Endometriosis Blog

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, leading to pain, inflammation, and scar tissue formation.

Signs and Symptoms
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.

Endometriosis places a significant financial burden on both individuals and the healthcare system. Recent research estimates that endometriosis costs Australia around $9.7 billion annually, with the majority of costs linked to lost productivity due to pain and fatigue. Many individuals also face substantial out-of-pocket expenses for surgeries, specialist appointments, medications, and alternative therapies.

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.

Chinese Medicine’s Take On Endo

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 on one or more of the following pathologies:

HOLD UP - for those of you new to Chinese Med, I want you to know that when I mention or talk about an organ, I am talking about the Chinese medicine’s perspective of the organ system, not the modern medicine organ we know. If you have any questions, please reach out and I can answer any questions you have!

Ok, let’s continue….

Blood Stasis
This is impaired Blood energy circulation leading to stagnation, which manifests as pain and the formation of masses. The pain is intense stabbing before and/or during the period, is relieved when blood clots are passed, the menstrual blood is dark, and there is usually irritability and mental restlessness throughout the bleed.

Cold In The Uterus
Exposure to cold environments or consumption of cold foods can introduce cold into the uterus, hindering Blood energy flow and causing pain. This endo pain is helped A LOT with heat packs, the menstrual blood is bright red and light with small dark clots, you usually feel cold all the time, and the lower back can be achy.

Kidney Deficiency
This can be either Yang deficiency or Yin deficiency, more commonly Kidney Yang deficiency. The period pain is deep and dull, relieved with heat and pressure (pushing into your abdomen feels better), the menstrual blood is a pale red, you usually are a cold person, and can suffer also from dizziness, ringing in the ears, and low mood. Lower back pain and discomfort is also common.

Dampness
An accumulation of dampness can lead to the formation of cysts and exacerbate pain. The pain is heavy, can be a little higher up in the abdomen, and can happen mid-cycle. The menstrual blood is red with small clots and there is more white vaginal discharge than usual during the cycle (doesn’t smell). Also, fullness and bloating in the belly and the overall feeling of being tired, heavy, and foggy.

How can Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture help?

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.

Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain caused by endometriosis (Pei et al, 2023), improve pain related symptoms (Wang et al, 2023), and improve quality of life (Chen et al, 2024). When combined with Chinese Medicine principles such as warming the body, reducing dietary triggers, and managing stress, acupuncture provides a well-rounded, natural approach to managing endometriosis symptoms long-term.

At Home Care For Endometriosis:

In between session of acupuncture and along side the Chinese herbal formulas I prescribe, these are things I get my clients who are suffering from endometriosis.

Keep Warm

This is both externally and internally. When there is warmth, Qi and Blood move freely. Cold congeals and constricts, causing pain.

Externally:
- don’t wear midriff tops when it is cold or breezy
- put socks and slippers on so your feet aren’t touching the ground
- wear layers in the winter time
- NO COLD PLUNGES or showers 
- dry your hair before leaving the house or going to bed

Internally:
- drink warm water (half room temp, half boiled)
- have warm foods for your meals, steamed, cooked, baked, stewed
- don’t have lots of smoothies or salads
- no iced water
- nothing straight from the fridge or freezer just before you bleed and while bleeding

Anti-inflam Is Good

Your body is under attack, so it is best to feed it foods that won’t flare it up even more.

An anti-inflammatory diet can be helpful, especially for those who find that they have an endo flare after eating.

An anti-inflammatory diet is all about eating real, nutrient-packed foods that help calm inflammation in the body. It’s loaded with fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats like omega-3s. Think plenty of veggies, whole fruits, legumes, and good fats—keeping things as natural and unprocessed as possible!

Here are some great resources to get you started:
The Arthritis Movement
The Ohio State University

Remember to keep it warm!!
Do your best, even if you want a salad, have a hot drink alongside it to balance it out.

What next?

I will always treat the person in front of me, no two treatments are the same.
So if you are needing some help to work alongside what you are already doing or maybe you are starting from scratch, get yourself booked in for a session so I can create an individualised treatment plan for you and help you where I can through this debilitating condition. You don’t have to go at it alone!

Let me help you find your way!

x Dr Alice
Written with the help of AI - I needed some help this month. If there are spelling mistakes, blame Chat x

The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. If you have endometriosis or any other health concerns, please seek guidance from your doctor, specialist, or a licensed Chinese Medicine practitioner.