Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture: How can It Relief Pain in Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis, characterized by glandular muscle lesions within the endometrium, is attributed to hormonal imbalance and excessive hormone secretion. A prominent symptom of adenomyosis is the gradual onset of abdominal pain.

Acupuncture, a therapeutic practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), encompasses needling and moxa-moxibustion techniques. Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific acupoints using fine needles, while moxibustion employs the burning heat of mugwort to stimulate acupoints. Notably, acupuncture exhibits remarkable clinical characteristics, such as minimally invasive procedures, efficacy, safety, and convenience. It has demonstrated significant clinical effectiveness in treating various ailments, particularly chronic pain.

How can acupuncture alleviate adenomyosis-related pain?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), adenomyosis is believed to be closely associated with factors such as meridian blood stasis, a cold uterus, liver and kidney weakness, spleen deficiency, blood deficiency, as well as dampness, heat, and dampness imbalances.

A combination of acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicines is commonly employed to achieve therapeutic effects. Here are the specific methods used in acupuncture to relieve adenomyosis-related pain:

1. Moxibustion treatment is applied to acupoints including Qihai, Guanyuan, Daimai, Zhongji, Sanjiao, and Zusanli. Adenomyosis is a challenging and complex condition, often requiring surgery in severe cases. Acupuncture treatment can offer some relief for mild segmental dysmenorrhea and menstrual pain.

Adenomyosis is caused by imbalances in the Chong Ren and the loss of uterine integrity. Combining acupuncture with other treatments provides better therapeutic outcomes for addressing these issues.

2. Acupuncture targeting the Shenque acupoint is utilized. By alleviating local blood clots and promoting healing, acupuncture helps alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms. Warm acupuncture, which involves warming the uterus to counteract coldness, is suitable for patients with qi and blood deficiencies. Additionally, stimulating acupoints such as Zhongwan, Xiawan, and Huilai through acupuncture can be beneficial.

It is crucial to note that acupuncture treatments should only be administered by professionals, as non-professionals lack the necessary expertise.

3. Acupuncture directly targeting the main acupoint, Baliao, is employed. This approach helps disperse blood stasis, eliminate local blood clots, and alleviate pain symptoms.

Acupuncture, as a form of physical therapy in TCM, can provide certain relief for adenomyosis. However, it is important to understand that acupuncture alone cannot cure the disease and should be considered as an adjunctive therapy.

Acupuncture belongs to invasive treatment. Although the trauma to the human body is generally tiny, non-standard operation will lead to severe problems such as pneumothorax, needle stagnation, needle breakage, an excessive skin infection caused by moxibustion, etc. It is suggested that patients should choose public hospitals as the first choice when selecting formal treatment institutions to minimize the risk.
 
In addition, patients can also adopt other traditional Chinese medicine treatments, such as traditional Chinese medicine hot compress and oral traditional Chinese medicine.
 
TCM hot compression: Traditional Chinese medicine will choose the traditional Chinese medicine that can treat this disease according to the dose, add water to boil and remove the medicine residue, soak it with a towel, and apply it to the patient's abdomen, allowing the medicinal property of the traditional Chinese medicine to circulate slowly from the surface to the inside according to the meridians and collaterals of the human body through the hair follicles of the patients to dredge the meridians and collaterals, remove cold gas, and relieve swelling and pain.
 
Oral TCM medicine: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that adenomyosis has much to do with the congestion in the patient's body. The formation of stasis is also related to the severity of cold qi and blood in the patient. So, patients can take Fuyan Pill for treatment. It is a complete recipe created by Dr. Li Xiaoping. It promotes blood circulation and resolving stasis, clearing heat and detoxifying, nourishing the spleen, removing dampness, etc. It can eliminate dysmenorrhea symptoms and regulate menstruation, thus treating adenomyosis.

When it comes to treating adenomyosis, patients have the option to undergo surgical procedures. Surgical treatment can be categorized into radical and conservative operations, each serving a distinct purpose based on individual circumstances.

Radical surgery may be considered for patients experiencing severe symptoms who no longer wish to have children. This approach involves completely removing the uterus, providing an effective treatment by eliminating the source of the condition. It is particularly suitable for females who have completed their family planning.

On the other hand, if future fertility is desired, conservative surgery offers a viable treatment option. This procedure focuses on removing the adenomyomas and addressing the pathological changes in the endometrium and myometrium. By precisely targeting these affected areas, conservative surgery aims to achieve a curative effect while preserving the patient's reproductive capabilities.