March is #endometriosisawarenessmonth and we want to use our voices to educate women on what endometriosis is, how it affects millions of women world wide and most importantly how acupuncture and diet can be a safe, natural alternative to managing the debilitating symptoms.
How Can Acupuncture Help Alleviate The Symptoms of Endometriosis?
Acupuncture has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to alleviate various health conditions, including endometriosis. Endometriosis is a painful condition that affects millions of women worldwide, causing chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods and issues with fertility (such as difficulty conceiving and risk of miscarriage) .
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to restore balance and promote healing. For women with endometriosis, acupuncture can help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation by improving blood flow to the pelvis and lower abdomen. In TCM, endometriosis is diagnosed as a condition of “blood stasis.” This means that blood in the uterus has become stagnant and does not move or flow freely. Blood stasis is responsible for the telltale heavy, clotty menstrual flow that comes with this condition. Often times these clots are a dark red or even purplish colour – a further indication of stagnation. Blood stasis is also the reason for the extreme pain and cramping that is caused by the excess endometrial tissue. Acupuncture helps to release the body’s natural painkillers which means less reliance on over the counter pain medications such a Tylenol or Advil.
Research has shown that acupuncture can also help regulate menstrual cycles and improve fertility in women with endometriosis. By addressing the underlying imbalances in the body, acupuncture can help women with endometriosis achieve a better quality of life by treating the root cause of the issue.
If you’re struggling with endometriosis, consider giving acupuncture a try. It’s a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option that can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Eating for Endometriosis
If you have endometriosis, your diet should focus on anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients that support hormone balance. Here are some general guidelines that may be helpful:
• Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables: Aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, with a focus on leafy greens, berries and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale.
• Choose whole grains: Whole grains are a great source of fiber and can help regulate digestion. Choose whole-grain bread, pasta and rice.
• Include healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation in the body. Good sources include fatty fish like salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts.
• Limit red meat and processed foods: These foods can increase inflammation in the body and may exacerbate symptoms.
• Choose lean protein sources: Good sources of protein include chicken, fish, legumes and tofu.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt hormone balance and may worsen symptoms of endometriosis.
• Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated can help reduce bloating and may help regulate bowel movements. Aim for 2L of room temperature water each day.
It’s important to work with a qualified healthcare professional to develop an individualized nutrition plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns. At Best Health Acupuncture we are trained in TCM Medicated Diet which is the creation of meal plans specific to your TCM diagnosis and customized for each individual.
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Meet Amanda Barone, Registered Acupuncturist & Kinesiologist
Amanda Barone has been helping the Vaughan Community achieve greater levels of health since 2011. She is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as Medical Acupuncture. Amanda uses a combination of different acupuncture styles, lifestyle management and exercise to help her patients reach their health goals. She has a special interest in using fertility acupuncture to help people grow their families. She is an active member of the CFAS (Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society) and regularly attends fertility conferences to enhance her knowledge. Amanda is able to help people achieve pregnancy naturally or for those using ART. Click the link below to watch her video bio.
