Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been around for over 2,500 years and involves inserting thin needles into specific places on the body to alleviate pain and promote healing.
In the United States, approximately 2% of the adult population has used acupuncture, most often to relieve back, neck, or joint pain. Some claim that acupuncture for fibroids may help relieve painful symptoms or even shrink fibroids. Uterine fibroids are growths that are non-cancerous but can cause a host of unwelcome symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than normal, pain, and discomfort.
Today we are going to talk about acupuncture and whether there are any acupuncture points for fibroids and to relieve fibroid pain.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by pressing tiny needles into specific points on the body called acupoints, which are believed to stimulate the release of natural chemicals like endorphins or serotonin, which help control pain and your mood. It may also work to clear blocked connections within your body’s nervous system or hormone system.
The belief is that these systems become clogged or disrupted, which causes illness and pain, but the tiny needles stimulate these areas and increase blood flow, releasing endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers), which help relieve pain or stress. Acupuncture is often used to relieve chronic joint or back pain, headaches, anxiety, and even digestive issues.
A 2019 Study Showed Acupuncture Reduced Fibroid Symptoms
Researchers at the Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, FL, published the results of a study that was conducted to determine whether acupuncture might be a potential treatment option for managing fibroid symptoms since the treatment was believed to help balance hormones and growth factors.
During this study, a small group of participants between the ages of 18 and 45 were treated by a licensed acupuncturist from a private clinic to relieve the symptoms of fibroids. They were evaluated by an OB/GYN before the study began using two ultrasounds to identify the size, number, and location of the fibroids.
Next, the participants answered a survey on the severity of their symptoms using the common 0 to 10 scale, 0 meaning no symptoms and 10 being the worst. The survey had them rate their symptoms before each acupuncture session over the course of the trial. They gathered data on symptoms like painful and heavy bleeding, mood imbalance, pelvic or abdominal pain, low back pain, bloating, nausea, frequent urination, spotting, and pain during sex and analyzed the results.
Two times a week, the participants were placed on their backs on a massage table in a private room with soft music, dim lighting, and the scent of lavender to help them relax. Acupuncture was performed on each participant, and the needles were placed into specific acupuncture points for fibroids, which was done in the same order and using the same angle and technique on each participant. Once the needles were placed, the participants were left to rest in the relaxing atmosphere with the needles in place for 45 minutes.
The acupuncture points for fibroids that were used during this study are a combination of different techniques and include:
- Two points are located on the crown of the head;
- Two points on the thumb;
- One point on the hand near where the base of the thumb and index finger intersect;
- One on the ankle just slightly below the inner ankle bone;
- One on the forehead between the eyes.
Results Of Acupuncture For Fibroids Study
After participants completed 6-weeks of treatments, each participant returned to their OB/GYN and had follow-up ultrasounds and were examined to determine the results. According to data gathered from their follow-up surveys and the post-treatment ultrasounds, many of their fibroid symptoms had improved.
The symptoms that showed the most improvement after using the acupuncture points for fibroids included:
| Fibroid Symptoms | Symptom Change | Score Change |
|---|---|---|
| Emotional balance | Significantly improved | From 4.88 to 1.25 |
| Painful periods | Totally eliminated | From 4.38 to 0.00 |
| Heavy bleeding | Totally eliminated | From 3.88 to 0.00 |
| Abdominal pain | Significantly improved | From 4.88 to 1.00 |
| Back pain | Significantly improved | From 4.00 to 1.50 |
| Pain during intercourse | Totally eliminated | From 2.25 to 0.00 |
| Bloating | Significantly improved | From 6.50 to 1.25 |
| Nausea | Totally eliminated | From 6.25 to 0.00 |
| Frequent urination | Significantly improved | From 7.75 to 0.75 |
| Pelvic pain | Significantly improved | From 4.50 to 0.50 |
Is Acupuncture For Fibroids The Best Treatment Option?
The results of this trial seem promising, as no adverse effects resulting from the treatment were reported, but it is important to consider a few things:
- This treatment only worked to lessen the symptoms caused by fibroids and did not eliminate the fibroids themselves;
- Individuals had to attend treatments two times each week;
- The trial was unable to determine if any uterine changes took place due to inconsistencies in ultrasound imaging between the centers used;
- The trial consisted of very few participants;
- The length of the trial was very short, so determining the longer-term effects of acupuncture on period-related symptoms was not possible;
- Skilled professionals with experience in acupuncture for fibroids are not accessible to everyone.
What Is The Best Way To Get Rid Of Fibroids Forever?
To eliminate the symptoms of fibroids forever, it is necessary to get rid of the fibroids themselves. Most OB/GYNs will recommend surgery to eliminate fibroids when managing symptoms becomes too challenging, but there is a much less invasive way to get rid of your fibroids. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is an alternative form of treatment that does not require surgery and can eliminate fibroids permanently.
UFE is performed by a specially trained interventional radiologist, such as Dr. John Lipman, at the Atlanta Fibroid Center. The procedure takes less than an hour and involves placing a tiny catheter into a vein in the groin area to gain access to the blood vessels that are feeding the fibroids and keeping them alive. These blood vessels are “taken over” by the fibroids, and they divert blood flow away from the uterine artery and use it to keep themselves viable. During the UFE procedure, tiny particles are released from the catheter that block off this blood flow, causing the uterine fibroids to die and shrink, which eliminates the symptoms.
One of the best things about UFE is that it can treat all the fibroids regardless of how deeply they are implanted, unlike during myomectomy surgery. Once the fibroids are eliminated, they no longer cause symptoms, and the patient’s quality of life improves. Also, UFE does not compromise the integrity of your uterus, weaken it, or take away your fertility.
Where Can I Go To Get Rid Of Fibroids?
If you are suffering from symptoms of fibroids and want to put an end to them forever, set up a consultation to come speak with one of the experts at Atlanta Fibroid Center. You can learn more about the UFE procedure and get all your questions answered. If surgery has been recommended to you to eliminate your fibroids, you are a candidate for UFE.
Your fibroids can be eliminated without surgery, a hospital stay, or dealing with an extended recovery time. Live your life according to your own schedule and not by one set for you by your fibroids. Contact us today!
