LUNA Helps You: Living Better With Endometriosis Through Naturopathy

In the context of a chronic illness such as endometriosis, many women are looking for solutions to soothe their daily ailments. In this search for well-being, several so-called “complementary” therapies are put in their path. Among them, naturopathy is one of those that could give hope for a more serene life. But what is this practice? And how can it help women with endometriosis? This is what we will try to decipher in this article.

According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), naturopathy is “a set of care methods aimed at strengthening the body’s defences by means considered to be natural and biological”. Like Ayurveda or Chinese medicine (TCM), it is considered a “traditional medicine”, whose Western roots go back to antiquity.

The founding principles of naturopathy
The philosophy of naturopathy is based on 5 founding principles, which guide each naturopath in the practice of his profession:

Vitalism: each human being is animated by an “intelligent” vital force, whose role is to do everything possible to ensure that matter, the medium for the expression of life, is in the best possible state for as long as possible. In science, this notion is called “homeostasis”, and is translated by the stable maintenance of biological constants. The naturopath must therefore know, respect and promote the conditions for the implementation of this vital force.
Humourism: specific to all traditional natural medicines, this principle implicates an evil at the origin of all illnesses: the accumulation of toxins and toxics in the different fluids of the body (blood, lymph and intra/extracellular fluid). Identifying and limiting the sources of toxemia, while supporting the body’s elimination processes, is therefore part of the naturopath’s mission.
Causalism: every disease has causes, the elimination of which would allow a return to permanent health. When a pathology appears, the role of the naturopath is not to treat it, but to understand why it is expressed in order to act on the cause(s) that generated it, in accordance with the laws of life.
Holism: more a methodology than a principle, it corresponds to the care of the individual in his or her greatest possible integrity: physical, physiological, emotional, mental, social and environmental. No detail is underestimated so that the naturopathic support is as personalised and coherent as possible.
Hygienics: this corresponds to the exclusive use of techniques and procedures derived from natural health factors. It is these techniques that we will explore in the next chapter.

Techniques used by a naturopath :

In the naturopath’s toolbox, 3 major techniques form the pillars of the practice:

Diet and micronutrition
Physical exercise, or more broadly movement,
Psycho-emotional techniques.
Seven other techniques complete the basic ones:

Phytology: the use of plants in all their forms.
Hydrology: the use of water.
Chirology: manual techniques.
Actinology: rays and light.
Pneumology: air.
Magnetology: energy techniques.
Reflexology: reflex techniques such as foot reflexology.
A naturopath will not necessarily master all the techniques, but may specialise in one or more depending on his or her interests and the pathologies he or she is treating.

In short: the role of the naturopath is to preserve or restore the balance of the body by understanding the origin of the ailments that affect it, using natural means.

How can naturopathy help women with endometriosis?

As endometriosis is expressed in a singular way in each woman, naturopathy will enable personalised support, depending on the different symptoms, but also on the objectives and needs of the consultant. By working on the overall lifestyle, the naturopath will propose solutions that will require the responsibility and involvement of those who consult. Beyond the intake of supplements that can act on the short and long term, engaging in naturopathic support therefore requires a willingness to change one’s lifestyle.

 

Food and micronutrition

As the body’s primary fuel, food plays a major role in health. Its importance was already advocated by Hippocrates (460 – around 370 BC), the founding father of medicine.

In the case of inflammatory diseases such as endometriosis, digestive health can provide relief that is not limited to its sphere. First of all, it will have an impact on inflammation, whose set of reactions to aggression involves the immune system. Indeed, since more than 70% of the immune system’s cells are located in the intestines, taking care of them is essential in order not to feed this famous inflammation.

Also, our intestines are made up of millions of bacteria, known as the intestinal microbiota, which is unique to each individual. These bacteria influence our digestive comfort, the proper assimilation of nutrients, and even the balance of our psychological and hormonal systems. They will also contribute to the efficiency of the intestinal barrier, which regulates what enters and leaves the intestine and thus constitutes the first line of defence against pathogens and antigens.

When it comes to endometriosis, two diets are in the spotlight: the anti-inflammatory diet, and the FODMAP-free diet. Without going into detail about each, both diets are very strict for those who follow them and sometimes not really suitable. Indeed, not all women with endometriosis have the same digestive functions, the same microbiota, etc.  This is why it is difficult to make universal solutions.

In this sense, naturopathy will enable you to define the diet that suits you. By listening to your body and/or through specific analyses, it can help you improve your dietary hygiene and guide you towards new habits adapted to your physiology and your needs. The use of micronutrition, i.e. micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), will also enable targeted action to be taken on various ailments, or to potentiate certain physiological processes (such as those involved in fertility, for example, or tissue repair in postoperative care).

In summary: in the case of endometriosis, diet and micronutrition will be able to act in particular on inflammation, digestion, energy, hormonal balance and fertility.

Physical exercise

Regular physical activity not only improves physical condition, but also has a positive influence on the psyche, thanks in particular to the release of endorphins (happiness hormone, natural painkiller) that it triggers. In the case of endometriosis, it is essential to “unlock” the body regularly in order to activate cellular and circulatory exchanges, but also to prevent adhesions (scar tissue) from becoming rigid and thus causing pain.

However, not all sports are suitable for endometriosis. Some sports can contribute to pelvic spasms (e.g. CrossFit) and depending on the intensity of the practice, the inflammatory process can be stressed. This is why movement should be chosen with care and according to each person’s abilities. Sometimes a few stretches or yoga postures can be enough to bring long-term relief.

In summary: in the case of endometriosis, choosing the right physical activity and adapting it to your abilities and needs can bring physical and psychological relief.

Managing the mind

By reducing the immune response and depleting the reserves of cortisol (another hormone with anti-inflammatory properties), stress contributes directly to endometriosis and the pain it causes. In addition, stress stimulates other processes, which tend to lead to a vicious circle:

Several techniques can be proposed in naturopathy to help alleviate stress: breathing, meditation, phytotherapy/aromatherapy, bach flowers, sport, etc. They should be chosen according to what suits each person best. Support can also be offered to explore psychosomatic origins (trauma, life events, etc.), transgenerational origins (in the family line) and the symbolism of the illness.

Between managing medical appointments, difficulties in carrying out daily tasks or even getting to work, pain, etc., the daily life of women with endometriosis is exposed to many stresses. The daily life of women with endometriosis is exposed to many stresses. Learning to manage your energy, setting limits without feeling guilty, or surrounding yourself with caring and supportive people are all ways of limiting them. A naturopath can help you on this path.

In summary: in the case of endometriosis, reducing sources of stress and calming your mind will help you to cope better with the disease.

In addition to using the 3 main techniques, the naturopath can combine them with others to relieve certain symptoms or imbalances

Phytology can be used to balance the cycle (hormonal, ovulatory, cervical mucus, etc.), detoxify the liver and digestive system or manage pain (hormonal, inflammatory and neuropathic).
Hydrology and chirology can act on the detoxification of the body, the improvement of blood and lymphatic circulation as well as relaxation.
Actinology and magnetology will help with energy and nerve balancing.
Pneumology can help with nerve and pelvic floor relaxation, organ mobility and pain management.
Reflexology can stimulate the different organs and help with detoxification.

Depending on the skills and specialisations of each naturopath, support can also be given to tame the menstrual cycle, its fluctuations and fertility signals, to better understand one’s body and physiology as a woman or to adapt one’s environment, such as limiting contact with various endocrine disruptors.

In short: in the case of endometriosis, it is possible to dip into the naturopathic toolbox to adapt solutions to your situation