13

Apr

Alternative Medicine

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There are alternatives to treating the symptoms of Endometriosis, if you choose not to or cannot use pain medication and/or surgery.

Some alternatives are:

It should be noted that two or more of these alternatives are often combined for maximum relief of symptoms. NOTE: These alternatives DO NOT cure endometriosis. There is no cure for endometriosis. Alternative medicine may help you find temporary relief from the symptoms of endometriosis.

This is not an exhaustive list of alternative medicine. I can only speak to those things that I have tried.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy – External and/or internal exercises which are performed both with the therapist and on your own. Some of the types of physical therapy include Trigger Point Therapy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Kegels, Vaginal dilators and Biofeedback. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is often covered by health insurance.

Acupuncture – insertion of very thin needles into the top layers of the skin, at various points on the body, with the aim of pain relief from Endometriosis and other issues. Acupuncture is sometimes covered by health insurance.

Massage – manipulation of the muscles in order to loosen knots and stiffened areas that may contribute to the pain of Endometriosis. There are various types of massage – it might take some time for you to find the one that’s right for you. Massage therapy is sometimes covered by health insurance.

Chiropractic – manipulation of the muscles and bones in order to loosen tight joints and to prevent bones from fusing. You must have an X Ray consultation with a Chiropractor before committing to sessions, to determine whether your body is fit for Chiropractic. Chiropractors are often covered by health insurance.

Acupressure – related to acupuncture. Pressure is applied to various points on the body by the hand, the elbow, or with various props and/or devices in order to bring about pain relief. Once pressure is applied, it is held for several seconds or more at a time, while the patient also performs breathing techniques. Many Endometriosis books have sections on Acupressure. Acupressure by itself is not usually covered by health insurance. Check your insurance to be sure.

Yoga – postures and exercises to bring about relaxation of the muscles, joints and bones, as well as the mind. The goal of Yoga for Endometriosis is of course pain relief by keeping the body limber and preventing the body’s muscles, bones and joints from curling in on themselves in “protective mode” from the pain of Endometriosis. Yoga is not usually covered by health insurance.

Qigong – an extension of martial art whereby controlled breathing and slow movement exercises are applied in order to keep the body limber and in shape. Qigong helps to prevent the body’s muscles, bones and joints from curling in on themselves in “protective mode” from the pain of Endometriosis. Qigong is not usually covered by health insurance.

Progressive Relaxation – visualisation and breathing techniques for stress management in order to quell the muscle tension which accompanies pain and anxiety. Progressive Relaxation on its own is not covered by health insurance, but some pain management specialists may teach it, or know someone who can. One can also search the web for Progressive Relaxation books and CDs.

Dietary Modification – Certain foods may contribute to the pain of Endometriosis. It is important to begin a food diary to discover which foods are potential pain triggers, so that you may eliminate these foods either around the time of your period, during your period, or permanently from your diet. For example, I already have food sensitivities as it is, so when I’m having an Endo pain flare, I’m more prone to autoimmune reactions to food. I discovered my triggers are high fructose corn syrup, refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, crustaceans, chocolate, dairy, yeast extract and soy. There are many books and also articles on the web related to diet and Endo. It will take some time to figure out what works best to tamp down the pain and inflammation through dietary modification.

Chi Nei Tsang – manipulation of the abdominal organs via slow, intuitive, directed touch, in order to free blockages which contribute to the pain of Endometriosis and other illnesses. From the Chi Nei Tsang Institute website, “Chi Nei Tsang literally means “working the energy of the internal organs” or “internal organs chi transformation”. CNT uses all the principles of Kung-Fu and Tai-Chi-Chuan known as Chi-Kung; therefore, CNT is a form of “applied Chi Kung””. Chi Nei Tsang is not covered by health insurance. You may ask your Acupuncturist or massage therapist for referral, or search the web for a Chi Nei Tsang practitioner in your area.

The Alexander Technique – During a session with an Alexander Technique instructor, one is guided through careful and slow movement from laying, sitting, standing and walking in order to be more cognizant of one’s posture and body mechanics. The thought behind this is that we habituate to unhealthy posture and movement, which can have an adverse affect on our muscles, nerves, joints and bones, which in turn exacerbates chronic pain issues. The Alexander Technique is not covered by health insurance, but you may explore the website The Complete Guide To The Alexander Technique to find a teacher.