Treating Endometriosis with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Is Acupuncture Good for Endometriosis Pain? There is a growing body of research that says it may help! (1)

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other abdominal organs, often causing severe pain and infertility. It affects one in 9 Australian girls, women, and those assigned female at birth – often beginning in the teenage years.

Endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose, despite sometimes being very debilitating. So much so, that the Queensland Government has introduced 10 days of reproductive health leave for all Queensland public sector workers to access treatment for conditions including endometriosis.

At Balance Acupuncture, we understand how overwhelming this condition can be, which is why we have a special interest in supporting our patients with natural treatments designed to help alleviate the associated pain and other symptoms.

• Abdominal pain
• Heavy periods
• Bleeding from the bladder or bowel
• Feeling bloated
• Tiredness
• Anxiety or depression related to the pain
• Infertility

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a gynaecologist can diagnose endometriosis through laparoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anaesthetic.

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves targeting specific points on the body with thin needles, to promote the body’s natural healing ability and rebalance the flow of energy, or ‘qi’.

When performed by a registered practitioner, acupuncture is an effective and safe technique that may help improve the wellbeing and quality of life in women with endometriosis. (2) 

Research has found that regular acupuncture may be effective in:

• Reducing endometriosis-related pain (1)
• Alleviating period pain (3)
• Improving endometriosis-induced infertility (3)
• Improving menstrual cycles (4)
• Increasing endometrial thickness (4)
• Increasing ovarian functions and ovulation rate (4)

At Balance Acupuncture, we work with you to assess your body’s imbalances to determine the treatment that is best for you, and to promote healing within. In addition to acupuncture for endometriosis, treatment may include certain Chinese herbs.

While Chinese herbs won’t make existing endometriosis disappear, they may help relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with the condition. (6)

There is also increasing evidence that Chinese herbal medicines may help prevent the recurrence of endometriosis post-operation, and improve the conception rate for women wishing to go on to have a child. (5)

Depending on your individual situation, herbs prescribed may include the following, known for their various hormonal, anti-inflammatory, and immune regulatory properties:

• Rou Gui – Cassia Twig, or dried Cinnamon
• Dan Shen – Salvia Root, or Red Sage
• Fu Ling – Poria Cocos, a fungus also known as China root
• Tao Ren – Peach Kernel, the dried mature seed of Rosaceaeplant peach or mountain peach
• Sheng Jiang – Ginger
• Shao Yao – Red Peony Root

Studies have found that Chinese herbs may assist with:

• Alleviating endometriosis-related pain (6)
• Promoting fertility (5)
• Improving menstrual symptoms (6)
• Improving mental health (6)
• Having fewer side effects to some Western Medicine treatments post-operation (5)

If you’re amongst the 10% of reproductive age women globally who have endometriosis, you’re not alone. We understand how difficult it can be to live with this condition – and we’re here to help. Reach out today to discuss if Traditional Chinese Medicine could be the right treatment for you.