Acupuncture for Endometriosis: Benefits and Symptom Relief
Understanding Endometriosis and Its Symptoms:
Endometriosis is a common chronic gynecological condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, leading to chronic inflammation, pelvic nodules and masses, scarring, pelvic pain, and infertility.
Common symptoms include:
Severe pelvic pain (especially during menstruation)
Pain during intercourse
Heavy or irregular periods
Digestive issues (bloating, constipation, or diarrhea)
Urination issues
Fatigue
Infertility
How Does Acupuncture Help with Endometriosis?
Acupuncture, a core practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting fine needles at specific points on the body to restore balance and promote healing. For endometriosis, acupuncture offers several key benefits:
1. Pain Relief
Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, helping to reduce chronic pelvic pain and menstrual cramps.
2. Reducing Inflammation
By improving circulation and balancing the immune response, acupuncture helps lower inflammation, a key factor in endometriosis-related pain and tissue growth.
3. Hormonal Balance
Acupuncture influences the endocrine system, helping regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, which play a crucial role in endometriosis progression.
4. Improved Circulation aka Blood Flow
Enhanced circulation to the uterus and pelvic region reduces stagnation, decreases clotting, and promotes tissue healing.
5. Stress Reduction
Acupuncture lowers cortisol levels and promotes relaxation, which can improve hormone balance and reduce stress-related symptom flare-ups.
6. Digestive Support
By regulating the nervous system and gut function, acupuncture can ease bloating, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues often associated with endometriosis.
7. Enhances Fertility
Since endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility, acupuncture may improve egg quality, regulate ovulation, and support uterine receptivity for implantation.
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in alleviating pelvic pain associated with endometriosis, reducing inflammation, decreasing the size of nodules, improving patients' quality of life, and lowering the recurrence rate. PMCID: PMC11393010
By addressing both the root causes and symptoms of endometriosis, acupuncture provides a natural, holistic approach to managing the condition and improving quality of life.
If you’re curious about how I can support your health, book in for an initial acupuncture appointment today.
Lara Tisseur, R.Ac