Acupuncture for Managing Endometriosis Pain: A review of this Natural Approach to Pain Relief.

During my master’s studies in acupuncture my small team conducted a Systematic review on the use of Acupuncture for endometriosis – here is a an abbreviated version for you to read so your eyes don’t fall out of your head! References are available…message me for a copy of the full review.

Acupuncture for Managing Endometriosis Pain: A Systematic Review

Endometriosis is a prevalent condition affecting those of reproductive age, characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, often on pelvic organs like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder. This condition can lead to chronic pain, infertility, and other significant health issues. Traditional treatment methods, including surgery and hormonal therapy, come with various side effects and risks, highlighting the need for less invasive options. Acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a potential alternative. This systematic review explores the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in alleviating endometriosis-related pain.

Understanding Endometriosis and Traditional Treatments

Endometriosis affects approximately 6-10% of women of reproductive age, with higher prevalence rates among those experiencing infertility and chronic pain. Diagnosis typically involves symptomatology, history taking, and imaging techniques, with exploratory laparoscopy being the gold standard. Current treatments in Western medicine include hormonal therapies and surgical interventions, which, despite their effectiveness, pose risks such as organ damage and recurrence of the disease.

Acupuncture as a Therapy for Endometriosis

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to restore the flow of Qi, the vital energy in TCM.  Endometriosis in TCM is often diagnosed as "Stagnation of Qi and Blood," and treatment aims to promote blood circulation and resolve stasis. While other diagnoses are also relevant for any individual.  The exact mechanism of acupuncture in treating endometriosis is not fully understood, it is believed to provide pain relief and influence hormonal levels. However other studies have provided recognition that acupuncture may increase endorphins and reduce pain receptivity through neural pathways.

Methodology of the Systematic Review

This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for endometriosis-related pain by analysing randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed and The Cochrane Library, using terms related to acupuncture and endometriosis. Studies included in the review involved females diagnosed with endometriosis via laparoscopy, with interventions such as traditional acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and other related techniques.

Key Findings from Included Studies

Three RCTs met the inclusion criteria:

1.     Wayne et al. (2008): This study involved 18 participants and compared Japanese acupuncture to sham acupuncture. The results showed a significant reduction in pain for the acupuncture group after 4 weeks of treatment.

2.     Rubi-Klein et al. (2010): Involving 101 participants, this study found a significant decrease in pain intensity after ten treatments with TCM-based acupuncture.

3.     Armour et al. (2021): This study included 31 participants and compared acupuncture plus usual care to usual care alone. The results indicated that acupuncture provided a moderate improvement in quality of life and pain reduction.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Endometriosis

The studies reviewed demonstrated that acupuncture may reduce pain levels once dosage is reached and improved the quality of life for individuals with endometriosis. For instance, Wayne et al. (2008) reported that the active acupuncture group experienced a notable reduction in pain scores compared to the sham group. Similar trends were observed in the other studies, highlighting the potential benefits of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for endometriosis.

Acupuncture Points used in these studies for Endometriosis for acupuncturists out there…

For acupuncturists who would like to use this treatment protocol… Acupuncture sessions are individually tailored according to patients’ diagnostic symptoms, focusing on balancing the extraordinary and divergent acupuncture channels. Each session involves the use of 8-12 points, selected from the following: BL32, ST29, ST36, CV3, SP6, LI3, LI8, SP9, SP10, KI10, SI9, GB31, LU1, and ST8. Moxibustion, electro-stimulation, and auricular points using the Hibiki-7 device are incorporated to enhance therapeutic effects. The needle length used is 0.18 x 0.25, with DeQi sensation obtained for optimal results. The treatment is administered twice weekly for 5 weeks, ensuring consistent and effective intervention to address the patient's needs. This comprehensive approach aims to restore balance and improve overall well-being.

Safety and Adverse Effects of Acupuncture

Acupuncture was generally well-tolerated among participants, with minor adverse events reported. No serious adverse events were associated with acupuncture, suggesting its safety as a treatment option. The review highlighted the importance of considering acupuncture as a non-invasive intervention with minimal side effects compared to conventional treatments.

Implications for Clinical Practice and Future Research

The findings from this systematic review suggest that acupuncture could be considered a viable complementary treatment for managing endometriosis-related pain. Healthcare practitioners may incorporate acupuncture into multidisciplinary treatment approaches to provide holistic care for patients with endometriosis.

Conclusion

Acupuncture shows promise as a safe and effective treatment option for endometriosis-related pain, offering an alternative to traditional treatments with fewer side effects. While the current evidence is encouraging, more extensive research is required to fully understand the benefits and mechanisms of acupuncture for endometriosis. For now, incorporating acupuncture into a comprehensive treatment plan alongside specialist care may help improve the quality of life for many suffering from this challenging condition.

If you are you ready to use acupuncture to support on your health journey, we are here to support you, as we are with many of our clients.

Book a consultation today and to start feeling the benefits of acupuncture tailored to your unique needs. Visit Love Thy Health to schedule an appointment and take the next step towards a healthier, more balanced approach to fertility and reproductive health.