Endometriosis: managing symptoms with acupuncture and Chinese medicine in Upwey

If you are experiencing persistent menstrual discomfort from endometriosis and are searching for a supportive, natural approach to complement your healthcare routine, you are not alone.

At Upwey Acupuncture, your symptoms and experiences will always be taken seriously, and you will be thoroughly heard in a safe, compassionate environment. Having worked with women experiencing gynaecological issues and pelvic discomfort for over 23 years, I regularly welcome patients with endometriosis to my clinic in the Dandenong Ranges.

What Is endometriosis?

Endometriosis affects an estimated 10% (190 million) of women and girls of reproductive age globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). For many women living in Upwey and the surrounding Eastern Suburbs, the monthly arrival of severe pelvic pain, bloating, and fatigue can turn daily life into an uphill battle.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer uterine surface, bowel, or pelvic lining.

During each menstrual cycle, this tissue responds to hormonal fluctuations by thickening and shedding. Unlike normal endometrial tissue, which leaves the body during menstruation, this displaced tissue has no way to exit. Over time, this can cause localised inflammation, nerve irritation, tissue scarring, and persistent pain ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating cramps.

Common symptoms of endometriosis

While every woman’s experience is unique, common signs and symptoms include:

• dysmenorrhoea (severe period pain/cramping)
• dyspareunia (pain during or after intercourse)
• dysuria (painful urination during periods)
• pelvic & abdominal pain (which may radiate to the lower back or legs)
• digestive disturbance (bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea, often referred to as ‘endo belly’)
• stress (anxiety, low mood, or exhaustion from chronic discomfort)
• irregular spotting or heavy menstrual flow.

If these symptoms sound familiar, please remember: severe, disabling period pain is not normal. Seeking compassionate care and a clear diagnosis is a vital first step.

What causes endometriosis?

Research into the exact causes of endometriosis continues. Current clinical theories include:

• Retrograde menstruation: menstrual fluid flowing backward through the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity.
• Genetics: family history plays a strong role; having a close relative with endometriosis significantly increases your likelihood.
• Hormonal and immunological factors: variations in cell movement or immune response.
• Structural variations: congenital factors such as Müllerian duct variations.

What we know for certain: endometriosis is a complex medical condition. It is not caused by lifestyle choices, stress, or ‘not handling pain well’.

Diagnosis and integrative care

Diagnosis typically involves discussing your medical history and symptoms with a GP or gynaecologist, alongside pelvic imaging (such as specialised ultrasounds or MRIs). A laparoscopic procedure remains the definitive diagnostic method.

Managing endometriosis often works best with an integrative team approach. Standard Western medical strategies may include:

• Pain management: over the counter anti inflammatories (NSAIDs) or heat therapy.
• Hormonal support: oral contraceptives or progestin therapy to regulate symptom flare ups.
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy: to reduce muscle tension in the pelvic basket.
• Laparoscopic excision: surgical removal of lesions where indicated.
• Nutritional and lifestyle support: reducing inflammatory foods and supporting stress resilience.

How acupuncture and Chinese medicine can support you

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views bodily discomfort through a holistic lens. Rather than looking at symptoms in isolation, we assess your overall constitution, menstrual history, tongue, and pulse to understand how stress, circulation, and hormonal fluctuations interact.

For women in Upwey, Belgrave, and the Knox area who have never tried acupuncture, the process is gentle, relaxing, and tailored specifically to your body.

Clinical goals of treatment

• Pain management and relaxation: Acupuncture needles stimulate nervous system pathways, helping release endorphins and calm local pain signals.
• Encouraging circulation: Promoting healthy blood flow to the pelvic region to ease muscle tension and cramping.
• Stress and nervous system support: Chronic pain frequently triggers a flight or fight response. Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system, reducing stress-related muscle tightness and fatigue.
• Individualised wellness plans: Combining gentle acupuncture with heat therapy, herbal medicine and tailored dietary advice and lifestyle support depending on the case.

What does the research say about acupuncture for endometriosis?

If you are considering adding acupuncture to your endometriosis management plan, ongoing research offers encouraging insights:

Pain reduction

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining randomised controlled trials have observed that acupuncture may assist in reducing pain intensity and improving self-reported quality of life in women experiencing pelvic pain.

Integrative support

A systematic review from 2023 noted that while more high-quality trials are still needed to determine precise mechanisms, acupuncture is a valuable option to consider, particularly for individuals seeking non-pharmacological support for symptom relief and stress management.

Synergistic care

Research into combining acupuncture with Chinese herbal medicine indicates potential benefits for symptom relief and daily functioning compared to single modality approaches.

While clinical evidence continues to evolve, many women find acupuncture to be a soothing, restorative addition to their multi-disciplinary care plan.

Supporting women’s health since 2003

At Upwey Acupuncture, I have had the privilege of supporting women throughout the Dandenong Ranges with menstrual health, pelvic comfort, and stress management for over 2 decades. Every appointment is in a compassionate space where your health concerns are heard, respected, and addressed with personalised care.

Ready to take the next step toward relief?

You don’t have to navigate endometriosis symptoms alone. Whether you are new to acupuncture or looking to enhance your current health strategy, I am here to support you.

👉 Book an appointment.

📍 Serving Upwey, Tecoma, Belgrave, Ferntree Gully, and the outer eastern suburbs.