What I learned about endometriosis that helped me manage my condition

Guest Post by Melissa Turner

I remember the day I was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis. I was sitting in the doctor’s office, looking at my gynecologist and heard only words of limitation and endless struggling. The words of “there is no cure” and “there is nothing else I can offer you,” seemed to scream at me through everything else he was saying. To say that I felt helpless is an understatement. I felt lost, alone and incredibly deserted. It didn’t seem like there were any solutions to treat my daily pain and the countless symptoms, which I experienced with having endometriosis.

Years later, at the age of forty, I see the world through a different lens and I see my endometriosis as an incredible teacher. To me, it is about discovering more about my body and what ultimately may have contributed to it’s imbalances.

Over the last five years, I discovered many connections and correlations with having endometriosis, which I believe could greatly assist women with the condition. With knowledge gained through my training in natural medicine, research and personal experimentation, along with working with women from around the world, I developed an approach which I call the REACH Technique©. It is an approach where we take different elements and combine them to provide the perfect environment for the body. The approach is completely holistic and addresses three key aspects of endometriosis symptoms including lowered immune function, inflammation and hormone imbalance.

The REACH Technique© looks at the following steps:

Stage 1: Replenish

There are common mineral and vitamin deficiencies which have been noted for women with endometriosis. These may be contributing to the additional symptoms so many women with endometriosis experience. Within this step, we therefore look at how to truly replenish the body with all the right nutrition.

Stage 2: Exercise

We know through countless studies that exercise is incredibly beneficial for our health. Women with endometriosis do however experience pain with exercise due to their adhesions. We advise forms of exercise which focuses more on deep breathing, connecting with the body and building core muscle strength such as yoga.

Stage 3: Affirm

Stress is a big contributor to poor health and can exacerbate endometriosis symptoms for many women. We provide tools to guide women on how to release painful emotions from their body, which may be adding to the stress response they experience within the body.

Stage 4: Cleanse

Endometriosis has been described as a condition with elevated estrogen levels, which in part could be contributed to by environmental toxins. For example, dioxin was shown to be associated with the development of endometriosis in a scientific study in monkeys. (Rier, 1999)

Included at every stage: Help

Women with endometriosis feel incredibly isolated and alone. This is a condition which is seldom spoken about and as it involves our menstrual cycle, it tends to be something we keep to ourselves or very private. We provide a safe space for women to speak openly and get the support they need.

I believe that we should provide for the body, rather than trying to fix the body. By giving our body plenty of nourishment, exercise, releasing emotions, cleansing and avoiding toxins, along with the support and help we need, it is inevitable that the body will begin to feel better.

I now live completely pain and symptom free and I want more women to know that they too can achieve a normal and happy life, even with having endometriosis. I believe that for many women this condition can be managed successfully when we approach the body holistically.

Melissa Turner, after enduring more than 15 years of pain and symptoms,  finally discovered an approach which has allowed her to successfully manage her endometriosis. She shares her acquired knowledge with women living with the disease who are keen to try a holistic approach. Melissa, who lives in New Zealand, is currently completing a five-year degree in Natural Medicine. You can find out more about her and her work at www.endoempowered.com. 

Readers should note that the information presented in this post is for information purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or directive.