Endometriosis: A Chinese Medical Perspective

Etiology 

  • Intercourse during menstruation
  • Intercourse at too early an age
  • Excessive physical work or exercise
  • External Cold
  • Tampons
  • Emotional stress
  • Irregular diet

Pathology

In the pathology of endometriosis, there is always a Kidney deficiency and disharmony of Liver and Spleen.

  • Retention of menses
  • Dampness
  • Qi and Blood stagnation
  • Deficiency of Qi and Blood 

Identification of Patterns and Treatments

The Chinese medical diagnosis of endometriosis is based on the following signs and symptoms:

  • Painful periods
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dysmenorrhoea
  • Dyspareunia
  • Infertility
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Lower back pain
  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Irregular periods
The clinical manifestations and treatment principles for endometriosis vary depending on the pattern identified:
  • Kidney-Yang deficiency: use warming herbs and acupuncture to tonify Kidney-Yang and promote Qi and Blood circulation
  • Spleen-Qi deficiency: use strengthening herbs and acupuncture to tonify the Spleen and promote Qi circulation
  • Liver-Qi stagnation: use herbs and acupuncture to move Liver-Qi and promote Qi and Blood circulation
  • Dampness: use herbs and acupuncture to drain Dampness and promote Qi and Blood circulation
  • Qi and Blood stagnation: use herbs and acupuncture to move Qi and Blood and promote Qi and Blood circulation
  • Deficiency of Qi and Blood: use herbs and acupuncture to tonify Qi and Blood and promote Qi and Blood circulation

Prognosis and Prevention

The prognosis for endometriosis is generally good with appropriate treatment. To prevent the development of endometriosis, it is important to avoid the etiological factors listed above, as well as to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Western Viewpoint

Western medicine typically treats endometriosis with hormonal therapy, surgery, or a combination of the two. The focus is on reducing the growth of endometrial tissue and relieving symptoms such as pain and infertility. It is important for individuals to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider and consider both Western and Chinese medical approaches in their management of endometriosis.