Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
Endometriosis is an often-painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis. Endometriosis growths can even be found beyond the area where pelvic organs are located.
Endometriosis tissue acts as the lining inside the uterus would — it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But since it is growing in areas where it doesn't belong, and it doesn't leave the body, surrounding tissue can become irritated and form scar tissue. Bands of fibrous tissue called adhesions also may form. These can cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other.
Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. The displaced tissue continues to act normally — thickening, breaking down and bleeding — during each menstrual cycle. An enlarged uterus and painful, heavy periods can result.
Often associated with swelling and severe pain, both endometriosis and adenomyosis can be debilitating. Acupuncture causes the brain to stimulate your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals – lessening your pain and improving blood circulation to reduce swelling.
Acupuncture has a homeostatic and regulatory effect on prostaglandin production, thereby contributing to pain relief. Acupuncture has also been shown to adjust pain thresholds, prevent the spreading of endometriosis, reduce endometrioma size, and reduce the proliferation of abnormal bands of fibrous tissue.
A combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas can help reduce the proliferation of endometriosis as well as the symptoms of adenomyosis.
Take a look at this article that explains the findings of studies from Nanjing Traditional Chinese Medicine University and Haian Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital:
