Can I use acupuncture for endometriosis and period pain? As a matter of fact the answer is yes! According to the Americanwoman with mentrual pain from endometriosis Society of Reproductive Medicine, 50% of infertile women have endometriosis. Many more are undiagnosed. Endometriosis can only be diagnosed via laproscopy at which time your physician gives a “score” of 1-4 based on location, amount and depth of the lesions. The standard of care for treatment is surgical excision which may not improve fertility. Acupuncture is an invaluable tool for managing the pain, inflammation and accompanying symptoms of endometriosis.

Another key point to consider is what makes up healthy menstrual cycle?

  • 26-35 days and roughly the same length each month.
  • Relatively pain free. Pain that does not resolve with over-the-counter medication or pain that is debilitating not normal. Nausea, vomiting, feeling faint or passing out is not normal.
  • Moderate, bright red flow free of clots.
  • Little to no premenstrual symptoms.
  • There should be no bleeding outside the 2-7 day window of bleeding (occasional spotting at ovulation can be normal.

If you have the following signs and symptoms, you may have endometriosis:

  • gradually increasing acute premenstrual pain
  • pelvic pain
  • pain in the sacral region of the spine
  • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
  • Painful ovulation
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Pain when defecating
  • Pain when urinating
  • Pain radiating to the back
  • Abundant irregular menstruation
  • Blood in the stool
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Infertility
  • Chronic fatigue

Accompanying symptoms may include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Hematuria during menstruation
  • Susceptibility to infections and allergies

At the same time, those with endometrosis are at higher risk of suffering from:

  • Hyperthyroidism 6.6 vs. 1.50
  • Fibromyalgia 5.9 vs. 3.40
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome 4.6 vs. 0.03
  • Rheumatoid arthritis 1.8 vs. 1.20
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus 0.8 vs. 0.04
  • Sjogren’s syndrome 0.6 vs. 0.03
  • Multiple sclerosis

Our treatment strategy is a multipronged approach.

Our therapies can be used at any time or stage of the patients care especially for pain. They will not interfere with Western medical treatments. In addition, these modalities can be used before and during IVF for optimal results.

In addition to acupuncture for endometriosis we utilize:

    • Reduce cramping and pain
    • Reduces IgM antibodies
    • Sedative effect
    • Antiproliferative effect
    • Anti-inflamatory effect
    • Antioxidant effect
                    Ethnopharmacology. 2011;134(3):624–629
                    Herald of Medicine. 2005;17:566–568
                    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012(3):591391
                    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; 2012: 591391
  • Diet and lifestyle
    • Glow Castor Oil Packs for at home use
    • Sacred Fire At home Moxa packs for home use. Moxibustion is the burning of herbs over specific points or larger areas to warm the surrounding tissues. It feels great and can reduce symptoms.
    • Western supplements
    • Contrast hydrotherapy for inflammation/autoimmune.
    • Basic dietary changes to reduce inflammation are equally important.

In conclusion, acupuncture for endometriosis associated symptoms is an invaluable tool for improving quality of life. In addition, it is safe and offer little to no side effects. It is important to realize you should consult with your western doctor to ensure you are getting then appropriate medical care.