Supporting women on the Gold Coast with pain management, nervous system regulation, inflammation, and overall well-being through an integrative approach with acupuncture. ¹

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Pelvic pain is a hallmark symptom, but the effects often extend beyond the pelvis, affecting energy, digestion, sleep, fertility, and emotional well-being. ²

Common Symptoms

• Severe period pain and chronic pelvic discomfort

• Sharp or radiating abdominal, lower back, groin, or sciatic pain

• Pain during bowel movements, urination, or intercourse

• Heavy or clotting menstrual bleeding

• Bloating, digestive upset, and nausea

• Persistent fatigue and sleep disturbances

• Headaches or migraines around menstruation

• Mood fluctuations, anxiety, or irritability

• Fertility difficulties

“A holistic approach to supporting pain, inflammation, nervous system regulation, and overall well-being.”

How Acupuncture May Help

A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis involving 331 participants found acupuncture demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in pelvic pain, menstrual pain, and overall quality of life in individuals with endometriosis, with most studies reporting low rates of adverse effects. ¹,²

The review concluded that acupuncture should be considered a potential treatment option for endometriosis-related pain management, particularly as part of an integrative care approach alongside conventional medical treatment. ¹

Proposed mechanisms include modulation of inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, endogenous opioid release such as β-endorphins, and regulation of immune, neuroendocrine, and nervous system pathways associated with chronic pelvic pain. ³

Studies have also explored acupuncture’s influence on inflammatory signalling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3 pathways, which are involved in inflammation, immune activity, and pain sensitisation associated with endometriosis. ³

Stress & The Nervous System

Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation may contribute to increased inflammation and heightened pain sensitivity in endometriosis. Prolonged activation of the sympathetic “fight or flight” response may worsen pelvic pain, fatigue, digestive symptoms, and sleep disturbances. ⁵

Research has also demonstrated associations between higher perceived stress levels, altered autonomic nervous system regulation, reduced vagal tone, and increased pain severity in individuals with endometriosis. ⁵

Acupuncture & Stress Regulation

Studies suggest acupuncture may support parasympathetic “rest and repair” activity, regulate cortisol levels, stimulate endorphin release, and support nervous system balance. 6

Research has additionally explored acupuncture’s role in modulating stress-related neurochemical pathways, reducing sympathetic nervous system overactivity, and improving sleep quality and emotional regulation. 6

Dietary & Lifestyle Support

Alongside acupuncture, lifestyle and dietary support may help reduce inflammatory load and support overall well-being in individuals living with endometriosis. Chinese medicine places particular emphasis on nourishment, digestion, restorative rest, and nervous system regulation.

Although there is no set diet and lifestyle protocol for individuals living with endometriosis, as each person with this condition presents differently, nutritional approaches may include emphasising

  • warm cooked meals
  • soups
  • broths
  • stews
  • fibre-rich whole foods
  • omega-3-rich foods
  • limiting excessive processed foods, refined sugars, caffeine, alcohol, iced drinks, and inflammatory dietary patterns. ⁴

Supportive lifestyle strategies may include gentle movement, restorative sleep, stress-reduction practices, heat therapy during pain flares, and limiting overexertion during symptomatic periods.

Within traditional Chinese medicine, excessive intake of cold, iced, and raw foods is thought to impair digestive function and circulation over time, particularly in individuals experiencing pelvic pain, fatigue, bloating, or digestive weakness.

Emerging research on endometriosis also highlights the relationships among inflammation, gut health, immune regulation, stress physiology, and dietary patterns. Anti-inflammatory dietary approaches rich in fibre, antioxidants, and healthy fats have been investigated for their potential to support symptom management and regulate inflammation. ⁴

A Gentle, Holistic Approach

Acupuncture treatments are generally gentle and calming, often involving points on the hands, arms, legs, feet, ears, or abdomen, depending on the individual presentation. Many people report feeling calmer, more grounded, and deeply rested following treatment.

Continuing Care & Support

Acupuncture is often used alongside conventional medical care to support symptom management, recovery, nervous system regulation, and overall quality of life. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual and may evolve over time depending on symptoms, stress levels, and cycle patterns. ¹

By Natsumi Sato

References

1. Giese, N., Kwon, K. K., & Armour, M. (2023). Acupuncture for endometriosis-related pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Integrative Medicine Research, 12(4), 101003.

2. Moreira, M. F., Gamboa, O. L., & Oliveira, M. A. P. (2021). Association between severity of pain, perceived stress and vagally-mediated heart rate variability in women with endometriosis. Women & Health, 61(10), 937–946. https://doi.org/ 10.1080/03630242.2021.1993423

3. McDonald, J. L., Cripps, A. W., Smith, P. K., & Mediators, Receptors, and Signalling Pathways in the Anti-Inflammatory and Antihyperalgesic Effects of Acupuncture. (2015). Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, Article 975632. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/975632

4. Parazzini, F., Viganò, P., Candiani, M., & Fedele, L. (2013). Diet and endometriosis risk: A literature review. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 26(4), 323–336. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.12.011

5. Wei, Y., Liang, Y., Lin, H., Dai, Y., & Yao, S. (2020). Autonomic nervous system and inflammation interaction in endometriosis-associated pain. Journal of Neuroinflammation, 17(1), 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-020-01752-1

6. Li, Y.-W., Li, W., Wang, S.-T., Gong, Y.-N., Dou, B.-M., Lyu, Z.-X., Ulloa, L., Wang, S.-J., Xu, Z.-F., & Guo, Y. (2022). The autonomic nervous system: A potential link to the efficacy of acupuncture. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 1038945. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.1038945