Natural Pain Treatments for Endometriosis

Massage

Studies have shown that massage can alleviate muscle and tissue-injury problems.  The long term effects of massage may also be useful for persistent symptoms like pain, and deep massage may help with adhesions - this will need to be done by someone who has experience of this type of treatment.

Aromatherapy

Certain essential oils can stimulate endorphin production and, when used with massage, they can encourage relaxation. The stress and anxiety caused by long-term illness can cause the muscles to become tense.

This may accentuate the perception of symptoms, creating a self-perpetuating downward spiral. So the use of aromatherapy can help to break the cycle caused by long-term illness. More about aromatherapy for endometriosis HERE

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is said to work partly by stimulating the release of endorphins and prostaglandin-suppressing corticosteroid hormones. The insertion of needles in appropriate acupoints may also help relieve anxiety and depression associated with persistent pain.

Yoga 

Yoga is believed to reduce symptoms by helping the brain's pain centre regulate the gate-controlling mechanism located in the spinal cord and the secretion of natural painkillers in the body.

Breathing exercises used in yoga can also reduce pain. Because muscles tend to relax when you exhale, lengthening the time of exhalation can help produce relaxation and reduce tension. Awareness of breathing helps to achieve calmer, slower respiration and aid in relaxation and pain management. 

The Ova Plus Pain Relieve

The Ova Plus Period Pain Reliever is a small electrical unit similar to a TENS machine but is made specifically for period pain.  It is marketed to help with pain due to endometriosis, fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease.

The unit applies a small electric current through two electrode patches placed on the lower abdomen. This causes muscles in the uterine area to relax, leaving a calming analgesic effect. The unit can be worn all day under clothing to provide safe, continuous, drug-free period pain relief whilst maintaining a normal, active lifestyle.

From their literature:

'Endometriosis Pain Relief - Treatment for Endometriosis consists of non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs or the oral contraceptive pill, all of which work by reducing the activity of the uterine muscle. The Ova Plus uses TENS which, rather than reducing uterine muscle activity, works by altering the body’s ability both to receive and to perceive pain signals. Endometriosis sufferers feel that the Ova Plus takes the edge off the pain and makes life more tolerable.'

Menastil

This product is produced for the relief of menstrual cramps, and is receiving a lot of good feed-back for the relief of pain associated with endometriosis.

Menastil is topically-applied (applied to the skin), using a roll-on applicator. Many women have noted how fast and effective it is at relieving their  cramps. It is a homeopathic preparation and is available without prescription. The active ingredient is Calendula oil, which is effective as a topical analgesic and for pain relief.

It works by inhibiting the pain signals as they travel from one nerve cell to another. The junction, where these nerve cells connect with each other, is called a synapse. When applied topically, at the location of the pain, Menastil causes the endings of the nerve cells to retreat from each other and retract towards the cell body. This results in a reduction of the intensity of these impulses travelling to the brain and therefore a lessening in the amount of discomfort that is being registered by the brain.

DLPA

Endorphins are nature’s pain killers. DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) does not actually block the symptoms. It works instead by protecting the body’s naturally produced pain killing endorphins (the body’s morphine), effectively extending their life span in the nervous system. It slows the activity of "enzyme chewing" enzymes which destroy endorphins thereby giving them more time to act on areas of pain.

It is a powerful antidepressant and in clinical studies has been proven to be as effective as commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs - without the side effects. DLPA can also relieve symptoms of PMS and has had great success in dealing with the pain of Endometriosis.

DLPA Dosage:

Start with 375mg twice a day and then gradually increase to 2 x 375mg three times a day.  Once this dose is reached, pain relief should start within a few days and should continue to bring relief for two to three weeks after the end of treatment. 

DLPA is non-addictive and you do not have to take larger or longer doses to reach the same effect. For some people a combination of DLPA and aspirin is beneficial. They work well together. Taking one coated aspirin (325 mg) in the morning helps to strengthen DLPA's effects.  Also vitamin C and B6 appear to make DLPA more effective.

It takes anywhere from two days to three weeks for DLPA to take effect, so do not expect results straight away.  Do not take DLPA if you are pregnant or breast feeding and those with high blood pressure should take it after meals.

MSM 

Methyl Sulphonyl Methane (MSM) is the full name of this natural compound. The common name is Sulphur. 

MSM can help relieve symptoms in a variety of ways. It blocks pain messages that travel to the brain along nonmyelinated nerve fibres called C fibres. This results in relief of the deep aching sensation that is characteristic of chronic conditions like Endometriosis.

This natural compound can alleviate symptoms in other ways. It reduces the swelling and heat associated with inflammation, which in turn, relieves pressure on surrounding nerves and other tissues. It is also very good at relieving muscle spasm.

MSM goes beyond pain relief and is able to support healing of injured tissues by increasing blood flow. It also alters the cross-linkages of collagen, reducing scar tissue to promote motion and flexibility.

Learn more about the healing benefits of MSM and why this supplement is vital for optimum health HERE

CBD oil

CBD oil is gaining popularity to help with pain for many diseases and many with endometriosis are now using CBD oil with great success.  As a bonus CBD oil can also help with anxiety and some have even used it to help with cancer.  As well as the oil that you take as drops under the tongue you can use CBD balm to apply directly to your skin so you apply it to your abdomen to help with pain and muscle cramps.  It also has the benefit of helping with sleep and reducing insomnia.

Don’t worry about getting high with CBD oil as there are no psychoactive properties left in the oil as it is processed to remove the THC.  There many different strengths of oil and there are now many suppliers.  You need to do your homework to find a good quality oil as some unscrupulous companies produce low grade oil with little health benefits.  Using online forums and support groups is a good place to find recommendations.