Endometriosis & Traditional Chinese Medicine

A Gentle Approach to Pain and Fertility

Endometriosis is a word that many people hear but don’t always fully understand.

For some, it’s just a medical term. For others, it’s a daily reality, bringing pain, fatigue, and uncertainty about what each month will feel like.

Endometriosis is thought to affect roughly 10% of reproductive-age women and girls globally.

For many, the path to diagnosis is long and frustrating, with symptoms often overlooked or misunderstood.

During that time, the symptoms can affect not only the body but also emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life.

Finding Relief with Traditional Chinese Medicine for Endometriosis

Over the years, I have met many women who struggled to conceive, only to learn later that undiagnosed endometriosis was one of the underlying causes.

In this article, I would like to share what endometriosis is, how it may affect fertility, and how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),  through acupuncture, moxibustion, and lifestyle guidance,  can gently support women navigating this condition.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

This tissue can develop in many places as the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, the space behind the uterus, the pelvic walls, the bladder, or the bowel.

This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal changes just like the womb lining does; it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. But it doesn't leave the body, and it grows in places where it doesn't belong.

Then this blood becomes stagnated, forming cysts (endometriomas), adhesions, and scar tissue.

These could cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick to each other and lead to important inflammation.

Some common symptoms

Fatigue and bloating

Diarrhea, Constipation (mostly before or during menstrual periods)

Pain with bowel movements or urination

Pelvic pain, even outside menstruation

Pain during or after sex/Dyspareunia

Painful or heavy periods

Excessive bleeding / heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods

Difficulty conceiving

Not everyone with endometriosis has all these symptoms, and some experience none at all.

But for those affected, it can interfere not only with health but also with work, relationships, and fertility.

Endometriosis and Fertility / What You Need to Know

One of the most challenging aspects of endometriosis is its impact on fertility.

Research suggests that 30–50% of women with endometriosis may experience infertility (Endometriosis UK).

This doesn’t mean conception is impossible, but it may be more difficult depending on the severity and location of the endometriosis.

For example:

• If endometriosis develops on or around the fallopian tubes, it can block them, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting.

  
  

• If it affects the ovaries, endometriomas (cysts) may interfere with egg quality.

  
  

• Inflammation in the pelvis can alter the environment where fertilisation and implantation should occur, making it harder for pregnancy to take place.

  
  

I have seen many women come to me after years of trying to conceive, sometimes only learning later that endometriosis could play a significant role in their struggles.

This can be heartbreaking, but it’s also empowering to know that with the right support, balance, and well-being could be restored, also fertility could be nurtured.

How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help

While there is currently no cure for endometriosis, acupuncture and TCM could play an important role in supporting women physically, emotionally, and hormonally.

Rather than treating only the symptoms, Chinese medicine seeks to address the root imbalances that contribute to pain and inflammation.

1. Pain Relief and Calming the Nervous System

Acupuncture encourages the body to release natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins and helps regulate nervous system activity.

Many patients describe feeling not only less pain, but also calmer, more rested, and more resilient after treatment.

2. Supporting Hormonal Balance

By regulating the menstrual cycle and influencing the body’s hormonal rhythms, acupuncture may improve cycle regularity, reduce PMS, and ease mood swings.

For women with endometriosis, this can mean less monthly disruption and better preparation for conception.

3. Reducing Inflammation

From a Western perspective, acupuncture may help calm inflammatory processes.

From a TCM perspective, it works by moving “stagnant blood” and clearing internal “heat.”

This can reduce swelling and pelvic congestion, helping the body function more smoothly.

4. Improving Fertility Potential

By improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, acupuncture may support egg quality and endometrial receptivity, creating a healthier environment for conception.

This can be particularly valuable for women undergoing IVF or other assisted fertility treatments.

5. Emotional Wellbeing

Living with endometriosis can take a toll emotionally. Acupuncture sessions provide space to breathe, release tension, and find balance.

Patients often report sleeping better, feeling more relaxed, and being more emotionally grounded.

Beyond Acupuncture / Other TCM Therapies

We can often combine acupuncture with other traditional methods, tailored to each person’s needs:

Moxibustion (moxa): the gentle warming of acupuncture points with a stick of dried mugwort, used to ease pain, regulate cycles, and support fertility.

Cupping therapy: improves circulation and helps release deep pelvic tension.

Dietary advice: foods that reduce inflammation (cinnamon, ginger, cooked vegetables, whole grains ...) and limiting those that worsen it (excess sugar, alcohol, cold raw foods).

Lifestyle support: stress management, gentle exercise, and personalised recommendations for rest and self-care.

By integrating these therapies, TCM supports both the physical and emotional aspects of endometriosis.

My Approach

Every woman’s experience of endometriosis is unique.

Some seek support for fertility, others for pain relief, and many for both.

My approach is usually personalised, combining acupuncture, moxa, dietary and lifestyle guidance, and most importantly, listening carefully to each woman’s story.

I believe that endometriosis care should never be just about managing pain; it should also be about empowering women to feel understood, supported, and in balance with their bodies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re living with endometriosis, you’re not alone. It may take time to find the right combination of medical and holistic care, but support is available.

Acupuncture and TCM offer a gentle, natural way to relieve pain, regulate cycles, and nurture fertility.

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, are exploring fertility options, or simply want more ease each month, Chinese medicine can help you reconnect with your body and restore a sense of balance.

References & Further Reading

1. Bulun SE. Endometriosis. N Engl J Med. 2009;360:268–279.

2. Chen FP et al. Acupuncture and herbal medicine for endometriosis pain: Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2014;53(3):303–308.

3. Endometriosis UK — Understanding Endometriosis