Acupuncture for Pain Relief in Adenomyosis: Understanding the Approach

Adenomyosis, characterized by localized diffuse lesions within the endometrial glandular muscles, is often linked to hormonal imbalances and excessive hormone secretion, leading to progressive abdominal pain.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers acupuncture as a clinical therapeutic procedure, which includes needling and moxa-moxibustion. Acupuncture stimulates acupoints using fine needles, while moxibustion uses burning mugwort to achieve the same effect. These treatments are minimally invasive, effective, safe, and convenient, showing promising clinical efficacy, particularly in addressing chronic pain conditions.

So, how does acupuncture alleviate the pain associated with adenomyosis?

TCM suggests that adenomyosis is influenced by blood stasis in meridians, a cold uterus, liver and kidney weakness, spleen deficiency, blood deficiency, dampness, heat, and dampness.

Acupuncture treatments often combine moxibustion and herbal medicines to achieve therapeutic effects. Specific acupuncture methods for alleviating adenomyosis pain include:

1. Moxibustion treatment on acupoints like Qihai, Guanyuan, Daimai, Zhongji, Sanjiao, and Zusanli. While acupuncture cannot completely cure advanced adenomyosis, it can relieve mild segmental dysmenorrhea and menstrual issues by addressing Chong Ren and uterine function imbalances.

2. Acupuncture at the Shenque acupoint, can help alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms by addressing blood clots and colds in the uterus. This method is particularly suitable for patients with qi and blood deficiencies, and it may involve stimulating acupoints like Zhongwan, Xiawan, and Huilai.

However, it's essential to stress that acupuncture should only be administered by qualified professionals due to its invasive nature. Non-professional or incorrect procedures can lead to complications like pneumothorax, needle breakage, or skin infections from moxibustion. Patients are advised to seek treatment at reputable healthcare institutions to minimize risks.

Patients may also consider alternative TCM treatments such as traditional Chinese medicine hot compress and oral TCM:

- TCM hot compress: This involves boiling specific Chinese herbs, applying the resulting solution to a towel, and placing it on the patient's abdomen. It promotes circulation, removes colds, and alleviates swelling and pain.

- Oral TCM medicine: Patients may opt for traditional Chinese herbal remedies like Fuyan Pill, formulated by Dr. Li Xiaoping. This comprehensive formula addresses blood circulation, resolves stasis, clears heat, detoxifies, nourishes the spleen, and removes dampness. It can effectively eliminate dysmenorrhea symptoms and regulate menstruation, relieving adenomyosis.

Two approaches exist for patients considering surgical options: radical and conservative surgery. Radical surgery involves completely removing the uterus and is suitable for patients with severe symptoms who no longer plan to have children. Conversely, conservative surgery aims to remove adenomyomas, endometrial and myometrial pathologies and offers a potential cure for those wishing to preserve their fertility.

In summary, acupuncture can be a valuable complementary therapy for alleviating adenomyosis-related pain. However, it should be administered by qualified professionals. Patients may also explore other TCM treatments and surgical options tailored to their needs and preferences.