treat Endometriosis?

There is no known cure. It is most often treated with drugs, hormones, surgery, or hysterectomy. Pregnancy may relieve the symptoms, but does not cure the disease.

And Now the Good News!

With its long recorded history of safely and effectively treating gynecological conditions, Chinese medicine can be extremely successful in treating the pain and other uncomfortable symptoms of endometriosis and may reduce adhesions.

Acupuncture improves blood flow, decreases pain, reduces inflammation, and restores healthy body functioning.
Chinese herbs reduce pain, break up blood stagnation, and resolve underlying patterns of disharmony.
Treatment is holistic, individualized, patient-centered, and empowering.

What to Expect from Treatment with Chinese Medicine?

• gentle, non-invasive, personalized treatment
• less period pain
• regular menstrual cycles
• reduced stress
• better digestion
• more energy, strength, vitality
• improved mood and well-being
• improved immunity and reduced inflammation
• increased comfort
  
  Depending on the severity, treatment may take 3 to 6 cycles. Symptoms are expected to improve as treatment progresses.

How Can You Help Yourself?

• Regular weekly acupuncture treatment
• Chinese herbs prescribed by a licensed herbalist
• Moderate exercise to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, increase endorphins, reduce pain, and improve mood. Yoga inversions are not recommended during your period.
• Avoid sexual intercourse during your period.
• Use a warm castor oil pack on the lower abdomen to activate blood circulation, support the lymphatic system, and balance hormone levels. You can do this 2 to 3 times daily when premenstrual and during your period.
• An anti-inflammatory diet, rich in vegetables to help the body metabolize hormones, particularly excess estrogen. Reduce alcohol and avoid caffeine, soy, flax, legumes, sugar, wheat, gluten, corn, and vegetable oils. Add fish oils, coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, grass-fed meats, and pastured eggs.
• No cold, frozen, or raw food or drinks.
• Arvigo Maya Abdominal Therapy to improve blood flow to pelvic organs, reposition the uterus, and be taught  self-care techniques. Find a practitioner at www//:arvigotherapy.com.