Acupuncture for endometriosis in Gothenburg
Acupuncture can be used alongside your regular care to ease the pain of endometriosis and severe period pain, and some studies suggest it can reduce pain intensity. It does not affect the endometriosis itself, but many people find their periods become easier to manage. At Dr. Tian Akupunktur in Eriksberg, Gothenburg, sessions are often timed to your cycle.
The TCM view
How TCM understands endometriosis
Traditional Chinese medicine has no separate name for endometriosis, but it recognises the picture well: severe period pain, dark bleeding with clots, and pain that eases once the bleeding gets going. This is read as blood stagnating in the pelvis, often together with cold or heat.
Treatment aims to get blood and Qi moving, to warm what is cold and to calm what is inflamed. The points vary with where you are in your cycle.
The treatment
How treatment works
At the health consultation you go through your pain pattern, your cycle, any previous surgery and any hormonal treatment. Dr. Tian also examines your pulse and tongue.
Acupuncture is often combined with treatment of the lower back and pelvis. Many sessions are timed for the days in your cycle when the pain is usually at its worst.
Experience and research
Dr. Tian’s experience and what the research says
Dr. Tian worked in gynaecology at university hospitals in China from 1985 to 2000. In Gothenburg she has since supported many women with endometriosis and severe period pain. She earned her PhD at the Sahlgrenska Academy in 2008.
Some studies suggest acupuncture can reduce both endometriosis pain and period pain, but the research is limited. Acupuncture is a complement to your gynaecological care and is used to relieve pain.
Expectations
What to expect
Because endometriosis pain follows your cycle, Dr. Tian counts in cycles rather than weeks. A sensible first step is to review progress after three cycles of regular treatment, often once or twice a week to begin with.
Many patients first notice that they have fewer painful days or need fewer painkillers. How much relief you can expect varies and cannot be predicted.
Treatments often used
Every new patient starts with a health consultation or a first visit that includes acupuncture. Dr. Tian then suggests the treatments that suit you.
Health consultation
30 minPulse and tongue diagnosis, and a treatment plan made for you.
SEK 550
BookHealth consultationAcupuncture, first visit
60 minA 30-minute health consultation followed by 30 minutes of acupuncture.
SEK 1,400
BookAcupuncture, first visitAcupuncture, follow-up
50 minSterile single-use needles placed at points chosen for your TCM diagnosis.
SEK 1,050
BookAcupuncture, follow-upCombination treatment
60 minDr. Tian’s own method: acupuncture and several TCM techniques in one visit.
SEK 1,650
BookCombination treatment
On Saturdays a supplement of SEK 180 applies to all treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Can acupuncture be combined with hormonal treatment?
Yes. Acupuncture can be combined with a hormonal coil, the pill and other hormonal treatment. Let Dr. Tian know what you use, and do not change your medication without talking to whoever prescribed it.
Can I have treatment during my period?
Yes. With endometriosis it can be especially useful then, as the pain is at its strongest. Dr. Tian adapts the treatment to how you feel on the day.
Can acupuncture help with bowel and bladder symptoms?
Bowel and bladder symptoms are often part of endometriosis, and the points used for pelvic pain target the same area. Some people find bloating and urgency ease as well, but this varies.
Conditions that often go together
- Fertility supportA complement for couples trying to conceive, on its own or alongside IVF and insemination.
- Menopause symptomsHot flushes, night sweats, restless sleep and mood swings during the menopause.
- Stress and exhaustionFor long periods of stress, shallow sleep, an unsettled stomach or exhaustion.
Come in for a personal health consultation
Book 30 minutes with Dr. Tian. She listens to your concerns and examines your pulse and tongue. Together you agree on a plan: your first step towards better health.