Acupuncture For Endometriosis
One in seven.
One. In. Seven.
That is how many women and people who menstruate are diagnosed with endometriosis in Australia. Endometriosis is a multifaceted condition with signs and symptoms not always relating to the menstrual cycle. It is understudied, underfunded, and is completely debilitating to some individuals.
So, what is the go, with endo?
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing a range of symptoms that extend beyond menstruation. It takes an average of 6.5 years to receive a diagnosis in Australia, and around 830,000 people are currently affected by endo.
This misplaced tissue has been found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowel, bladder, and even in areas as distant as the lungs. Unlike a regular menstrual cycle, this tissue responds to hormonal changes which can cause lesions, leading to pain, inflammation, and scar tissue formation.
Modern treatments range from pain management with medications and hormonal therapies to surgical interventions such as laparoscopies. While these approaches may help manage symptoms, endo is a complex condition that often requires a multifaceted treatment plan, including dietary and lifestyle changes.
Signs and symptoms of endo
Endometriosis presents differently for everyone, but common symptoms include:
Chronic pelvic pain (not just during menstruation)
Heavy or irregular periods
Pain during or after intercourse
Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during menstruation
Nausea and sometimes vomiting
Rectal pressure and stabbing pain
Pain radiating down the thighs (like cat claws tearing down the leg)
Bloating (often called “endo belly”)
Fatigue and brain fog
Fertility challenges
Digestive issues, including IBS-like symptoms
Many people with endo experience symptoms daily, not just when they have their period. The severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the extent of the disease—some with minimal visible endometriosis have severe pain, while others with widespread lesions may have mild discomfort.
Chinese Medicine Perspective
Chinese Medicine has understood and treated conditions resembling endometriosis for centuries, referring to it in terms of imbalances within the body's energy systems.
You couldn’t perform a laparoscopy 4,000 years ago, so ancient Chinese scholars relied on other diagnostic methods, such as feeling the pulse at the wrist and examining the tongue. In addition, Chinese Medicine practitioners used detailed questioning to identify patterns and diagnose the condition based whether it is due to Stasis, Cold, Dampness, or Deficiency. I go into more depth here in my endometriosis blog.
Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to endometriosis, focusing on restoring balance within the body rather than just treating symptoms. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and lifestyle modifications work together to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Additionally, Chinese herbal formulas are tailored to each individual’s presentation, addressing underlying imbalances.
How Can Acupuncture Help?
Firstly, it is important to note that endometriosis is a condition that may need the help of many different modalities, not just one.
Acupuncture is a great tool to add into your tool belt for the management of endometriosis.
Acupuncture is the process of inserting fine, single use, sterile needles into acupuncture points on the body. The acupuncture points are chosen according to the Chinese Medicine diagnosis process where I take an in-depth history and assess your current lifestyle, combining that with the palpation of the 12 Chinese pulses on your wrists and a look at your tongue.
Chinese Medicine is an holistic medicine which looks at the root cause for your condition. Each treatment is individualised.
I use a mixture of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Chinese Medicine dietary advice, Chinese Medicine lifestyle advice, as well as supplements, all focusing on your signs and symptoms you suffer from.
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