This topic in Chinese medicine is a biggie so please stick with me whilst I research the best resources.  I will undoubtedly blog on this topic as that format grows.

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This section is not just about women ( and men) trying to conceive but also about issues for women like endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and general painful periods, and other issues of the nether regions we are loathed to talk about in public, if at all. (not sure why this is, societal conditioning?) Anyway….

It’s a complete bore when things in this area do not go to plan and sadly it's becoming a much more common occurrence in the West. The effectiveness of a cycle in any of its forms ( body clock/circadian rhythms, digestion, energetic patterns, etc) provides information about how well your body is functioning. Issues within your menstrual cycle are a sign your body is out of balance.

Resources

DG’s Story: ‘ Acupuncture for The Effective Management of Endometriosis’

This is the genuine story of my patient, DG.  Her case was a complex and rather severe one-in terms of pain and adhesions. I had seen anecdotal evidence of treating other women with menstrual complications but her results were remarkable.

DG was committed to treatment and made the small adjustments to her life that I thought would enhance the healing. It was fortuitous she was under Western medical care so we could have the ‘before and after scans to verify that acupuncture had made a huge difference. ( These results were not part of a professional clinical trial).

She now sees me once every 8-12 weeks to maintain the results.

‘In 2010 (when I was in my early 30’s) I was diagnosed with Stage II endometriosis, suffering excruciatingly painful and prolonged, heavy periods (including severe lower back pain) each menstrual cycle for 18 months previously. I had successful keyhole surgery in 2011 with no recurring symptoms for five years.

Unfortunately, these symptoms returned in June 2016 but were worse than before and now included severe pain during ovulation as well as menstruation. These symptoms became debilitating and caused considerable stress and anxiety. I was then referred by my GP to an excellent NHS endometriosis clinic. 

However, they were reluctant to perform another procedure (due to scar tissue from the previous surgery). They believed it could cause more damage. The other options available to manage my symptoms were very limited (and not particularly pleasant in my opinion.) I usually try to address any medical issues with complementary/alternative medicine. I had excellent results with acupuncture for other conditions in the past so I thought it an option for my endometriosis.

In September 2016 I began treatment with Cara and was immediately made to feel at ease when discussing my condition and any other areas in my life that may have been relevant. Cara has always been very professional, sensitive, and incredibly supportive throughout my treatment. In conjunction with a few tweaks in my diet, the treatment has resulted in my symptoms being fully manageable after 12 months. I no longer suffer from dreadful pain, flooding, and the associated stress of endometriosis.

When I returned for a check-up at the NHS endometriosis clinic, a comprehensive scan showed that the vast majority of the adhesions and clusters had gone and all that was left was far too small to be treated medically. They were very pleased and impressed by the results – as was I.

I now have my life back.’

The below podcast from Everyday Acupuncture is about how to look at your lifestyle when trying to conceive. It’s sound advice and fairly easy to follow. Njemile explains damp really well and many of these symptoms will be familiar to most.

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