Endometriosis - Natural suggestions to help ease the pain

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects millions of women around the world.  It is a complex condition and its exact cause is not yet fully understood.  It occurs when the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other organs in the pelvis.  This tissue can cause inflammation, scarring, and horrendous pain. It is believed that hormonal imbalances, particularly an excess of oestrogen, may contribute to the growth and spread of this tissue.  While hormonal imbalances may play a role in the development and progression of endometriosis, it is not necessarily the only cause.  Other factors such as genetics, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors may also contribute to the development and progression of endometriosis. More research is needed to fully understand the causes of endometriosis and develop effective treatments for managing its symptoms, as it can have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life. In this blog post, we'll explore what endometriosis is, its symptoms, and natural ways to assist with healing this condition.

This tissue responds to hormonal changes in the body just like the endometrium inside the uterus, which means it thickens and breaks down during the natural hormonal fluctuations during a woman's menstrual cycle. However, because this tissue is outside the uterus, it has nowhere to go, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventually scarring.  Along with this debilitating pain, can come spot bleeding mid cycle, as the tissue becomes unstable and can shed at any time.  

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The most common symptoms of endometriosis are:

• Painful periods
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Infertility
• Fatigue
• GI symptoms like bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea
• Painful urination or bowel movements
• Mid cycle bleeding (or spotting)

"Endometriosis symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and some women may not experience any symptoms at all," says Dr. Yamaguchi. "It's important to pay attention to your body and speak with your healthcare provider if you're experiencing any of these symptoms."

Natural ways to assist with healing endometriosis

While there is no cure for endometriosis, there are natural ways to assist with healing this condition. Here are some suggestions:

1. 
   Diet: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can ease endometriosis symptoms. Try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and caffeine, as these can exacerbate inflammation. For more information on eating to reduce inflammation, check out this blog. 
2. Exercise: Regular exercise can also help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, and swimming can be especially helpful for women with endometriosis.  Keeping the circulation moving is pertinent to preventing excess stagnation of blood and more pain.
3. Stress reduction: Stress can make endometriosis symptoms worse, so it's important to find ways to manage stress. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can all be effective stress management techniques. 
4. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting fine needles into the skin at specific points. It has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in women with endometriosis.
5. Herbal remedies: Certain herbs like turmeric, ginger, and chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties and may be helpful for women with endometriosis. However, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider before trying any herbal remedies, to ensure that there is no interaction with other medication that you may have been prescribed. 

Here are five acupressure points that may be helpful for managing symptoms of endometriosis:

1.  Spleen 6 (SP6)

Location: Three finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, and slide your finger back so that it is on the back of the shinbone.

Benefits: SP6 is a point that is believed to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve menstrual cramps, making it potentially helpful for women with endometriosis.

 

 

2.  Large Intestine 4 (LI4)

Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger.

Benefits: LI4 is a commonly used point for pain relief and is believed to help alleviate pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.

 

 

3.  Conception Vessel 6 (CV6)

Location: Two finger-widths below the navel.

Benefits: CV6 is believed to strengthen the reproductive organs and regulate menstrual flow, making it potentially helpful for women with endometriosis.

  

 

4.  Stomach 29 (ST29)

Location: Four finger-widths below the navel and two finger-widths to the side of the midline.

Benefits: ST29 is believed to help relieve pelvic pain and regulate menstrual flow.

 

 

 

5.  Bladder 32 (BL32)

Location: At the level of the second sacral foramen (the dimple above the buttocks).

Benefits: BL32 is believed to help relieve lower back pain and pelvic pain associated with endometriosis.

 

To apply acupressure to these points, use your fingers or a small, blunt tool to apply gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes, taking slow, deep breaths. Repeat as often as needed, but be sure to stop if you experience any discomfort or pain. It's always best to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new complementary therapies, including acupressure.

 

A great way to cover many of the above natural suggestions is to lie on an acupressure mat.  The spikes on your skin release endorphins which help to reduce pain and can significantly elevate your mood.  They also dramatically increase the blood flow throughout your body, which helps get the oxygen and nutrients to all of the organs for optimal function.  Not only that, laying on the mat will also stimulate the acupressure points as well, which is like having acupuncture in your own home.

 

 

Another natural alternative that has been helping our community members with endometriosis and PCOS, is using the hormonal infusion B!tch Off roll on.  The liquid gold inside this roll on has vitamins, minerals, herbs and essential oils specifically chosen for the way they support the body to produce oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone as required by the body.  It doesn’t force the body to produce any of these three hormones, it simply provides the body with the building blocks required to produce them as needed.   For example, if the body is lacking in an essential building block to produce progesterone, your body will most likely become progesterone deficient.  Roll on B!tch Off, which will provide the body with what it needs to manufacture more progesterone, in turn this can help to halt the progression of endometriosis by opposing the effects of the excess oestrogen that can stimulate this condition in the first place, leading to hormonal balance and eliminating symptoms.

 

 

In conclusion, endometriosis is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects millions of women. While there is no cure, there are natural ways to assist with healing this condition. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, trying acupuncture, using certain herbal remedies, lying on your acupuncture mat and using B!tch Off can be the extremely helpful for women with endometriosis. If you're experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, speak with your healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.