Can Acupuncture Help with Endometriosis?
Acupuncture therapy is gaining popularity among women with endometriosis, where the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside, causing severe pain and discomfort. The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating endometriosis has been attributed to its ability to reduce pain and inflammation, regulate menstrual cycles, and improve the overall quality of life.
One of the primary benefits of acupuncture in treating endometriosis is its ability to reduce pain. The insertion of needles into specific points on the body stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This results in an alleviation of the severe pelvic pain that is often associated with endometriosis. A study published in European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found significant pain reduction from acupuncture after ten acupuncture treatments, twice a week, over five weeks. Moreover, acupuncture has been found to reduce inflammation, another common endometriosis symptom. By mitigating inflammation, acupuncture can help to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life. A meta-analysis of 10 different studies on acupuncture and endometriosis published in the journal Plos One found that acupuncture reduced pain and reduced the inflammatory marker CA-125 which is found to be significantly higher in patients with endometriosis.
Acupuncture is also beneficial in regulating menstrual cycles for women with endometriosis. Irregular periods or heavy bleeding are commonly experienced by women with this condition, which can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Acupuncture can assist in regulating menstrual cycles by balancing hormone levels and improving blood flow to the uterus. This can result in more regular periods and reduced pain and discomfort during menstruation. According to a research paper that was published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, acupuncture regulates the menstrual cycle through the release of endorphins, which then stimulate the secretion of hormones that then stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones.
Another significant benefit of acupuncture for endometriosis is its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety, common symptoms that go along with this condition. Endometriosis can cause emotional distress due to its impact on quality of life and fertility. Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the body. This can lead to an improved sense of well-being and an overall better quality of life. Researchers have found that acupuncture significantly reduces cortisol levels, a hormone that is elevated with stress.
In conclusion, acupuncture is an effective complementary therapy for women with endometriosis. Its benefits are well-established in reducing pain and inflammation, regulating menstrual cycles, and alleviating stress and anxiety. Therefore, if you suffer from endometriosis, incorporating acupuncture into your treatment plan could improve your symptoms and overall quality of life.
If you are looking for a Denver acupuncture clinic to help you with all of your endometriosis, digestive problems, headaches, pain, psychological conditions, or women’s health issues, contact us today at (720)285-6251 or book an appointment online.