Acupuncture and Endometriosis

The Endometrium is the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. Endometriosis is a condition in which some of this tissue has spread elsewhere, such as to the ovaries or into the abdominal cavity. It can cause severe lower abdominal and pelvic pain and can also cause infertility. Estimates suggest that 30-40% of infertile women have endometriosis.

It is important for fertility that the endometrium is shed completely during each period. This is so that the new endometrium can grow evenly and well nourished. If the old endometrium is not fully shed, blood can become congealed and clotted. Extreme clotting can lead to endometrial tissue finding its way into areas it shouldn't. If the endometriosis is severe, it can cause pelvic scarring or a distortion of pelvic anatomy, the fallopian tubes can become damaged or blocked and the ovaries can contain cysts of endometriosis that could adhere to the uterus, bowel or pelvic side wall. Any of these distortions can lead to infertility.

Chinese medicine views endometriosis as stagnation of blood in the uterus. Acupuncture can help the endometrium to shed completely and it will also enable blood and qi to move more smoothly through the pelvic region and the uterus. Once the blood and qi are moving smoothly, any pain that was previously experienced should lessen or stop completely, and any clots that are experienced during the period should also reduce in size and quantity.