Endometriosis and Adenomyosis

Endometriosis and Adenomyosis are not just labels to live around.
They are often signs that the body needs to be taken seriously.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), symptoms associated with endometriosis and adenomyosis are understood through patterns of imbalance involving the flow of Qi (vital energy), Blood and body fluids. Pelvic pain, painful or heavy periods, bloating, fatigue and digestive discomfort are not viewed in isolation, but as part of a wider picture of your health. TCM takes a holistic approach, recognising the connections between menstrual health, digestion, sleep, energy levels and emotional wellbeing.

At NRQi Studio in Winchmore Hill, North London (N21), I offer personalised acupuncture and TCM treatments, which may include electro-acupuncture, auricular acupuncture and Tui Na massage. Each treatment is tailored to your individual symptoms, menstrual history and overall wellbeing, with a focus on supporting comfort, relaxation and quality of life alongside appropriate medical care.

Living with endometriosis or adenomyosis can be physically and emotionally challenging, particularly when persistent pain and other symptoms affect everyday life. For many women, the experience is made harder by feeling that their concerns have been dismissed or misunderstood. At NRQi Studio, your experience matters. I believe every woman deserves to feel heard, understood and supported. Through compassionate, individualised care, my aim is to provide a welcoming space where you feel listened to, supported and empowered to take an active role in your health and wellbeing.

Download your free NRQi Studio Menstrual Cycle Guide below.

Menstrual Cycle Guide

Download and print the NRQi Studio Period Tracker below.

Complete the chart and bring it with you to your appointments.
This enables me to have a very clear understanding of how I can support you & your cycle.

NRQi Studio Period Tracker

Further Support & Resources

    • Pelvic pain, particularly before or during menstruation

    • Heavy or painful periods that may interfere with everyday life

    • Pain during or after sex (dyspareunia)

    • Abdominal bloating, fullness or digestive discomfort

    • Lower back pain

    • Fatigue or persistent tiredness

    • Pain when opening your bowels or passing urine, particularly during your period (more commonly associated with endometriosis)

    • Speak to your GP: If you're experiencing painful or heavy periods, persistent pelvic pain or symptoms affecting your daily life, speak to your GP. Keeping a diary of your symptoms and menstrual cycle can help communicate your concerns.

    • Ask about further investigations: Your GP may arrange an ultrasound or refer you to a gynaecologist for further assessment. It's important to know that a normal ultrasound does not necessarily rule out endometriosis, and persistent symptoms may require further investigation.

    • Explore NHS treatment options: Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, your GP or specialist may discuss pain management, hormonal treatments, further imaging or surgical options.

    • Endometriosis UK: A leading UK charity offering trusted information, a support helpline, online communities and local support groups for those affected by endometriosis.

    • Adenomyosis Advice Association: A UK organisation dedicated to raising awareness of adenomyosis and providing information, education and peer support.

    Remember, severe period pain and symptoms that interfere with your everyday life should never simply be dismissed as something you have to live with.

    • Use heat and rest during flare-ups where possible

    • Choose gentle movement such as walking, stretching or yoga if it feels supportive

    • Focus on regular meals and anti-inflammatory, nourishing foods

    • Prioritise sleep and recovery

    • Reduce stress where you can through rest, breathwork or relaxation practices

    • Track your cycle, symptoms, and triggers to better understand patterns

    • Offers gentle hormonal balance & cycle health support

    • Helps ease pain, tension and stagnation

    • Calms the mind and nervous system during times of stress and overwhelm

    • Supports emotional wellbeing with a holistic approach

    • Encourages greater harmony, steadiness and ease throughout the cycle

What the Research Says

  • This Cochrane systematic review evaluated the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for pain in endometriosis. The review concluded that the evidence was limited, based on the results of only a single study that met the inclusion criteria, and that larger, better-designed trials were needed before firm conclusions could be drawn. This remains an important reference point because it shows how cautious earlier evidence syntheses were before the newer 2023 studies appeared.

    Read the article (DOI): 10.1002/14651858.CD007864.pub2
    PubMed record: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21901713/

  • This systematic review and meta-analysis searched 10 databases up to December 2017 and included 60 randomized controlled trials with 49 trials pooled in meta-analyses. Across studies acupuncture was associated with greater reductions in menstrual pain and related symptoms compared with no treatment and in some comparisons versus NSAIDs. Some trials also reported that benefits persisted for a short follow-up period though the authors note important limitations due to variable study quality and methodology.

    Read the article (DOI): https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000011007

    PubMed record: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29879061/

  • This systematic review and meta-analysis searched major databases and trial registries up to February 2023 and included 6 studies involving 331 participants. Across the included studies, acupuncture was associated with clinically relevant improvements in endometriosis-related pelvic pain, with some evidence of benefit for menstrual pain and health-related quality of life as well. The authors concluded that acupuncture should be considered a potential treatment intervention for endometriosis-related pain, but they also noted important limitations including the small number of studies, modest sample sizes, and low to moderate certainty of evidence.

    Read the article (DOI): 10.1016/j.imr.2023.101003
    PubMed record: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033648/

Traditional Chinese Medicine Nutrition support for women at NRQi Studio in N21 North London.

Nutritional Advice

Because acupuncture supports the whole body, menstrual cycle care works best when it is combined with daily nourishment and steady habits. The food you eat can influence energy, mood, cramps and how smoothly your cycle flows. Click the button below to explore guidance on nourishing your body with mindfulness and balance to support a healthier cycle.

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