The 6 Patterns of Endometriosis According to Chinese Medicine

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects at least 1 in 10 women. The main symptom of endometriosis is very painful periods but there could also be bladder or bowel issues, pain during intercourse, fatigue, infertility, or bleeding between periods. The cause of endometriosis isn’t 100% but the key to treating it with acupuncture and herbal medicine is to differentiate a pattern of disharmony in the body and treat it accordingly.

The 6 Patterns of Endometriosis

Liver blood stasis

Intense stabbing pain before or during period aggravated by pressure, hard and immovable abdominal masses on palpation, pain is generally relieved after passing clots. Menstrual blood is often dark brown with large clots and is often accompanied with mental restlessness or irritability

Kidney Yang deficiency

Painful period with abdominal pain relieved with pressure and heat. Menstrual blood is pale, watery and light. Accompanied symptoms are water retention and bloating before period, dizziness, frequent urination, low libido, feeling cold, and lower back pain.

Damp Heat Stagnation

Hypo-gastric pain before the period, sometimes during mid-cycle. There is a burning sensation extending to the sacrum. Menstrual blood is bright red with small or stringy clots with thick and sticky consistency.

Heat Blood Stasis

Intense, stabbing and possibly burning pain that may be constant or intermittent throughout the cycle. Pain is relieved by passing out clots. Menstrual cycle may be short with heavy bleeding of bright red blood and large clots. Accompanied symptoms are anger, headaches, insomnia, and restlessness.

Blood Stasis Due to Cold

Dull aching pain throughout the cycle and during period. Menstrual blood is dark red with clots, pain is aggravated with pressure and touch but is relieved with application of heat source such as a hot water bottle. Accompanied symptoms are cold limbs, sensitivity and aversion to cold.

Blood Stasis with Phlegm

Chronic pain throughout the menstrual cycle becoming excruciating painful before and during the period. Menstrual blood can be hesitant at the start becoming very heavy, sticky and clotted. There may be sticky and heavy vaginal discharge, poor digestion, and fatigue.

Your acupuncturist will ask you specifics about your menstrual cycle and tailor your treatment in a way specific to your individual pattern. Some other suggestions in treating endometriosis is to avoid cow dairy, cut out gluten, and take supplements that reduce inflammation, such as turmeric.

If you find this article helpful or interesting you might also be interested in these:

What Does The Color of Your Menstrual Blood Tell You About Your Fertility?

How Acupuncture and Diet Can Help With PMS & PPMD