Acupuncture for Endometriosis: Natural Pain Relief in Sheffield

Posted by Kim
December 9, 2024

Endometriosis is a life-altering condition that affects 1 in 10 women and AFAB worldwide. It causes chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, fatigue and imbalances in hormones. Beyond the lesions, endometriosis has been recognised as a systemic inflammatory condition with links to the immune system, as we all as the gut, vaginal and oral microbiome. Many women feel like they’ve tried everything, yet the pain persists. At Life + Lemons in Sheffield, we specialise in acupuncture for endometriosis and chronic pain, offering natural pain relief tailored to your unique needs.

Acupuncture: A Natural Solution for Endometriosis Pain

If you’re struggling with endometriosis, you may have come across acupuncture as a complementary therapy. But how does it work?

  • Reducing Pain: Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release natural painkillers like endorphins and reduces inflammation, a key factor in endometriosis-related pain.
  • Improving Circulation: By increasing blood flow to the pelvis, acupuncture can reduce congestion and help relieve deep pelvic pain.
  • Balancing Hormones: Acupuncture regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, supporting hormonal balance and reducing symptoms like heavy periods and mood swings.

At Life + Lemons, we also offer electroacupuncture, a modern take on traditional acupuncture that uses gentle electrical currents to amplify pain relief and improve nerve function, making it particularly effective for chronic inflammatory conditions like endometriosis.

The benefits of acupuncture for endometriosis are further enhanced by Chinese Herbal Medicine.  Animal studies show this combination down-regulates the abnormal increase of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) levels that is associated with ectopic activity of endometrial cells. The treated rats had reduced areas of ectopic tissue. MMP-2 is required for the anchoring of the placenta to the uterine wall in pregnancy but over-production can lead to endometriosis. 

A Real Journey to Pain Relief: Laura’s Story

After 8 years of living with endometriosis and undergoing four surgeries, Laura came to Life + Lemons feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. Her pain was a constant companion, interfering with her daily life and leaving her feeling defeated. On top of this, she and her partner had been trying to conceive for 9 months without success, and her anxiety was at an all-time high because of this. 

Looking for a natural way to manage her pain and improve her fertility, she came across articles recommending acupuncture and found Life + Lemons. From the moment she connected with Kimberley, Laura reports feeling immediately supported:

"Kim was so kind, genuine and caring and made me feel supported and that she would try her best to help me! During my first session the clinic was so lovely and inviting, Kim welcomed me with her heart and made me feel at ease. She explained about the different points of the body she was using and most importantly she listened. She listened to how I was feeling, I didn’t feel alone!"

With weekly sessions of acupuncture and electroacupuncture, Laura began to experience profound changes:

  • Pain relief: Her endometriosis pain significantly reduced, transforming her quality of life.
  • Improved overall health: With advice on diet and lifestyle, she felt healthier, with better sleep, clearer skin, and higher energy levels.
  • Emotional balance: Acupuncture and the adjunctive changes helped calm her anxiety, providing a space to relax and recharge each week.

 

Laura noted:

"I felt relief after just one session, and for each week that went by, it got better and better. I kept going weekly and noticed the most magical transformation in my pain."

The benefits extended beyond her immediate symptoms, improving her hormonal health and offering renewed hope for her fertility journey. Having changed appointment frequency to every 3–4 weeks, she describes her experience as:

"Magical, holistic, and renewing. The benefits have not only helped with my pain, but they’ve given me back my life."

How Acupuncture Supports Natural Pain Relief

If you’re searching for natural endometriosis pain relief in Sheffield, acupuncture offers a drug-free, holistic way to manage symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with pelvic pain, painful periods, or general hormonal imbalance, acupuncture provides effective, long-term relief by addressing the root causes.

Research also supports acupuncture’s role in pain management. Studies show that acupuncture reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, and calms the nervous system, making it an excellent option for endometriosis and other chronic pain conditions.

Acupuncture for Endometriosis FAQs

Acupuncture does not reverse endometriosis, as it is a structural condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) grows outside the womb, usually in other areas within the pelvic cavity. However, acupuncture can significantly reduce symptoms associated with endometriosis by dialling down inflammation, supporting oestrogen clearance through adequate digestive function, and hormonal balance. It addresses the root causes of pain and discomfort, offering a natural, supportive therapy alongside conventional treatments, and improving the overall quality of life of women and AFAB affected by endometriosis. 

The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of symptoms and individual response to treatment. Typically, patients notice improvements within 4–6 sessions, but a course of 10–12 weekly sessions is often recommended for long-term symptom management. Regular maintenance treatments every 3–4 weeks are also advised to sustain benefits.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), endometriosis is often associated with patterns of blood stasis, qi stagnation, or heat and dampness accumulation. These imbalances disrupt the flow of energy and blood in the body, leading to pain and other symptoms. TCM treatments, including acupuncture, aim to restore balance, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, helping alleviate the condition’s impact.

Acupuncture points used in the treatment for endometriosis usually vary from patient to patient, and may also vary at each treatment as we tweak and tailor your treatment plan depending on what is going on for you at that particular time. However, acupuncture points frequently used to address endometriosis symptoms include:

  • CV4: For improving pelvic circulation and reducing pain.
  • SP6: Known for its role in regulating menstruation and relieving pelvic pain.
  • ZIGONG: To promote blood flow and reduce abdominal pain.
  • LI4 & LV3 : Used together as the Four Gates to enhance qi flow and relieve pain.
  • SP4: Activation of this point regulates interferons (immune-supporting substances), helps calm the nervous system and reduce inflammation, offering relief from cramping and deep pelvic pain.
  • SP8: Helps for alleviating acute menstrual pain. 

Cupping, a TCM technique, can complement acupuncture for endometriosis. It improves circulation, relieves muscle tension, and helps move stagnant qi and blood in the pelvic area. Whilst we do not offer it as a standalone treatment, it can enhance the effects of acupuncture in managing pain and reducing inflammation.

A healing crisis refers to temporary symptoms such as fatigue, mild headaches, or an increase in pain after an acupuncture session. These effects, which some patients experience, occur as the body begins to detoxify and restore balance. They are usually short-lived and a sign that the treatment is stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Staying adequately hydrated and resting can help manage these temporary effects, usually resulting in an improvement of symptoms the following day. 

Why Choose Life + Lemons for Acupuncture in Sheffield?

Located in the heart of Sheffield, ours is a specialist clinic focused on women’s health, fertility, and chronic pain management. We’re not just about acupuncture—we provide an integrative approach tailored to the specific challenges of endometriosis and pelvic pain.

Here’s what makes us different:

  • Expertise in Women’s Health: Our lead practitioner, Kimberley Shepherd, has extensive experience in women’s health and chronic pain management, offering personalised care based on the latest research.
  • Advanced Techniques: We use electroacupuncture to deliver targeted pain relief, which has shown excellent results for pelvic pain relief and hormonal health.
  • Holistic Support: Beyond acupuncture, we have a team of practitioners to support you. From nutritional therapy to Chinese Herbal Medicine, we focus on an integrative approach with the aim of supporting you in all areas to restore your confidence + health. 

Take the next step towards Pain Relief

Book your free 15-minute initial consultation with our Clinic Director and Women’s Health Specialist Kimberley and discover how Life + Lemons can help you find natural pain relief and reclaim your life.

Got any questions?

Drop us an email and we will get back to you shortly!

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