Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or pelvic walls. In the U.S., up to 40% of women with infertility are affected by endometriosis. Many women suffer from symptoms for 20 to 30 years before receiving a proper diagnosis. Each month, these endometrium-like tissues respond to hormones, causing microbleeding, severe pain, and scarring. Diagnosis is often delayed, and laparoscopy, an invasive surgical procedure, remains the gold standard for confirming endometriosis.
Women are often prescribed birth control and painkillers to manage symptoms, but treatment options remain limited even after diagnosis. NSAIDs can relieve pain, while hormone therapy lowers estrogen and slows tissue growth, though it can suppress fertility and commonly causes side effects such as hot flashes. Surgery can remove lesions but carries risks, including bleeding and scar tissue formation.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), endometriosis is viewed as Qi and Blood stagnation, often worsened by cold and dampness in the uterus. Acupuncture helps move Qi and Blood, herbal formulas dispel cold and promote circulation, and moxibustion warms the abdomen to relieve stagnation.
Diet and lifestyle form the foundation of healing. TCM recommends avoiding cold or raw foods, favoring warm, cooked meals, keeping the lower abdomen warm, getting more sun exposure, dressing appropriately to protect the belly and feet in cold weather, and limiting prolonged time in air-conditioned rooms. Gentle exercise, such as walking or tai chi, along with stress management through meditation and proper sleep, is also encouraged.
TCM focuses on treating the root cause by improving Qi and Blood circulation, resolving Cold or Damp stagnation, and restoring hormonal and reproductive balance. Acupuncture, herbal therapy, moxibustion, and dietary and lifestyle adjustments not only reduce pain but also enhance fertility by supporting ovarian function, regulating menstruation, and creating a healthier uterine environment. Because TCM addresses the underlying imbalance rather than just symptoms, its effects are often longer lasting and may increase the chance of pregnancy.