Endometriosis is not cool at all. This inflammatory disease is associated with often-crippling pain when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found in places where it shouldn’t be (aka outside of the uterus). Endometriosis affects roughly 1 in 10 women and girls in New Zealand and is the most common cause of severe abdominal pain.Acupuncture has been used by the Chinese for hundreds of years to deal with period pain and issues. It has been found to be as, if not more, effective than morphine for pain relief. It is also effective in helping balance hormones and reduce PMT, pain and other ‘period symptoms’.In fact, researchers (such as Sydney-based New Zealander Mike Armour) are running clinical trials that may see acupuncture become a mainstream treatment for both bad period pain and the pain of endometriosis.And while traditional acupuncture can’t cure endometriosis, it can help reduce symptoms and pain. In fact, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends acupuncture as a treatment to help with endometriosis pain.More recently, a feasibility was done to see how effective twice weekly acupuncture was for women with endo. Results aren’t available yet, but preliminary findings were looking very promising.So if you are struggling with endometriosis, severe period or abdominal pain, other period issues, pain during sex, stomach issues including serious bloating or diarrhoea or issues getting pregnant, acupuncture can help you – contact me to find out more.​

Working together with your liver, your Gallbladder is vital for helping digest fats.  Blockages in the Gallbladder’s biliary ducts can lead to inflammation, gallstones and other issues.   But in Chinese Medicine, the Gallbladder also plays a crucial role in emotions – specifically motivation, courage and initiative.  An imbalance of your Gallbladder meridian can be connected to issues like resentment, tension headaches, dizziness, and restless sleep.  In Western medicine, it is common to remove the Gallbladder when issues arise, but from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) view this is a last resort.  Diet and acupuncture can help balance your system so that the Liver Qi (energy) can flow uninhibited through to the Gallbladder because the flow of energy between the two organs is essential to your overall health and wellbeing.  Acupuncture can help restore balance to your system, have your Gallbladder functioning better and help you sleep better and have fewer headaches.   And if you have had your Gallbladder removed, never fear – Acupuncture can help your system balance and work optimally.   So if you think your Gallbladder could do with some TLC, get in touch today.