Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the endometrial lining of the uterus grows outside the uterine cavity, affecting the female reproductive organs. This condition is accompanied by severe symptoms such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods), dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse), dyschezia (painful bowel movements) and/or dysuria (painful urination), chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, and fatigue. It can cause intense pelvic pain and make conception more difficult.
Despite the endometrial tissue being outside the uterus, it still behaves similarly to the normal menstrual cycle: it thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. Since this tissue cannot be expelled from the body through the uterus and vagina, it becomes trapped inside the body. This can lead to severe pain, especially during menstruation. Endometriosis is a common condition, affecting approximately 10% of women of reproductive age worldwide.
Chinese Medicine and Endometriosis
Endometriosis is commonly referred to as “dysmenorrhea” due to its symptomatic nature. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) theory, endometriosis belongs to the category of “blood stasis.” Blood stasis refers to a condition where blood cannot flow smoothly through small blood vessels. It is believed to be related to Qi stagnation (impeding blood circulation) and Kidney Yang deficiency (affecting metabolism). Blood stasis is considered the cause of severe pain, especially in the lower abdomen during menstruation, and it is also believed to be a cause of excessive menstrual bleeding and infertility. Abnormal blood flow in those with blood stasis may trigger negative reactions from the immune system due to endometrial cells growing outside the uterus.
TCM has distinct advantages in treating endometriosis, as it can significantly improve clinical symptoms and signs, increase fertility rates, and have minimal adverse effects. Both in natural conception and assisted reproductive processes, TCM treatment can greatly benefit those with endometriosis.
Firstly, from the perspective of natural conception, Chinese herbal medicine has the advantage of not requiring contraception and having no side effects during use. Studies have shown that endometriosis patients conceive mainly within one year after surgery, accounting for 80.8%.
Secondly, TCM can target the pathological essence of blood stasis in endometriosis and adjust medication according to different stages of the menstrual cycle. During the course of taking Chinese herbal medicine, patients can simultaneously prepare for conception, fully leveraging the advantages of regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting fertility.
Learn more: Shrinking Ovarian Cysts & Fibroids Naturally – Acupuncture & Herbs?
How can TCM help treat endometriosis?
TCM treatment mainly focuses on blood stasis syndrome, with the treatment primarily aimed at promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. By combining periodic medication to achieve the dual purpose of treating the disease and assisting conception, Chinese herbal medicine can regulate the endocrine and immune abnormalities caused by endometriosis.
Therefore, TCM can alleviate endometriosis through the following methods:
Herbal Medicine: Blood-activating herbs such as Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), Chi Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), and Tao Ren (Prunus persica).
Acupuncture: Acupuncture can relieve pain, regulate blood circulation, and correct imbalances in Qi. Some targeted acupoints include Baihui (on the top of the head), Yintang (between the eyebrows), and Guanyuan (in the lower abdomen).
These combined TCM therapies can effectively treat symptoms of endometriosis, such as chronic fatigue, chronic pelvic pain, and dysmenorrhea. For women trying to conceive, these treatments can also increase natural fertility and enhance the chances of getting pregnant.
The journey of overcoming the fertility road blocks can be long and discouraging. At Shanghai Medical Clinic, our TCM experts in Dubai are committed to helping couples towards a successful pregnancy with their professional experience and skills.
Get the key to fertility with our TCM treatments. Book a consultation with our TCM practitioners today.
