Endometriosis: a gynaecological disorder

TCM as a highly effective gentle alternative

 

Endometriosis is the second most common gynaecological disease, causing intense pain for many women before or during their period. Hormone therapy is the obvious means to overcome this with immediate effect, though intervention in the body’s natural hormone balance usually has some negative consequences. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers endometriosis sufferers a gentle way of treating the causes of the condition.

 

For many women of child-bearing age, their periods are a painful experience that has a massive impact on their quality of life. These pains can have a variety of causes, but can often be traced back to the common gynaecological disorder known as endometriosis.
 

Pain and possible impact on fertility

Endometriosis is the gynaecological term for a medical condition in which the mucus membranes of the womb start to grow outside the uterine cavity. This may affect the ovaries, vagina, intestines or peritoneum – or in rare cases even the kidneys or lungs. These abnormal growths are basically benign, but will bleed every month as menstruation occurs and can cause inflammation in many cases. Typical symptoms of endometriosis include pains in the lower abdomen and pelvic region and severe cramps. The disease can also cause the sufferer to become infertile.
 

Causes unknown

Some women affected by endometriosis are not aware of it because they do not suffer from any pain. Others suffer with it for years. Endometriosis often goes undetected or is only recognized after a long time, because pain in the lower abdomen can be attributed to a variety of other conditions. This makes diagnosis difficult. There is still no definitive explanation of the cause of endometriosis. One theory suggests that menstrual blood containing mucosal cells may not all leave the body, with some finding its way into the abdominal area.
 

Conventional medical response: hormone pills or surgery

Endometriosis is incurable. However, it can be treated. Conventional medicine offers up its typical repertoire of solutions: alongside common painkillers, it recommends hormone therapy in the case of severe pain – for example in the form of a contraceptive pill. This will relieve the pain but of course also prevent pregnancy. Many patients cannot tolerate hormone treatments, which may often be associated with unpleasant side effects.

Another option is to have a laparoscopy involving keyhole surgery to cut away the endometriosis tissue. It should be noted however that the endometriosis will return eventually and again spread mucosal cells outside the uterus.

TCM: tackling the causes

Instead of focussing on the symptoms of endometriosis, Traditional Chinese Medicine follows its principle of looking at the causes of the condition. TCM identifies these as lying in a “weakened centre”, which is in the spleen and stomach area, and a weakness in the kidney system. The deficiencies in these organs restrict or block the flow of blood, known as Xue in TCM, and the flow of the life energy Qi. This congestion of the Xue and Qi flow is the real cause of the pain. TCM treatments target the blockages and congestion so that Xue and Qi can flow freely. They also strengthen the kidney system. An important part of TCM treatments is also played by heat, which promotes the free flow of Qi, has a relaxing effect and generates well-being.
 

Individually tailored therapy plans

TCM therapy plans for treating endometriosis mainly centre around acupuncture in combination with the administration of herbal medicines. Targeted warming is achieved through moxibustion, a technique in acupuncture in which mugwort is burnt and used to heat the needles. The TCM therapist will carry out a tongue and pulse diagnosis to determine the patient's personal therapy plan. This shows whether their symptoms are due to endometriosis or some other condition. Once this is established, the therapist will produce a treatment plan with the appropriate combination of TCM treatments. Experience shows that treating endometriosis with TCM can achieve a significant reduction in period pain after only three menstrual cycles.
 

TCM as a supplement to hormone therapy or surgery

Traditional Chinese Medicine makes it possible to treat the pain associated with endometriosis effectively and gently. Depending on the patient’s needs, the therapy plan can also take their desire to have children into account. If a patient does decide to have a hormone-based treatment, TCM methods are still ideal for reducing or eliminating the side effects. If the tissue growth is removed through keyhole surgery, TCM therapies will help to alleviate post-op complaints such as fatigue, nausea or the re-emergence of pain.