Endometriosis & Traditional Chinese Medicine: a review of recent research

March is Endometriosis Awareness month. That means now is the perfect time to review current research on the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in supporting the management of endometriosis signs and symptoms.

Endometriosis is a chronic, often painful condition affecting millions of women worldwide. It is characterised by growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, severe pain, heavy periods, and reduced quality of life. You can read more about the symptoms in this previous article we have published.

In this article we will explore what recent research says about acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and endometriosis, and how we are putting research outcomes into practice at Seven Points Wellness.

📊 What 4 recent Research papers say About TCM & Endometriosis

📌Acupuncture for clinical improvement of endometriosis-related pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This 2024 meta-analysis of 14 studies involving nearly 800 patients found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain severity, improved overall response rates, and lowered serum markers like CA-125. Note CA-125 is a marker of inflammation in endometriosis, it is not a diagnostic test.

The results suggest that acupuncture may help with pain and systemic inflammation, two core issues in endometriosis.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39110208/

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📌 Efficacy and safety of acupuncture-related therapies in symptomatic endometriosis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

This 2025 network meta-analysis compared acupuncture-related therapies and concluded that several techniques, including ear electroacupuncture, moxibustion, and auricular acupuncture are effective in managing the symptoms of endometriosis.

This signals that combining TCM approaches may offer stronger clinical effects.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40019501/

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📌 Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine versus Chinese herbal medicine alone to improve clinical efficacy in treating endometriosis-associated pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This 2025 systematic review examined 16 randomised controlled trials comparing acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) to CHM alone. It found that adding acupuncture with CHM significantly increased clinical efficacy and reduced pain scores.  

These results indicate that acupuncture paired with CHM might be more effective than CHM alone.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41179906/

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📌 Efficacy of acupuncture for endometriosis-associated pain: a multicenter randomized single-blind placebo-controlled trial.

This 2023 multi-center randomised controlled trial published in Fertility and Sterility demonstrated that compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture:

• reduced dysmenorrhea pain

• shortened pain duration and

• improved quality of life

when given regularly over a 12 week period.

Symptoms improved significantly during treatment but they diminished after the acupuncture stopped, emphasising the value of regular sessions.  

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36716811/

🧠 What This Research Actually Means

The results from the various research suggest that when it comes to endometriosis:

✔ Acupuncture may reduce pain intensity and duration.

✔ Different acupuncture styles can complement each other.

✔ Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may improve clinical outcomes.

✔ Regular, sustained treatment appears most effective.

It is important to note that these TCM studies were small in size and of variable quality. More higher quality larger randomised controlled trials are required to be able to make definitive statements.

🌿 How TCM views endometriosis

From a TCM perspective, endometriosis may present as one of the following TCM diagnostic patterns:

• Kidney deficiency and blood stasis

• Qi stagnation and blood statsis

• Cold accumulation and blood stasis

• Qi deficiency and blood stasis

• Heat and blood stasis

TCM through the use of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, lifestyle and dietary advice aims to:

✔ Improve blood flow and resolve blood stasis

✔ Regulate, tonify and move Qi

✔ Reduce internal heat and inflammation

✔ Calm the Shen (nervous system)

At Seven Points Wellness, research helps shape how we structure treatment, not just what points we choose. The current evidence supports consistency, we design phased treatment plans rather than one-off sessions, particularly during active pain periods. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect and regular acupuncture allows us to build momentum and adjust according to how your cycle and symptoms respond.

Where appropriate, we will integrate personalised CHM alongside acupuncture. Prescriptions are tailored to your presentation and TCM diagnostic pattern. Supplements may also be recommended.

We like to take an integrative view. endometriosis is complex and often requires collaborative care. We work alongside your GP or gynaecologist, supporting pain management, cycle regulation, and nervous system balance while you continue any medical treatment that is right for you.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects more than physical health, it impacts on your emotional wellbeing and quality of life. While TCM is not a cure, research increasingly supports it has a role as a complementary strategy to reduce pain, regulate the body, and provide women with more options for holistic care.

If you’re navigating endometriosis, talking to both your TCM practitioner and your doctor can help you build a personalised, evidence-informed care plan. You can book and appointment with us at Seven Points Wellness here.