Acupuncture for Endometriosis
Natural Relief for Pain & Hormonal Balance
Endometriosis is a growing concern in reproductive health, with rising diagnosis rates due to improved medical imaging, delayed childbearing, and environmental factors. This condition occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to painful periods, heavy bleeding, and in some cases, infertility. Conventional treatments often focus on symptom management through painkillers, hormonal therapy, or surgery – but acupuncture offers a natural, research-backed approach to relief and recovery.
At The London Acupuncture Clinic, we use acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to help reduce pain, regulate cycles, and support fertility in women with endometriosis.
Understanding Endometriosis & Its Symptoms
Endometriosis can present in different ways, but common signs include:
- Painful periods with dark blood and clotting
- Spotting before periods, often a key diagnostic indicator
- Pelvic nodules or masses, detectable through medical imaging
- Irregular Basal Body Temperature (BBT) patterns
- Infertility, though the exact cause remains uncertain
While some women experience severe pain and heavy bleeding, others may have few symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. The condition can be confirmed through MRI or laparoscopy, inferred through ultrasound, or strongly suggested by symptom patterns.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Traditional Chinese medicine views endometriosis as a stagnation of blood in the uterus. When menstrual blood does not flow smoothly, it can lead to clotting and congestion, worsening inflammation and pain. The blood and endometrium which should be shed cleanly with each period is not done so properly. This leads to the congealing and clotting of the blood in the uterus. As the natural flow is further hindered by this clotting, the endometrial tissue finds its way into areas it shouldn’t causing the problem. Acupuncture has been scientifically studied for its potential to:
- Alleviate Pain & Inflammation – Research shows that acupuncture reduces pain by modulating prostaglandins, β-endorphins, and inflammatory markers, leading to improved quality of life. (PubMed, 2023)
- Regulate Menstrual Cycles & Hormones – Studies indicate that acupuncture helps balance key reproductive hormones, which may improve endometriosis-related symptoms.
- Enhance Blood Circulation to the Uterus – Acupuncture has been shown to promote proper blood flow, reducing clotting and congestion.
- Improve Fertility Outcomes – A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture may improve fertility rates in women with endometriosis by regulating hormone levels, reducing inflammation, and optimising uterine health. (Evolution Medical Care)
Acupuncture & Medical Treatment: A Complementary Approach
Acupuncture can be safely used alongside conventional treatments such as pain medication, hormonal therapies, and surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture significantly reduces menstrual and pelvic pain in endometriosis patients compared to control groups. (PMC, 2023)
By combining acupuncture with medical treatments, many patients experience greater pain relief, improved cycle regularity, and enhanced fertility outcomes.
Personalised Treatment at The London Acupuncture Clinic
Every case of endometriosis is unique. That’s why we begin with a thorough consultation to assess your symptoms, menstrual history, and overall health. We then design a tailored acupuncture and herbal medicine plan to support your body’s natural healing process.
Find Relief & Restore Balance
If you’re struggling with painful periods, fertility challenges, or other symptoms of endometriosis, acupuncture could offer a safe and effective solution. Take control of your health and find relief naturally.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is an increasingly diagnosed condition in the west. This is partly because of increased frequency of diagnostic surgery (laparoscopy) but also to deferred child bearing and increasing environmental pollutants. Its western medical diagnosis can be confirmed by mri or laparascopy, inferred from ultrasound or suggested by the symptoms pattern.
Endometriosis can take many forms but is often characterised by painful periods with dark menstrual blood and clotting. There may be palpable nodules or masses in the abdomen. Sometimes there is no bothersome symptoms such as pain but a key diagnostic can often be spotting before periods. It can also be indicated by certain patterns in the change of Basal Body Temperature.
Endometriosis is one of the main causes of infertility although the reason for this is uncertain.
Chinese medicine views endometriosis largely as stagnation of blood in the uterus.