A TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE APPROACH:

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers evidence-based, low-risk treatments, such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes to significantly improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, limit the proliferation of tissue, increase conception opportunities, slow disease recurrence, and support hormonal balance.

At Purnima Clinic, treatment for endometriosis management begins at various stages of a patient’s journey, spanning from pre-diagnosis to post-laparoscopy pain management, and includes preconception care and fertility support. We utilize a range of modalities such as gentle acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, nutritional therapy, and targeted supplementation to manage and alleviate the severity and frequency of endometriosis-related symptoms.

We encourage an integrative care model that includes your gynecologist or reproductive endocrinologist, naturopathic physician, doctor of physical therapy, and Chinese medicine physician.

WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS AND HOW COMMON IS IT?

Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain we see at Purnima Clinic. It can greatly impact one’s quality of life, cause uncomfortable, heavy, or irregular periods, and influence one’s ability to conceive. In some cases, there are no symptoms associated with endometriosis and it is only discovered incidentally. 

Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that typically lines the uterus (the endometrium) grows outside the uterus, adhering to various pelvic organs like the ovaries, bowel, rectum, bladder, and the delicate tissue lining the pelvis. In rare cases, this tissue can spread beyond the pelvic region to other parts of the body.

The misplaced endometrial tissue behaves like the uterine lining itself, responding to the interplay of hormones during the menstrual cycle. Over time, it builds up and can form masses and lesions. 10% (190 million) of people with uteruses and ovaries have endometriosis and on average, it takes 7-8 years to receive diagnosis.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS?

The primary symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often worse during menstruation. Pain during or after intercourse is also frequent, along with pain associated with bowel movements or urination. Additional symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding or spotting between periods. Occasionally, endometriosis can also cause nausea, bowel movement changes, and fatigue. It's important to note that the severity of these symptoms does not reflect the severity of the endometriosis itself.

HOW IS ENDOMETRIOSIS DIAGNOSED?

If your doctor suspects you have endometriosis, they may recommend a pelvic exam and order an ultrasound. However, diagnosis requires a minor surgical procedure called laparoscopy. During this procedure, your doctor can visually confirm endometrial implants.

IDEAL ENDOMETRIOSIS TREATMENT PLAN:

We recommend starting with a minimum of four weekly treatments. These treatments aim to improve blood circulation, clear inflammation, relieve pain, and address the patient’s underlying pattern.

An acupuncture treatment plan is tailored to the specific endometriosis symptoms and Chinese medicine pattern diagnosis. Treatment may also need to be twice weekly around the time of menstruation and is generally more effective when combined with Chinese herbal medicine specifically tailored to fit the patient’s individual pattern.

During an endometriosis flare-up, acupuncture is recommended to alleviate pain and inflammation. For ongoing maintenance, monthly acupuncture sessions are suggested to enhance the patient’s quality of life and well-being throughout their cycle and hormonal changes, including ovulation and menstruation.

WHICH APPOINTMENT SHOULD I BOOK IN FOR?

We recommend booking an Integrative Acupuncture Evaluation & Initial Visit at Purnima Clinic.