Deakin Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine Centre Bringing over 20 years of  Experience  in Acupuncture and Chinese medicine to Canberra Inner South Deakin  ACT

Are you ready to embark on a holistic  approach  in managing your endometriosis symptoms?

Bernice understands how challenging it can be to have endometriosis and in finding an experienced healthcare practitioner  who listens properly and who can help.

Endometriosis affects one  in ten women during their reproductive years. Having a significant impact on physical, mental, reproductive health and social wellbeing [1], it can start with a girl’s first period and  may persist until   the time  she reaches menopause. Symptoms can vary from painful periods, painful ovulation, pain during or after intercourse, abnormal bleeding, premenstrual spotting,  digestion and  bowel problems, fatigue and infertility.

Can Chinese medicine and acupuncture help me manage my endometriosis?

During her 12 years working at WHRIA, Bernice gained a great deal of experience and helped women of all ages manage endometriosis related symptoms, enabling them towards better quality of life and wellness. A recent meta-analysis has found evidence that acupuncture can help with endometriosis. By using  an integrative  Chinese medicine approach and self management recommendation, she has assisted many women in improving endometriosis related pelvic pain and  reducing  painful periods. Women struggling to become  pregnant due to endometriosis have under Bernice's care have been successful in achieving a healthy pregnancy.

If you are not ready to start a family, consider taking a step towards a preventative approach to help to optimise your fertility.

Perhaps you have decided to undergo a laparoscopy to remove the endometriosis?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help to speed up post-operative recovery, to manage pain, pelvic discomfort and fatigue. Surgery often creates scar tissue and  
adhesions, Bernice believes that any type of scar tissue has the potential to create a disruption to micro-circulation and aims to minimise post- surgical scar tissue, keeping the pelvic area healthy and aiming to reduce rate of endometriosis and pain recurrence.

Chinese medical  theory believes that menstrual problems are predominantly caused by "Blood Vacuity" or " Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis" .   Chinese medicine theory believes that  one disease can be caused by several possible " patterns of disharmony" and often underlying factors vary from one person to the next. A skilled diagnosis can identify the main contributing factors. Using an integrative Chinese medicine approach you will be guided towards a treatment plan that involves acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutritional supplements and positive lifestyle changes, by working together you begin the journey to restoring wellbeing and enjoying better health.

Possible contributing factors according to:

Chinese medicine

• Chronic stress
• Long term anger and frustration
• Digestive system weakness
• Lifestyle choices
• Lack of exercise
• Inappropriate diet - a number of  studies have also shown low anti-oxidants are linked with a higher risk of endometriosis [7] [17] [3], oxidative damage is indicative of a  diet lacking in fruits and vegetables.

Integrative medicine

• Candida albicans
• Toxicity and exposure to some hormone disrupting chemicals [7]
• Structural imbalances leading to functional problems
• Genetics
• Hormonal imbalances
• Inflammation [8]
• Autoimmunity and immune system dysregulation [10]

Some risk factors according to the Mayo Clinic  that may increase endometriosis

• Never giving birth
• Starting your period at an early age
• Going through menopause at an older age
• Short menstrual cycles — for instance, less than 27 days
• Higher levels of estrogen in your body or a greater lifetime exposure to estrogen your body produces
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Low body mass index (BMI)
• Drinking alcohol
• One or more relatives (mother, aunt or sister) with endometriosis
• Any medical condition that prevents the normal passage of menstrual flow out of the vagina
• An abnormal uterus

What causes endometriosis?

Specialists and Doctors are still unclear as to the  cause of endometriosis and it is not yet known how endometrial tissue can enter the pelvic cavity. Some believe it to be caused to retrograde menstruation, in which the tissue translocates via the fallopian tubes into the pelvic cavity. One recent study  has proposed a new theory  that neonatal uterine bleeding  can be an antecedent for endometriosis [9]. Immune system changes have been observed in endometriosis sufferers [10]. There may also be causal links between  hormonal imbalances, toxins and inflammation [7] [8].

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

A pelvic examination, ultrasound and MRI are all useful in helping to diagnose your condition but a definitive diagnosis can only be made after laparoscopic surgery where a biopsy of the tissue sample is sent to a pathology lab for further analysis.

Can I have endometriosis without feeling any pain?

Yes, it is possible to have endometriosis but not experience any obvious pain symptoms. The amount of pain that you  experience does not always correspond to the degree of endometriosis and  research suggests about two thirds of women with endometriosis  will experience pain [4].

What are my  options for helping me to manage endometriosis?

1.SURGERY - laparoscopic surgery can be effective to remove endometriosis lesions and scar tissue, its success rate will be dependent on the extent of disease and the surgeon’s skills. Most women will experience some pain relief after surgery but there are some who will find  that relief is short lived and pain will return within the next few months. Others will find it brings significant long term pain relief and  experience improvement with  associated symptoms .  Repeat surgery can increase the chance of complications resulting from scar tissue formation. Bernice understands that whilst surgery is sometimes necessary, this level of intervention should be minimalised and that post surgical prevention of endometriosis is best managed via an integrative Chinese Medicine approach.

2.MEDICATIONS - these can be classified as either hormonal or non-hormonal medication.

• Hormonal- synthetic hormonal drugs  such as aromatase inhibitors, Gn-RH antagonist and agonists, contraceptive pill and progestin therapy (mirena, pill or injections) have been used for many years to manage endometriosis. They temporarily suppress the symptoms and when these drugs are ceased the symptoms typically return. Unfortunately they are not a long term cure for the disease and when you want to get pregnant, any hormonal medications need to be stopped as they suppress your hormones.

• Non-hormonal - pain medications  can be prescribed solely or with other therapy to manage the pain associated with endometriosis, they are not intended to reduce the amount of endometriosis.

3.ALLIED TREATMENTS

Physiotherapy - current  research  indicates that contrary to popular belief,  the amount  period pain is not always linked to  the degree of endometriosis [4]. If your doctor suspects that your pain is due to over tightened  pelvic floor muscles they may  refer you instead to a pelvic floor /women’s health  physiotherapist who is able to assess and treat   musculoskeletal problems that are likely to be the cause of  your  pelvic pain.

Psychology -chronic pain may start to affect your central nervous system (CNS) and lead to sensitisation [2][5][19]. Psychologists have an important role in pain management and so your doctor may also suggest a psychologist who specialises in pain management.

Complementary medicine

• Naturopathy
• Acupuncture
• Chinese Herbal Medicine

Using Chinese medicine and acupuncture to help endometriosis, is there any evidence?

In China, herbal medicine and acupuncture has for well over 2000 years helped women manage a range of gynaecological and fertility disorders. 

Research shows that Chinese medicine can help women  manage endometriosis symptoms. A meta analysis “ Chinese Herbal Medicine For Endometriosis” at South Hampton University revealed that Chinese Herbal Medicine for endometriosis   is more effective than mainstream treatments, but with less side effects [16].

Studies have shown Chinese medicine can also help reduce pelvic pain  resulting from endometriosis[13] [14] and patients have found  that taking herbs  combined with a holistic  treatment plan  brings better management of endometriosis related symptoms. 

Other studies have found that Chinese medicine helps to enhance fertility outcomes especially when used in conjunction with  IVF and ART. Women with endometriosis who combined IVF treatment with acupuncture had significant improvement in egg collection, fertilisation, implantation and pregnancy rates [11] [13][15].  In another study, women  diagnosed with endometriosis  who took a Chinese herbal formula during a IVF cycle showed increase egg collection and fertilisation rates as well as a reduction in systemic inflammatory markers [12]

Over many years of experience in helping women of all ages better manage their endometriosis symptoms, Bernice has found that even women challenged with difficult endometriosis symptoms have done well in  following an integrative care plan , where they have combined a Chinese medicine approach alongside working with their gynaecologist and pain specialist

Treating endometriosis with complementary medicine is a journey that requires of you to participate on your path to better health. It’s an approach that aims to identify and address underlying causes. One reason you may prefer an integrative Chinese medicine approach is the understanding and knowledge you gain in caring for your body, mind and self this empowers   you to take control of health. Are you ready?

1. Rogers PA, et al. Priorities for endometriosis research: recommendations from an international consensus workshop. Reprod Sci 2009;16(4):335-46

2 “Chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis: translational evidence of the relationship and implications”PamelaStratton and Karen J.Berkley.Human Reproduction Update, Vol.17, No.3 pp. 327–346, 2011

3.“Antioxidant supplementation reduces endometriosis-related pelvic pain in humans”  Nalini Santanam, Nino Kavtaradze, Ana Murphy, Celia Dominguez, Sampath Parthasarathy. Translational Research ,Vol 161, Issue 3, pp 189-195, March 2013

4.Prevalence of endometriosis diagnosed by laparoscopy in adolescents with dysmenorrhea or chronic pelvic pain: a systematic review. E.B. Janssen,A.C.M. Rijkers,K. Hoppenbrouwers, C. Meuleman,  and T.M. D'Hooghe, Human Reproduction Update, Vo 19, Issue 5,pp. 570-582, May , 2013

5. Increased Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain. As-Sanie, Sawsan MD, MPH; Harris, Richard E. PhD; Harte, Steven E. PhD; Tu, Frank F. MD, MPH; Neshewat, Gina MPH; Clauw, Daniel J. MD. Obstetrics & Gynecology: November 2013 - Volume 122 - Issue 5 - p 1047–1055

6. Consensus on current management of endometriosis. Neil P. Johnson, Lone Hummelshoj  for the World Endometriosis Society Montpellier Consortium. Human Reproduction, Vol.28, No.6 pp. 1552– 1568, 2013

7. Antioxidant supplementation reduces endometriosis-related pelvic pain in humans. Santanam N1, Kavtaradze N,Murphy A, Dominguez C,Parthasarathy S. Transl Res.2013 Mar;161(3):189-95. doi: 10.1016/j.trsl.2012.05.001. Epub 2012 May 31.

8.Correlation Between Altered Central Pain Processing and Concentration of Peritoneal Fluid Inflammatory Cytokines in Endometriosis Patients With Chronic Pelvic PainNeziri, Alban Y. MD*†; Bersinger, Nick A. MD‡; Andersen, Ole K. MD, PhD§; Arendt-Nielsen, Lars MD, PhD§; Mueller, Michael D. MD‡; Curatolo, Michele MD, PhD*§∥Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine:May/June 2014 - Volume 39 - Issue 3 - p 181–184

9. Neonatal uterine bleeding as antecedent of pelvic endometriosis.Ivo Brosens, Jan Brosens, Giuseppe Benagiano, Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology.Human Reproduction ( Impact Factor 44.67)  Sept 2013

10. The role of the peritoneum in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Vicky J. Young, Jeremy K. Brown, Philippa T.K. Saundersand  Andrew W. Horne*. Human Reproduction Update.  Vol 19, Issue 5,pp. 558-569

11. Acupuncture Combined with Medicine Effects on Outcomes of Patients with Endometriosis Who Accepted IVF-ETYu Xiao-Li et al, Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2010 Vol 4

12.Effect of Quyu Jiedu Granule (祛瘀解毒颗粒) on Microenvironment of Ova in Patients with Endometriosis. Lian Fang et al, Zhong Xi Yi He Xue Bao 2009 Feb;15(1):42-46. Chinese Journal of Integrated Medicine

13.Clinical Observation of Chinese Medicine Treatment on Secondary Dysmenorrhoea Associated with Endometriosis. Lim CED et al, Aust J Acupunct Chin Med 2009;4(2):12-17. Australian Journal Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

14.Controlled study on Shu-Mu point combination for treatment of endometriosis. Sun YZ, Chen HL Zhongguo Zhen Jiu ( article in Chinese Journal) 2006 Dec;26(12):863-5

15. The Effect of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Subfertile Women with In Vitro Fertilization. Yuehui Zhang, Yiman Fu, Fengjuan Han,Hongying Kuang, Min Hu, and Xiaoke Wu. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Vol 2014, Article ID 419425, 22 pages

16. A study investigating Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of endometriosis. Flower A, ChenS, Liu JP, Lewith GT, Little P. Chinese herbs for endometriosis. Cochrane Library, 2009; issue 3   South Hampton University Complementary & Integrated Medicine Research

17. Role of oxidative stress in endometriosis. Sajal Gupta, Ashok Agarwal, Natalie Krajcir, Juan G AlvarezVol 13. No 1. 2006 126–134 Reproductive BioMedicine Online; www.rbmonline.com/Article/2291on web 8 May 2006

18.Clinical Observations on the Treatment of Endometriosis by Combined Acupuncture and Herbs. Fu Yu and Xia Tian, Shanghai Jnl Acup Moxa, 2005, Vol 3.30pm Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

19.Central changes associated with chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis. Jennifer Brawn1,*, Matteo Morotti2,3, Krina T. Zondervan2, Christian M. Becker2,Katy Vincent2. Human Reproduction UpdateVolume 20, Issue 5 pp. 717-736

20. Acupuncture for endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis .Nora Giese, Ki Kyung Kwon,, Mike Armour. ntegrative Medicine Research
Volume 12, Issue 4, December 2023, 101003

Fertility Health

• Support during IVF and other assisted reproductive techniques 
• Female & male infertility
• Preconception care
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Pregnancy care
• Labour preparation
• Post-partum care

Uro-gynaecological Health

• Vaginal Thrush
• Painful bladder syndrome (PBS)
• Interstitial cystitis (IC)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI)

Hormonal Balance

• Premenstrual tension (PMS)
• Fibroids
• Menopause
• Endometriosis
• PCO & PCOS
• Irregular periods