Managing Endometriosis Symptoms with Acupuncture: A Holistic Approach to Pain Relief

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide. It is characterised by the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, leading to symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful menstruation, bladder problems, infertility, and gastrointestinal disturbances.

While currently there is no cure for endometriosis, acupuncture is a really useful therapy to help you manage what can be debilitating pain.

Endometriosis involves the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, commonly found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic lining. This tissue responds to hormonal changes, leading to inflammation, adhesions, and the formation of painful lesions. The exact cause of endometriosis remains unclear and while it is becoming clear there may be a strong immune component it is still the subject of ongoing research which can make it a very challenging condition to manage effectively.

5 ways that acupuncture works to help endometriosis

1.     Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation

Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving substances that help reduce the intensity of pain experienced by individuals with endometriosis. It also activates your body's anti-inflammatory response, reducing the inflammation associated with endometrial lesions and pelvic adhesions. In one scientific review, acupuncture was found to reduce the levels of CA125 which is a common inflammatory marker for endometriosis.

2.     Hormonal Balance and Menstrual Regulation

Acupuncture can help regulate the hormonal imbalances which are usually involved in endometriosis, such as elevated oestrogen levels and disrupted progesterone-to-oestrogen ratios.

By influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, acupuncture promotes hormonal balance and regulates the menstrual cycle, potentially reducing the severity of your symptoms.

3.     Improved Blood Circulation and Tissue Oxygenation

Endometriosis can lead to decreased blood flow and oxygenation in affected tissues, contributing to pain and inflammation. Acupuncture enhances blood circulation, promoting oxygen and nutrient delivery to affected areas, which may aid in tissue healing and pain reduction.

4.     Stress Reduction and improved Emotional Well-being

Living with endometriosis can be emotionally challenging, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. Acupuncture's calming effect helps regulate the sympathetic nervous system, reducing your stress levels and promoting emotional well-being.

You can read Olivia’s review of how acupuncture has reduced her pain and improved her quality of life here.

5.     Enhanced Fertility Support

While acupuncture does not cure endometriosis-related infertility, it can certainly be used to optimise your fertility outcomes. It improves blood flow to the reproductive organs, supports hormonal balance, and reduces pelvic tension, potentially creating a more favourable environment for conception.

“Living with endometriosis has been an ongoing battle for me, but discovering acupuncture has truly been a game-changer. Before I had acupuncture as part of my treatment plan, I struggled with excruciating pelvic pain, irregular menstrual cycles, and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed by the condition's impact on my life. Pain killers were providing some relief, but I was virtually overdosing on them every month.

When I decided to try acupuncture, I wasn't sure what to expect. From my first session, I immediately felt a sense of calm and relaxation wash over me. Kerry spent a lot of time listening to me to understand my specific symptoms and concerns and after our consultation she created a personalised course of treatments and explained how often I would need to see her.

The results were amazing. Over the course of a few weeks the regular acupuncture helped me manage my pain in a way I had never experienced before. I no longer felt trapped by the constant discomfort because the tension in my abdomen and pelvis was easing.

Not only did acupuncture help alleviate my background pain but my menstrual cycles became more regular, and the intense cramping and heavy bleeding I had had for years to started to lessen. The hormonal stability improved my physical well-being but also provided a sense of reassurance and more predictability in my day-to-day life. I have also finally been able to reduce the amount of pain relief I need each month.

One unexpected benefit of acupuncture was the profound impact it had on my emotional well-being. Living with endometriosis can be emotionally challenging, and stress and anxiety always worsen my symptoms. The calm environment of Kerry’s clinic room and the meditative state I entered during each session all worked together to help reduce my stress and allow me to relax. It felt like an escape from the constant pressures of managing my condition.

Acupuncture has become an essential part of my overall approach to managing endometriosis. It complements my traditional medical treatments and though I still see a gynaecologist for regular monitoring, I now feel empowered and in control of my health, and I have developed a renewed sense of hope for my future.”

Sarah P

If you are looking for natural ways to manage your endometriosis, and you want to work with someone who will treat both the root cause and the symptoms of your problem, please contact me for a free consultation. With my experience in treating endometriosis and adenomyosis I will work with you to create a personalised treatment approach which will help you achieve the best results.

I also support endometriosis patients who come to see me specifically because they want to come off the contraceptive pill in order to conceive and in my experience, this usually requires a preparation phase of 6 months in order to regulate hormones and re-establish a regular ovulatory menstrual cycle.

While acupuncture is always part of your treatment plan, I will also advise you and support you to make important and impactful evidence-based nutritional and lifestyle changes. I may advise that you have further testing or return to your GP - if this is the case I’m here to support you in those discussions.

Typically endometriosis acupuncture treatment packages are scheduled at regular intervals once weekly for 12 weeks. I usually then continue to see my endometriosis and adenomyosis patients twice a month, generally before their period and mid-cycle to keep hormones balanced and pain levels down.

If you're in search of expert 1:1 acupuncture to help you manage your endometriosis or adenomyosis I’m here to help. I invite all my patients for a confidential and no obligation chat to explore whether we are a good fit to work together.