Many people have written asking about alternative therapies to treat Endometriosis.  Subsequently, I have followed with a brief review of different options.  Please note: if you are seeking in-depth information on this topic or specific remedies included in a particular option, please visit the Endometriosis Research Center on the web or contact the resources outlined herein.  No part of this article should be construed as medical advice.  Please consult an appropriate, licensed healthcare professional for advisement before undertaking any physical or medicinal regimen(s) to treat your Endometriosis.
 

ALTERNATIVE OVERVIEW:  THE BASICS

Shiatsu:  a Japanese finger-pressure technique similar to massage, Shiatsu stimulates Ki (which is the same as Chinese Ch'i) to balance freeflow and thereby eliminate pain.  For more information, contact the Shiatsu Therapy Center at 916/453-1770 and/or the Ohasi Shiatsu Institute at 212/684-4190.

Naturopathy:  "Nature Cures."  Healing methods often include combinations of fasting, vitamin and mineral therapy, color therapy, colonics, hydrotherapy, herbs, breathing exercises, physical exercise, massage, joint manipulation, and acupuncture, among others.  Contact the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at 206/323-7610 for more information.

Biofeedback: altering of body processes such as heart rate, muscle activity, skin temperature, and brain wave activity. This is done through the use of electrodes attached to the skin which convert minute physiological, chemical or electrical changes into auditory or visual signals.  Please contact the American Association of Biofeedback Clinicians at 312/827-0440 for additional information.

Osteopathy: Osteopaths believe pain be relieved by correcting structural problems through the manipulation of muscles, ligaments and bones. You can reach the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians & Gynecologists by calling 313/332-6360 for more details.

Homeopathic therapy:  Homeopaths stimulate and bolster healing mechanisms within the body through minute doses of natural remedies that would in healthy persons, produce the symptoms of Endo. Homeopaths believe "like cures like."  Treatments can take up to a year and include remedies made from natural substances like minerals, salt and herbs.  Common treatments for Endometriosis pain include thuja and sepia.  You can learn more by contacting the International Foundation for Homeopathy at 206/324-8230.

Chiropractics:  differs from osteopathic treatment in that Chiropractors believe the disease can be relieved by correcting dislocations (subluxations) in the musculoskeletal system alone.  Areas concentrated on include primarily the lumbar spine and the thoracic spine area (which also has beneficial effects on the immune system, long thought to be involved in the basis of Endometriosis).  For more information, call the American Chiropractic Association at 800/986-4636.

Acupuncture: insertion of thin needles at various points in the skin. Is said to bring relief to women suffering from Endo pain, menstrual cramping, and post-op pain as well. According to Chinese philosophy, good health results as a balance and freeflow of Ch'i through "the meridians," while illness is an imbalance, stagnation, or an obstruction of Ch'i in a "meridian."  Placement of the needles on the various points linked by the meridians is believed to restore the balance and flow of Ch'i. This might help eliminate symptoms and reduce pain.  In "Endometriosis: A Natural Approach," author Jo Mears noted that some researchers believe that "Endometriosis is a 'blood stagnation condition.'  The acupuncturist tries to get the blood and energy flow moving again by using the spleen meridians and liver points, all of which are found in the legs, feet and toes."  Other researchers believe that acupuncture releases endorphins, a natural painkiller produced by the body. Call the American Foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine at 415/776-0502 for further details.

TENS electrotherapy: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.  A TENS unit is a small machine which conducts an electric current through electrodes placed on the painful areas. When it is successful, pain relief is often very quick.  Ask your doctor for more information on obtaining a TENS unit.

Bach Flower:  Remedies originated by Dr. Nelson Bach.  The basis for this treatment is that every disorder arises from inner imbalances that can be cured by nature through healing plants, sunlight, spring water and fresh air.  Applications include gentian, crab apple and pine.  For more info, contact the Bach Flower Program at Bo 0185, Baldwin, NY, 11510.

Exercise: While not necessarily an "alternative" treatment, exercise is a demonstrated stress reliever, pain reducer, and depression fighter because it stimulates the release of endorphins, natural painkillers.

Aromatherapy:  Using essential oils extracted from plants.  Some oils have been found to have anti viral, anti fungal and even antibacterial properties.  Effective oils in Endometriosis relief include sage, cypress, fennel, bergamot and geranium.  For more information, contact the American Alliance of Aromatherapy, Box 309, Depoe Bay, OR 97341.

Reflexology:  Similar to acupuncture's meridian theory.    Reflexologists believe that the entire body is represented by points within the foot.  These points are massaged, thereby stimulating a reflect action in the corresponding tissue or organ.  Endometriosis treatment involves points which, in particular, help uterine cramping.  You may contact the International Institute of Reflexology at PO Box 12642, St. Petersburg, FL 33733.

Herbs:  Herbalists believe this form of treatment works because of the impact selected remedies have on excess levels of estrogen.  Because the liver is responsible for breaking down estrogen, it has been suggested that a weakness in the liver may be indirectly involved in the flare of Endometriosis and if treated, can have a relieving effect on symptoms. A Naturopathic physician in Canada reported the cases of 15 women with Endo who were treated with an herbal preparation known to stimulate liver function - dandelion, beet leaves, cascara and Uva ursi. After several months, 12 of the 15 women were symptom-free.  Various herbs said to be helpful in relieving Endo pain include: Blue Cohosh, Cranberry, Plantain, St. John's Wort, Peppermint, Valerian, Dong Quai, False Unicorn, Evening Primrose Oil, Chasteberry/Vitex, Black Cohosh, Uva Ursi, Couchgrass, Red Raspberry, Yam, and White Willow.  Check with a licensed professional as to dosing, interactions and regimens.  Contact the American Botanical Council at 512/331-8868 for more information.

Other complementary practices include Reiki, visualization, breathing techniques, meditation, stress management and touch healings.

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Resources for additional information:
The Endometriosis Research Center (request your copy of the Alternative/Diet & Nutrition collection) at 800/239-7280
The Institute for Traditional Medicine & Preventive Health Care at 800/544-7504
The Holistic Health Hotline at 206/481-4445
International Association of Holistic Health Practitioners at 702/873-4542
The American Holistic Medical Association at 206/322-6842
Pain Control Network at 800/833-9911
The American Association of Oriental Medicine at 610/433-2448
The G-Jo Institute at 305/524-0318
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