A holistic approach addressing root patterns of Blood Stasis, Liver Qi Stagnation and Cold in the Uterus through acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Understanding Endometriosis in TCM
Endometriosis is one of the most debilitating gynaecological conditions affecting women of reproductive age. In Western medicine it is characterised by endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus, triggering chronic inflammation, pelvic pain and — in many cases — impaired fertility. For those living with endometriosis, the monthly cycle can become a source of dread rather than natural rhythm.
Chinese medicine has recognised patterns consistent with endometriosis for over two thousand years. Classical texts describe Zheng Jia (accumulations and masses in the lower abdomen) and Tong Jing (painful menstruation) — conditions arising when the free flow of Qi and Blood is obstructed. While TCM does not diagnose endometriosis as a biomedical entity, the patterns it addresses closely mirror the pathological processes involved.
Dr Christine Shen works with women across Sydney's Lane Cove and Northern Beaches areas who are seeking integrative support alongside their conventional gynaecological care. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may support pain management, menstrual regularity and overall pelvic health for those living with endometriosis.
At Rainbow Medicine, treatment is always holistic and patient-centred. Dr Christine Shen takes a thorough intake including detailed menstrual history, pain character and location, emotional wellbeing, digestion, sleep and constitutional factors — all of which inform the individualised TCM pattern diagnosis that guides treatment.
Treatments are AHPRA-registered and compatible with conventional gynaecological care including hormonal therapies, laparoscopy and assisted reproduction. We encourage open communication with your GP and specialist team.
Clinical TCM Framework
In clinical TCM practice, endometriosis most commonly presents as one or a combination of the following patterns. Accurate pattern differentiation is essential — treatment that addresses the wrong root cause will be ineffective or even counterproductive. Dr Christine Shen conducts a comprehensive tongue and pulse assessment at every consultation to refine the diagnosis as treatment progresses.
The most consistent pattern in endometriosis. Blood that fails to move freely through the Chong and Ren Mai (Penetrating and Directing Vessels) congeals into fixed masses. Hallmarks include dark, clotted menstrual blood; sharp, stabbing pain that is worse with pressure; a purple or dusky tongue with petechiae; and a wiry or choppy pulse. The pain typically begins just before menstruation and improves once flow is established.
The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body and plays a pivotal role in menstrual regulation. Emotional stress, frustration or unresolved tension causes the Liver to lose its spreading function, and over time Qi stagnation transforms into Blood Stasis. Signs include pre-menstrual breast distension, irritability, sighing, distending abdominal pain that shifts location, and a wiry pulse. Addressing this pattern is critical for long-term resolution.
Cold contracts and obstructs — when pathological Cold accumulates in the Bao Gong (uterine palace) it causes severe cramping that is relieved by warmth, scanty or delayed menstruation, pale clotted blood and a cold lower abdomen. This pattern is often compounded by underlying Kidney Yang deficiency. Women who feel generally cold, have low libido and fatigue alongside dysmenorrhoea frequently present with this pattern. Moxa therapy is especially indicated.
How We Work
Acupuncture sessions for endometriosis are carefully timed to the phases of the menstrual cycle. This approach — known as phase-based treatment — recognises that the body's energetic landscape shifts significantly across the four phases of the cycle (menstruation, post-menstrual, ovulatory and pre-menstrual), and that different acupoints and techniques are most effective at each phase.
Key acupoints commonly used include Sp 10 (Xue Hai) — Sea of Blood — for invigorating Blood and resolving stasis; Liv 3 (Tai Chong) for smoothing Liver Qi; Ren 4 (Guan Yuan) for warming and nourishing the uterus; St 29 (Gui Lai) for local pelvic circulation; and Ki 3 (Tai Xi) to support the Kidney foundation underlying reproductive health.
Electroacupuncture (a gentle electrical stimulation applied to needles) may be used at certain points to enhance Blood-moving and analgesic effects. Moxa (moxibustion) — the warming of acupoints with dried Artemisia — is particularly valuable where Cold patterns predominate.
Herbal formulas prescribed for endometriosis are tailored to the individual's pattern. Classical formulas that have been used for centuries in gynaecological conditions include:
All herbs are sourced from TGA-registered suppliers and prescribed in therapeutic-grade concentrated granule or raw form. Dr Christine Shen modifies base formulas to address each patient's unique constitutional picture and changes the prescription as the pattern evolves over treatment.
A Patient's Journey
Sarah (name changed), a 32-year-old teacher from Lane Cove, presented with a ten-year history of endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy. Her chief complaints were severe dysmenorrhoea (pain score 9/10 on the first two days of her period), heavy clotted flow, significant pre-menstrual mood disturbance and persistent lower back ache throughout the month. She had been on hormonal suppression for four years, which had moderated her pain but left her feeling emotionally flat and with no libido.
TCM assessment revealed a primary pattern of Liver Qi Stagnation transforming into Blood Stasis, with a secondary layer of Kidney Yang deficiency contributing to the lower back pain and Cold sensations. Her tongue was purple-tinged with a white coat at the root; her pulse was wiry in the left guan position and deep-slow in the chi positions bilaterally.
Treatment involved weekly acupuncture sessions timed to her cycle phases for four months, combined with a modified Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang formula adjusted across the cycle. Over the course of treatment she reported a gradual reduction in pain from 9/10 to 3–4/10, lighter clotted flow, improved emotional resilience and significantly better sleep. Her gynaecologist noted no disease progression at her twelve-month review.
This is a representative case narrative. Individual results vary. TCM is used as a complementary approach alongside conventional medical management. No curative claims are made.
Beyond the Clinic
Chinese medicine extends its reach beyond needles and herbs into the realm of lifestyle — what classical texts call Yang Sheng (nourishing life). For women with endometriosis, specific dietary and lifestyle adjustments may support the treatment principle of moving Blood, resolving stasis and warming the uterus.
Common Questions
Related Care
Endometriosis often intersects with fertility concerns, broader women's health issues and emotional wellbeing. Dr Christine Shen offers integrated support across all these areas.
Book a 90-minute initial consultation with Dr Christine Shen to discuss your endometriosis history and develop an individualised treatment plan.
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