How To Treat Endometriosis Naturally
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to that found inside the uterus begins to grow outside of the uterus. Most commonly, this tissue will grow in areas such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lining of your pelvis. Similar to the tissue inside of your uterus, this external tissue will thicken, break down, and bleed with each menstrual cycle. However, without a way to exit your body, this tissue becomes trapped. Eventually, it can become irritated and develop scar tissue and adhesions, resulting in severe pain.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in every 10 women is affected by endometriosis. If you are experiencing severe pain before or during your period, during intercourse, during urination or bowel movements, or excessive menstrual bleeding, you may have endometriosis.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for endometriosis. A laparoscopy is one option often recommended by medical doctors to surgically remove the problematic tissue, however results from this procedure are not always effective, and do not guarantee long-term relief for this chronic condition.
If you are struggling with life-altering endometriosis, you should know that you don’t have to go it alone. For those seeking alternative solutions to treat endometriosis naturally, our holistic midwives offer individualized care to treat endometriosis without surgery. If our approach sounds right for you, keep reading to learn our tips for treating endometriosis naturally.
Follow The Endometriosis Diet
The foods that you eat (and the ones you don’t) can have a significant impact on your health, including your endometriosis symptoms. What we put into our bodies has the power to impact our body chemistry. The endometriosis diet looks at foods and beverages that affect the three primary root causes of endometriosis: high estrogen levels, inflammation, and stress. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fibers can help to reduce inflammation. Conversely, you should stay away from foods that are known to increase inflammation, such as dairy, alcohol, red or processed meats, processed foods, fried foods, and added sugars.
Massage Therapy for Endometriosis
Massage has been proven to help relieve symptoms associated with pelvic pain and muscle spasms, as well as reduce stress levels. Massage therapists that specialize in this kind of therapy will apply pressure to the lower back and pelvic area to increase blood flow, lymph flow, and nerve stimulation.
Many women with endometriosis have found relief in massaging their pelvic floor with a wand. Wands allow you to reach deep into your pelvic floor muscles and search for trigger points, or “knots” caused by endometriosis. Once identified, apply gentle pressure while breathing deeply until the muscle releases and relaxes.
Acupuncture for Endometriosis
Acupuncture can help to stimulate blood flow in the body, reducing inflammation, and thus relieving symptoms associated with endometriosis. Endometriosis patients can expect to receive needles mainly in their lower abdomen and pelvic area – however, acupuncturists may also target points in the hands, arms, and legs.
Acupuncture treatment is also proven to trigger the release of your body’s natural hormone, norepinephrine. Once released, the endocrine system will transition the body into a state of relaxation, which is when the body’s natural healing cycle experiences optimal functionality.
Exercise Routine for Endometriosis
Regular exercise helps your brain produce endorphins, which work to naturally relieve stress, fight inflammation, and boost your mood. Pair this practice with routine stretching to prevent muscles from tightening, and you could see huge improvements in your pain levels from endometriosis.
It’s important to note that strenuous exercise routines can cause muscles to tighten, which could make your pain worse. Always listen to your body and seek out an exercise routine that works for you and your endometriosis.
Herbs and Supplements for Endometriosis
There are many different herbs and supplements that work to fight the root causes of endometriosis, including stress, inflammation, and hormone imbalances. While much more research is needed, there have been a number of studies showing statistically significant benefits for endometriosis sufferers using natural herbs and supplements.
The holistic midwives in our integrative women’s clinic are an excellent resource for recommending which herbs and supplements will be best for your unique circumstances. Curcumin (found in turmeric), probiotics, ginger, pine bark, melatonin, N-acetyl cysteine, and chaste tree berry (Vitex) are all commonly recommended.
Stress Management for Endometriosis
High stress levels can cause inflammation in the body, worsening the symptoms of endometriosis. Many of our patients find relief in seeking stress management tools such as talk therapy, daily meditation, deep breathing exercises, or basic self-care exercises like walking, listening to music, taking a hot bath, or simply making time to relax.
Contact us to make an appointment with our staff and find out more about how to naturally treat your endometriosis symptoms.
