Endometriosis comes from the retrograde menstrual blood flow. This means that when we menstruate, some of the uterine shedding doesn’t flow downwards and out through the vagina; some of it will move up through the Fallopian tubes and into the ovary, and sometimes beyond and into the pelvic cavity.
These pieces of the endometrium are then implanted outside of the uterus, and will bleed during subsequent menses. This means that there is menstrual blood outside of the uterus which the body sees as a foreign invader; the body doesn’t recognise it outside of the uterine cavity. This creates inflammation and pain, and triggers an auto-immune response.
This also can create an oestrogen-dominant state within the body, because of the excess oestrogenic tissue outside the uterine cavity.
Endometriosis doesn’t just create “period pains” and heavy bleeding. It also can have a huge impact on reproductive health, digestive health and bowel movements, urinary and bladder health, mental/emotional health. It can also cause fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, we need to move Liver Qi Stagnation and clear Blood Stasis. This means that the Qi (energy) of the body is not free-flowing, which causes pain. It also means that if these continue to stagnate then the Blood cannot flow as it should and it gets locked down.
Depending on your particular symptoms and observations an acupuncture prescription will be created to help encourage the restoration of balance within the body.
If you prefer a Reflexology approach, then Reflexology Lymph Drainage could be the sequence of choice. This sequence specifically targets the lymphatic reflexes on the feet, with the intention of modulating the immune system (the white blood cells of the immune system live in the lymphatic fluid) and reducing the inflammatory effect on the body.
Some lifestyle interventions you can do to help yourself:
- Do not wear tampons. These block the natural downward movement of menstrual blood.
- Do not have intercourse during your period and the post-partum period.
- Do less exercise during menses.
- Avoid pelvic examinations and abdominal massage/pressure during menses.
- Avoid exposure to cold water during menses.
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, increasing your intake of phyto-nutrients, fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and reducing refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine.
- Remove all oestrogen-mimicking plastics and personal care products from your home. Anything from synthetic fragrances, plug-ins, candles, food stored/cooked in plastics, washing plastic tupperware/bowls/cups in really hot water and with a harsh detergent, switch to more environmentally friendly cleaning products and glass tupperware. See my other post on detoxing holistically.
For more information please see my other blog post.
Elder Cottage Clinic, Warton, PR4 