Can Acupuncture Help Endometriosis? Here’s What You Need to Know
You know your body and you strive to take the best possible care of yourself.
But lately, your endo symptoms are taking their toll.
You have researched for hours to find the best solution and acupuncture is looking like a great option.
But you still have some questions.
This guide will help you understand:
Table of Contents
- What Is Acupuncture?
- How Does Acupuncture Affect Endometriosis?
- Endometriosis Symptoms That Acupuncture Can Help With
- How Does Acupuncture Compare to Conventional Endometriosis Treatments?
- Acupuncture and Endometriosis: How Does it Work?
- Acupressure Points for Endometriosis
- Acupuncture Endometriosis Success: What to Expect
- Find Endometriosis Relief With the Combination of Acupuncture and Chiavaye
What Is Acupuncture?
No doubt you have heard of acupuncture. You’ve seen some pictures, maybe even a video or two but you're still a little skeptical.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is not a new trend or the latest fad.
It has a rich history rooted in ancient Chinese medicine.
During acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into the patient at different points on the body.
The ancient Chinese would fashion thin needles from things such as:
- Stones
- Fishbones
- Silver
- Gold
- Other natural materials.
Today, acupuncture needles are typically made from stainless steel.
Studies as to exactly how acupuncture works remain ongoing.
One theory is that it blocks pain signals to the brain, thus reducing pain by blocking the path that the signals would usually take through the nervous system.
Acupuncture is recognized by the NIH as an effective treatment for many different conditions.
This method has minimal side effects, is safe for most everyone, and some even say that it makes them feel relaxed.
How Does Acupuncture Affect Endometriosis?
Now you know a little bit about the process of acupuncture and its history but you are probably still wondering, can acupuncture help endometriosis?
In short, yes, acupuncture for endometriosis is a viable option.
Unfortunately, you most likely won’t be able to say “acupuncture cured my endometriosis” but it can go a long way to help you regain your life.
Endometriosis Symptoms That Acupuncture Can Help With
Acupuncture is a great way to help alleviate some of those pesky endo symptoms such as:
- Pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse
- Inflammation
- Endometrial growths
- High CA 125 levels
How Does Acupuncture Compare to Conventional Endometriosis Treatments?
There are many conventional ways to deal with endometriosis such as:
- Conservative Surgery (surgery that removes endometrial growths while conserving the uterus and fallopian tubes)
- Hysterectomy paired with removal of the ovaries
- Pain medications
- Hormonal therapy (including birth control)
Many of these treatments are irreversible procedures or have a high probability of encountering adverse side effects.
And, they cost. A lot.
A hysterectomy can cost anywhere from about $2,000 to $8,000.
Estrogen, the hormone typically used in Hormone Replacement Therapy, doubled in price between 2014 and 2018 and can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars annually.
And that is only the estrogen.
To get the prescription, you have to visit a doctor or practitioner. Many of these are quite expensive and many do not accept insurance.
These doctors will almost always order blood work or some other type of testing.
These tests cost from several hundred to a thousand and beyond.
The other options aren’t much cheaper.
But you don’t have to resort to surgery.
There are other options and acupuncture is one of them.
Acupuncture, on the other hand, only costs about $75-$100 for your initial consultation and $50-$90 for regular visits.
This might sound like a lot, but, as you progress, often the frequency of treatment needs drops.
You can expect to receive acupuncture 1-2 times a week for the first few weeks.
Typically, patients begin to taper off as time goes on and they may end up only needing to visit the clinic a couple of times a month, or less.
This puts the high-end of acupuncture at around $730 for your first month.
The lower end is only $425.
Acupuncture and Endometriosis: How Does it Work?
When you have acupuncture done, very thin needles are inserted at various points on your body.
The practitioner then manipulates them either manually or with low electrical currents.
This is all done very carefully and methodically.
The needles are meticulously placed and target specific pressure points.
As I mentioned earlier, no one is 100% sure how acupuncture works, only that it does.
Acupressure Points for Endometriosis
The human body is incredibly complex and made to heal itself.
There are various points all across your body that correspond to your internal organs.
Did you know that your ankle has a point that connects to your uterus?
It’s true.
Spleen 6
Spleen 6 is a pressure point located on your inner leg, about a hand’s-width (minus your thumb) from your ankle bone.
This point corresponds to your uterus and is often used to alleviate menstrual cramps.
This point:
- Heightens blood circulation to your uterus
- Helps to decrease pain
- Increase blood flow
Zigong
Zigong, or “place of the child” can be stimulated to:
- Help regulate uterine bleeding
- Prepare the body for conception
- Increase circulation to the uterus
This point is located on your lower abdomen roughly one-hand’s-width on either side of your navel and about the width of one thumb above your pubic bone.
Zingong responds well to heat stimulation, as well.
Acupuncture Endometriosis Success: What to Expect
Acupuncture can sound intimidating...
- Needle-phobia
- Movie stereotypes; and
- Our own imaginations
...have done a fantastic job of shrouding this treatment in mystery and intimidation.
But it doesn't have to be scary.
Your practitioner is a carefully trained professional.
With acupuncture, you can expect to see improvement within your first 3-4 weeks, sometimes even sooner, after just 4 sessions.
Acupuncture won't heal you overnight but, over time, acupuncture can dramatically improve your quality of life.
Can Acupuncture Cure Endometriosis?
When it comes to endo, there is no magic cure.
But, you can take steps to regain control of your life and acupuncture is a great way to do this.
Acupuncture has been revered for centuries as a holistic, health-encouraging practice for:
- Pain management
- System regulation; and
- Overall health
Acupuncture won’t cure your endometriosis.
But it can go a long way to improve your symptoms.
How Often Are Acupuncture Sessions Needed to Maintain Symptom Relief?
It will take several weeks to a month or two to reach optimal benefits.
After this, your practitioner will most likely drop you down to 1-2 times per month.
Find Endometriosis Relief With the Combination of Acupuncture and Chiavaye
Endometriosis symptoms royally suck.
Acupuncture is a great way to manage symptoms but, when you pair your acupuncture treatments with Chiavaye, your results will skyrocket.
I know first-hand how tough endo is.
From painful intercourse to vaginal dryness, endo has more than its fair share of struggles.
Most personal moisturizers and sex lubes contain harmful chemicals that exacerbate the problem, leaving you frustrated and feeling out of options.
Introducing: Chiavaye.
My personal moisturizer and lubricant is made without synthetic chemicals, is 100% vegan, and, beyond not adding to the problem, it is formulated to help you feel better.
In addition to this revolutionary product, you can find tons of free resources on my website ranging from informative articles to my endometriosis diet.
You don’t have to suffer alone in silence.
Chiayaye is here to help you find relief from your endo symptoms.