Acupuncture as a Treatment Method for Adenomyosis: A Review of Research


Adenomyosis is a painful condition characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue into the muscular wall of the uterus. Women with adenomyosis may experience a range of symptoms, including severe menstrual pain, irregular bleeding, and pain during intercourse. While traditional treatments such as pain medication and hormone therapy are commonly used, there is growing interest in alternative approaches like acupuncture. This article explores the research behind acupuncture as a treatment for adenomyosis.


What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial cells, which normally only exist in the inner lining of the uterus, grow into the muscular wall of the uterus. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and the formation of nodules in the uterine tissue. Adenomyosis can affect women of various ages, but it is most common in women in their 30s and 40s, especially those who have had children.


Acupuncture as a Treatment Method:

In relation to adenomyosis, it is believed that acupuncture can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and regulate hormones, which can help reduce the symptoms of the condition.


Research on Acupuncture and Adenomyosis:

Although there are not as many studies on acupuncture and adenomyosis, there is growing interest and some promising results. A study published in the "Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science" examined the effect of acupuncture on women with adenomyosis and found that acupuncture treatment significantly reduced pain and improved quality of life.

Another study, conducted by "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine," showed similar results and concluded that acupuncture could be an effective treatment method for adenomyosis, especially when combined with other approaches such as herbal medicine or dietary changes.


Perspectives:

These research findings indicate that acupuncture may be a promising treatment method for adenomyosis, but further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols.


References:


Guo D, Du Y, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Huang S, Liu J, Yu P, Wang J, Wei W, Tang W, Liang L. "The Effects of Acupuncture Therapy on the Quality of Life in Patients with Adenomyosis: A Prospective Observational Study." Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science. 2021 Oct;19(5):333-339. doi: 10.1007/s11726-021-1295-7. Epub 2021 Jul 6. PMID: 34621184; PMCID: PMC8489990.

Liu X, Yuan L, Shen X, Yu P, Lu H, Huang L. "Acupuncture for the Treatment of Adenomyosis-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2021 May 10;2021:6695496. doi: 10.1155/2021/6695496. PMID: 34035903; PMCID: PMC8141373.

Guo SW. "Recurrence of endometriosis and its control." Human Reproduction Update. 2009 May-Jun;15(3):441-61. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmp002. Epub 2009 Feb 16. PMID: 19221191; PMCID: PMC2660415