Shohre Mehvar, OMD, LAC
Shohre Mehvar, OMD, LAC
City: Newport Beach, California, USA
Visit types: Virtually and In person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
As a doctor of Oriental medicine and integrative healthcare provider, my approach to treating endometriosis is grounded in compassion, personalization, and whole-person healing. Endometriosis is a complex, multifaceted condition that affects not only the reproductive system but also a patient’s mental, emotional, and metabolic well-being. My philosophy is to support the body’s innate ability to heal through a tailored, evidence-informed approach that integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), modern functional nutrition, mind-body medicine, and emotional counseling.
Dr. Reza Askari
Dr. Reza Askari, Endometriosis Specialist
City: Los Angeles, California, USA
Philosophy of Endometriosis Care: Current scientific evidence most strongly supports the coelomic metaplasia theory as the primary explanation for the development of endometriosis.
Our knowledge of endometriosis is growing every day, and I believe epigenetics and immune system factors will become key areas of focus moving forward.
What type of surgery do you perform for endometriosis: Excision
Medication: Effective care for endometriosis requires a comprehensive view of each patient’s health, recognizing that other conditions may contribute to symptoms. While there is no medical therapy that cures endometriosis, complete surgical excision remains the foundation of treatment. After surgery, when necessary, I often recommend hormonal therapy—typically progestins, either orally or through an intrauterine device (IUD)—to help manage bleeding or adenomyosis-related symptoms when present. I generally avoid GnRH agonists and antagonists, as their risk profiles and clinical outcomes do not, in my experience, offer meaningful advantages over progestin-based
Approach to Persistent Pain After Surgery: My goal is always to walk alongside patients through their recovery, not just for the surgery itself, but until they truly feel better
I believe that recovery does not end in the operating room. I stay closely involved with every patient’s care, providing follow-up and support for as long as needed to help them achieve meaningful, lasting improvement.
Every patient leaves surgery with a personalized recovery plan, shaped by their history, examination, and lab findings, with particular attention to any additional pain contributors. I routinely recommend pelvic physical therapy and collaborate with a trusted network of physiatrists to ensure each patient receives truly comprehensive care throughout their healing journey.
Shabnam Pourhassani, DACM, LAc, QME, FABORM
Shabnam Pourhassani, DACM, LAc, QME, FABORM
City: Newport Beach, California, USA
Visit types: Virtually and in person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
The patient is given two options for evaluation: one is focused on symptom management for endometriosis, and the other is a comprehensive evaluation of health, lifestyle, and anything within my legal scope of practice.
Stephanie Martin, LAC, DAIM, FABORM
Stephanie Martin, LAC, DAIM, FABORM
City: San Diego, California, USA
Visit types: Virtually and In person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
I use an integrative, whole-body framework that includes nutrition, targeted supplements, acupuncture, and functional lab testing when appropriate. Treatment focuses on managing pain while addressing underlying contributors like gut health, estrogen metabolism, immune dysregulation, and chronic stress.
Robin Sheared, LAc, FABORM, MS
Robin Sheared, LAc, FABORM, MS
City: San Francisco, California, USA
Visit types: In person and virtual
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Our goal is to dive in and discover together what symptoms you have and how to best support you and your reproductive goals. By looking at your presentation of symptoms we can customize a care plan to fit each client. We want to best support you in moving away from endometriosis pain and optimizing your peak fertile potential.
Rachel Hemphill, DACM, L.Ac., FABORM
Rachel Hemphill, DACM, L.Ac., FABORM
City: Oakland, California, USA
Visit types: In person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
My philosophy for treating endometriosis-related pain centers on a holistic, individualized approach rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I recognize that each patient’s experience with endometriosis is unique, and I tailor my treatments to address the specific patterns and symptoms presented by each individual.
Erin Sandoval, LAC, DACM, MS, FABORM
Erin Sadoval, LAC, DACM, MS, FABORM
City: San Diego, California, USA
Visit types: Virtually and in person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
At its root, endometriosis is a complex disease that impacts and is impacted by the entire body, from the immune system to the circulatory system, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and more. I believe that an integrative approach to endo is a person’s best bet at sustained, long-lasting vitality.
Susan Fox, DACM, LAc, FABORM
Susan Fox, DACM, LAc, FABORM
City: Mill Valley, California, USA
Visit types: Virtually and in person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
Endometriosis is an inflammatory and potentially autoimmune condition that can be successfully supported with acupuncture and/or DIY acupoint stimulation using low-level light therapy/infrared and TEAS (transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation), as well as with specific herbs and supplements and dietary & lifestyle modifications. These modalities help relieve endometriosis-related pain and can mitigate the need for OTC or prescription pain medications.
Dr. Benita Safaryans, FABORM, DAOM, LAC
Dr. Benita Safaryans, FABORM, DAOM, LAC
City: Glendale, California, USA
Visit types: Virtually and in person
Spoken languages: English, Armenian, Farsi
Interpreting services for other languages: No
My philosophy of treatment for endometriosis-related pain is centered on restoring balance and addressing the root cause of the pain. I focus on regulating the flow of qi and blood, reducing inflammation, and relieving pelvic issues by targeting specific acupuncture points to ease chronic pain. I also believe that diet plays a crucial role in managing inflammatory pain due to endometriosis. I work with patients to eliminate dietary triggers, often processed foods, sugars, and inflammatory fats, while encouraging an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich diet that supports hormonal balance and reduces systemic inflammation. Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary recommendations, my goal is to not only alleviate pain but also support the body’s natural healing process, leading to long-term improvements in quality of life.
Niki Rarig, ND, LAc
Niki Rarig, ND, LAc
City: San Luis Obispo, California, USA
Visit types: Virtually and in-person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
My approach to endometriosis is very collaborative. I encourage patients to build their team of providers, which may include an excision surgeon, OBGYN, reproductive endocrinologist, acupuncturist, pelvic floor PT, mental health, and nutrition support. Acupuncture can address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of chronic pain and can improve the quality of life for patients living with endometriosis. I am also a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and often discuss and prescribe supplements, medications, herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle changes with my patients. Many patients with endometriosis also have significant digestive and bladder issues, so I often do workups and treatment for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Interstitial Cystitis (IC).
Denise Weisner, DACM, L. AC
Denise Weisner, DACM, L. AC
City: San Diego, California, USA
Visit types: Virtually and in person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
My number one goal is to help relieve endometriosis pain and help the patient have a more comfortable menstrual period and ovulation. This involves not only acupuncture but also recommending diet, lifestyle, supplements, and herbs.
Merritt Jones, DAIM, LAc, MS
Merritt Jones, DAIM, LAc, MS
City: San Diego, California, USA
Visit types: Virtually and in person
Spoken languages: English
Interpreting services for other languages: No
We often say in our clinic that with endo, it takes a village. I enjoy working alongside the best excision surgeons, pelvic PTs, and mental health therapists in the industry.
My role as an integrative acupuncturist is to offer tools for pain management and overall better quality of life while living with endometriosis. I believe that a comprehensive approach to supporting the endometriosis patient means addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of care.
