Treating Endometriosis Holistically

by Dr. Susan Lange

A chronic and often painful condition, endometriosis occurs when cells lining the uterus migrate to the bladder, ovaries, colon or other organs. During menstruation, these cells bleed and cause inflammation and discomfort. Many women experience pain in the abdomen, bowels or lower back, and intercourse may be painful, too. In addition, as much as 25 percent of all infertility is related to endometriosis.

No one knows exactly what causes the condition, but a new study, published in Human Reproduction, found that it often takes as long as ten years for endometriosis to be diagnosed, and women with the condition are at high risk of developing autoimmune disorders, such as chronic fatigue syndrome. Conventional medicine offers few remedies. Endometriosis is usually treated with birth control pills or synthetic hormones to stop the menstrual cycle, surgery to remove the excess tissue or, in severe cases, hysterectomy.

“There are a number of things that can contribute to endometriosis,” says Susan Lange, “ranging from bacterial or fungal infections to trauma and repressed emotions that affect the liver.” Acupuncture is helpful for treating the condition, says Julian Lange, and additional support from herbs and flower essences are useful, too.

On the herbal front, the Langes have found a combination of cramp bark, King Solomon’s seed, peppermint leaf and grapefruit seed extract eases endometriosis symptoms. These should be taken according to the dosage instructions on the product, Susan advises, unless a practitioner suggests a different dosage.

Arnica	Sticky Monkeyflower

Flower essences should be tailored to each individual, too, says Susan. Arnica, for example, is beneficial for a patient who has experienced trauma, such as a car accident. Sticky Monkeyflower helps overcome blocked intimacy due to unresolved pain about past relationships. Mariposa Lily is good for healing emotional wounds from childhood, Crab Apple alleviates feelings of shame, and Star of Bethlehem is helpful for a woman who doesn’t feel “fully in her body.” Susan recommends patients follow the dosage directions on the essence they choose, since there is no danger of overdosing with these very gentle remedies. “If someone is terribly weak or fragile, though, I have them start with as low a dose as one drop a day and work up to more,” says Susan. The Langes may also suggest certain patients give up caffeine, chocolate and/or alcohol, because of their effects on the liver.

Crab Apple	Mariposa Lily	Star of Bethlehem

About Drs. Susan and Julian Lange, OMD, L. Ac.

Susan Lange received her acupuncture training from England’s International College of Oriental Medicine. She is also a graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and of the Institute of Core Energetics. Julian Lange has a degree in homeopathic medicine from Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in Northern California, and studied acupuncture at the New England College of Acupuncture in Boston. He also attended Zongshan Medical College in the Peoples Republic of China. Both have doctoral degrees in Oriental Medicine from Samra University in Los Angeles.

Contact Information:

Susan Lange, OMD, L.Ac., and Julian Lange, OMD, L.Ac, Meridian Center for Personal and Environmental Health, Santa Monica, CA 310-395-9525; meridiancenter@aol.com

Source:

Excerpts reprinted with permission from Let ’s Live magazine and Marie Moneysmith, April 2003