Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus. This tissue responds to the hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and can cause inflammation, adhesions and scarring.

It is estimated that around 1 in 10 women of childbearing age have endometriosis. The severity of the complaints varies greatly. Some women have few complaints, while others experience daily pain or have difficulty becoming pregnant.

Modern medicine regards endometriosis as a complex condition in which hormones, chronic inflammatory processes, genetic predisposition and changes in the immune system probably all play a role.

Common complaints

The complaints differ from person to person and depend, among other things, on where the endometriosis is located.

Common complaints are:

severe menstrual pain;
pain that begins a few days before menstruation;
chronic pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis;
pain during or after sexual intercourse;
pain around ovulation;
pain when passing stools, especially during menstruation;
pain or a burning sensation when urinating during menstruation;
diarrhoea, nausea or a bloated feeling during menstruation;
lower back pain or pain radiating to the legs;
fatigue;
difficulty becoming pregnant.

Not everyone has all the complaints. The severity of the pain also does not always say something about how extensive the endometriosis is.

Possible causes

The exact cause of endometriosis is not yet known. The condition probably arises from a combination of different factors.

Possible causes include:

retrograde menstruation (menstrual blood that reaches the abdominal cavity via the fallopian tubes);
genetic predisposition;
hormonal influences, particularly oestrogen;
changes in the immune system;
chronic inflammatory processes.

The abnormalities can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, the peritoneum, the bladder, the intestines and other organs in the pelvis.

What can acupuncture do?

Acupuncture is tailored to your personal situation and to the pattern of complaints that emerges during the course of treatment. The treatment is aimed at supporting the body's natural regulation and can be adjusted over the course of treatment when your complaints change.

Depending on your situation, acupuncture can offer support with:

reducing pain;
regulating the menstrual cycle;
reducing muscle tension;
reducing stress and tension;
supporting daily functioning;
supporting fertility, where appropriate for your situation.

Acupuncture can be combined well with treatment by your GP or gynaecologist and is regularly used alongside pain relief, hormonal treatment or surgery.

What can Chinese herbal medicine do?

Chinese herbs are often used as a complement to acupuncture. The herbs can support the body daily in between treatments. The herbal formula is tailored to your personal situation and can be adjusted over the course of treatment when your complaints or situation change.

Depending on your situation, Chinese herbs can offer support with:

supporting a regular menstrual cycle;
reducing pain complaints;
supporting fertility;
providing support for long-standing complaints;
supporting the body's natural capacity for recovery;
support in between treatments.

In addition, where appropriate, attention is also given to nutrition, exercise, sleep and other lifestyle factors that can support recovery.

How does Chinese medicine view endometriosis?

In Western medicine, the diagnosis is mainly central to endometriosis. Traditional Chinese medicine also looks at which bodily functions are functioning less well and how different complaints are connected. As a result, two women with the same diagnosis can still receive a different treatment.

Chinese medicine links various bodily functions to what are known as organ systems. An organ system is not the same as the anatomical organ from Western medicine, but represents a collection of functions. Each organ system is moreover connected to a meridian, along which, according to Chinese medicine, Qi and Blood circulate through the body.

In endometriosis, the Liver, Spleen and Kidneys in particular play an important role. The Liver ensures a free flow of Qi and Blood. The Spleen is involved, among other things, in the processing of food and the fluid metabolism. The Kidneys are seen as the basis of fertility, hormonal development and the body's natural regulating capacity.

When one or more of these organ systems function less well, a recognisable combination of complaints often arises. Such a combination of symptoms is called a pattern in Chinese medicine.

According to Chinese medicine, endometriosis often consists of two layers. At the surface there is almost always Blood stasis, which is held responsible for the pain and the formation of adhesions. Beneath this often lies an underlying imbalance of the Liver, Spleen or Kidneys. The treatment therefore focuses not only on reducing the complaints, but also on supporting the body's underlying balance. The patterns that occur most often with endometriosis are:

Blood stasis

Blood stasis is seen as the most important pattern in endometriosis. According to Chinese medicine, long-standing Blood stasis can contribute to the formation of hardenings, adhesions or cysts. This view therefore aligns with the fact that adhesions and scarring are often seen in endometriosis.