I’ve often been asked how I decided to become an Acupuncturist. My own experience with endometriosis has been the basis of a longstanding interest in women’s health. It is what led me to study Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in the first place, and is one of the reasons why I do this work.
I’ve always wanted to focus on the particular health needs of women, and especially for those issues not easily resolved by Western Medicine.
Years of health issues and endometriosis
Throughout my teenage years and into my twenties, I had horribly painful periods. Doctors did tests, and then advised me that I had “bad luck” but that nothing was really wrong with me. My digestion was also “off” and I had debilitating migraines for over a decade. I was on and off various medications for years, without much to really explain what was going on. Some things helped for a while, while other things had unhappy side effects.
Eventually, I just got used to it, and tired of asking for answers. I looked pretty healthy, even though I did not feel it. I tried to make the best of it, not knowing where else to look for help.
In my mid-thirties, after 18 years of looking to put a name to my health issues – I finally found one: “endometriosis”. Laparoscopic surgery confirmed Stage 4 Endometriosis, which meant lots of cysts and painful adhesions had formed over the years. Putting a name to it helped, as I got to dive in and learn all I could. This helped me feel somewhat more in control. But I still had to have a second laparoscopy when the cysts returned.
A second opinion and new approach to endometriosis
I got serious about finding a specialist to work with. My next doctor had a special take on things: he was an expert endometriosis surgeon but also a firm believer in the innate healing powers of the body. After surgery, he suggested complementary medicine approaches such as diet and energy work (alongside conventional monitoring).
Even at the time, I realized this was a very unusual approach – and that most other doctors were not thinking this way. In fact, my previous surgeon had very little to say about nutrition or alternative medicine options. She’d scoffed when I inquired about a healing diet and recommended I should “invest in Luperon instead”. (Thankfully, the endo diet is now much more commonly accepted by mainstream medicine and not just the endometriosis community).
I had tried acupuncture before, but never with a real plan for getting better. This time was different – and I stuck with regular treatments. For me, this meant a lot of work was needed around stress management in my environment as well as getting regular treatments.
A plan for healing and a new calling
Finally, the missing pieces started to fall into place – and I felt the healing shift happen. Results started to last. This combination of modern medicine and the best of ancient healing techniques is what made a real difference.
I was so impressed that I decided to change up even more in my life, and enrolled to study Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. In addition to TCM and Acupuncture, I’ve added a number of complementary skills to my toolkit, including becoming an Arvigo® Therapy Practitioner.
15+ years later, I’m here helping more women deal with endometriosis by using the healing principles of traditional medicine. This medicine continues to fascinate me, and I’m excited to make this work my calling. I’ll be forever grateful to the one expert MD whose open-minded wisdom led me to health and to my chosen career. Thank you Dr. L!
RESOURCES
Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Healing Endometriosis A Review
