TIPS, ONLINE, ACUPUNCTURE, FIX EAST VILLAGE
ITS ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH AND FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM THIS CONDITION, THEY CAN CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND HOW DEBILITATING IT CAN BE. FIX FERTILITY ACUPUNCTURIST, MELANIE HACKWELL, TALKS ABOUT USING ACUPUNCTURE AS A TREATMENT.
Endometriosis is an affliction where the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus and can attach itself to other organs, such as the ovaries or fallopian tubes.
The main symptoms are:
- abdominal pain which usually worsens before and during the period
- heavy bleeding
- clots (can be large)
- pain during sex
- nausea
- constipation or diarrhoea
- sub-fertility
Diagnosis is usually by laparoscopy and the tissue can be cut away during this procedure. The NHS states there is currently no cure for endometriosis and often prescribes painkillers and the birth control pill to stop the bleeding or sometimes even a hysterectomy!
I have a significant number of patients who have come to see me with this condition and have found relief through acupuncture treatment. Chinese Medicine looks at this condition in a very different way and refers to it as Blood Stasis, related to stagnant Qi* (which restricts blood circulation).
One of the most common causes I see in clinic is due to stress or trauma, often dating back to childhood. Take, for example, a child just about to begin her menses; her parents are arguing all the time or even decide to split up. Such trauma can cause the Qi to stagnate. Blood follows Qi and thus begins the build up of blood, causing pain and clots.
Why is the genital region affected? The Liver in Chinese Medicine is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi. Its channel runs through the genital region and therefore its ability to function properly can become impaired, thus painful periods from the start of menses. Chinese Medicine also views the prescription of the pill to alleviate pain can actually make the situation worse as it disrupts the regular shedding of the lining. This can explain why the periods are just as painful, if not more so, once the patient stops taking the pill.
While Chinese Medicine may not be for everyone, it is certainly an avenue worth exploring if you want to look at a more natural route.
Melanie Hackwell
Fertility Acupuncturist, BsC (Hons) Lic.Ac (First Class) MBAcC, AFN
*Qi (Chi): one’s life force energy