Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue (i.e. the cells lining the interior of the uterus) grows in other parts of the pelvic cavity, outside of the uterus. This abnormal cell growth is most commonly found on the ovaries, the lining of the pelvic cavity, and on the fallopian tubes but may also be found in the bladder, intestines, or distal parts of the body such as the head, lungs, or arms. Endometrial tissue responds to the hormones estrogen and progesterone, and bleed during menstruation. Endometrial tissue displaced outside the uterus responding to such hormonal change will have no outlet for bleeding, which leads to inflammation, resulting in scar tissue, adhesions and cysts. Endometriosis is usually characterized by painful periods (women with endometriosis have higher levels of prostaglandins, one of the triggers of menstrual pain), often with dark menstrual blood and clotting. There may be palpable masses in the abdomen, pelvic pain or pain during intercourse. The exact cause of endometriosis is unclear in conventional Western medicine, although there are many theories. Western medical treatments include drug therapy and surgery. Although hormone therapy will not cure endometriosis it can provide temporary relief. Diagnosis of endometriosis is made by laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure which shows the location, size and extent of the endometrial implants.

Studies in China confirm that the treatment of endometriosis with Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can substantially diminish the pain, as well as the size of the ectopic masses. In a study published in the December 2002 issue of The Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, researchers selected 67 women diagnosed with dysmenorrhea (painful periods) due to endometriosis. Half of this group received acupuncture. It was reported that 81% of these women had less painful periods after receiving acupuncture treatment. Researchers speculate that acupuncture promotes blood circulation and regulates the endocrine system. They also suggest that acupuncture could act as an analgesic by elevating levels of circulating endorphins in the blood. Chinese herbal medicine improves microcirculation in the lower abdomen, as well as modulating the immunological disturbances associated with endometriosis, and thus alleviating pain and enhancing reproductive function. Acupuncture, herbs, diet, and pelvic massage have proven effective in reducing symptoms and slowing the progression of endometrial tissue growth.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a medical condition in which a woman’s hormones are out of balance. It can cause menstrual irregularities, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, excess hair growth on the face and body, thinning of the hair on the scalp, depression, acne and infertility. Little is understood about the cause of PCOS, but it is thought to be related to genetic factors and/or lifestyle imbalance.  Treatment options for women suffering with PCOS include exercise, healthy diet, other lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, hormone therapy. If PCOS is not treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer a safe addition or alternative for the treatment of PCOS.  Through regulating the menstrual cycle, and thus balancing a woman's hormonal system, many of the aforementioned symptoms of PCOS can be significantly reduced.  Along with dietary and lifestyle modifications, acupuncture and herbal medicine can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life in women suffering with PCOS, thus assisting in the prevention of future health complications such as infertility, heart disease and diabetes.

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow within the muscle layers of the uterus and are the most common benign neoplasm in females. Often asymptomatic, uterine fibroids often do not require treatment, but when they are problematic, they may be treated surgically or with medication.  Possible symptoms associated with uterine fibroids include menstrual irregularities, painful menstruation, and infertility. Large fibroids may affect the physical landscape of a woman's abdomen.  Possible interventions include a hysterectomy, hormonal therapy,  myomectomy, or uterine artery embolization. Estrogen receptors on uterine fibroids cause fibroids to be larger in reproductive years and shrink dramatically in size after a woman passes through menopause.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can increase circulation to the pelvic area to help move out the stagnated material.  This has been clinically shown most effective in fibroids less than 5 cm in diameter.  In addition, traditional Chinese medicine can help regulate a problematic menstrual cycle, balance a woman's hormonal system and alleviate pain associated with fibroids.  If surgical procedures are necessary, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help accelerate recovery and prevent any future growths. 

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a serious health problem affecting millions of women each year. UTI's are diagnosed by your primary care provider through a urinalysis and are the result of bacteria in the urinary tract.  If untreated, a UTI may turn into a more serious condition such as a kidney infection, so it is important to undergo proper antibiotic treatment with your doctor.  Symptoms associated with a UTI include painful, burning, and urgent and frequent urination. Often the urine may be darker in color and smaller in volume than normal. 

Occasionally, women experience such symptoms without bacterial cause, in which case acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can significantly help reduce the symptoms by promoting urination, clearing the pathogenic factor(s) and resolving pain. Some women also experience recurrent urinary tract infections, with little evidence as to why this may occur. In such cases, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help to balance your bodies systems, increase immunity and reduce re-occurrence. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help prevent possible digestive side-effects such as nausea, vaginal yeast infection, constipation or diarrhea which often accompany antibiotic therapy.

Vaginal yeast infections are a common cause of discomfort for many women, and may be due to a variety of causes stemming from dietary issues, antibiotic use, and stress. Vaginal yeast arises when the normal flora of the vaginal mucosa is disrupted, and is often treated with over the counter anti-fungal cream or prescription medication. For some women, vaginal yeast infections occur at a chronic rate, and this could be due to an underlying systemic problem. Whatever the cause, acupuncture can help to strengthen a woman's body, clear infection and help prevent recurrence. Herbal medicine is an important adjunct and can be used both internally as a tea and externally as a wash to minimize uncomfortable symptoms.

Non-yeast vaginal infections are also a common complaint among women, and range from sub-clinical irritation to bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections.  It is important to undergo appropriate testing and treatment with your gynecologist to avoid a more serious condition such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or infertility when presenting with vaginal discomfort.  Certain vaginal infections are the result of a virus and are ongoing throughout a woman's life, exacerbated by lifestyle factors and stress levels.  In such circumstances, traditional Chinese medicine can offer help in alleviating uncomfortable symptoms, reducing stress in the body and preventing future outbreaks in conjunction with the care you receive from your primary medical provider.  Regardless the cause of discomfort, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer safe assistance in strengthening your bodies immunity to prevent recurrence.