Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) helpful for endometriosis?

How many people with endometriosis use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to relieve their symptoms?

18,36% of people with endometriosis have already tried Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to relieve endometriosis in our survey.

20,31% of them find that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) very helpful.
The following table shows the endometriosis remedy Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) among people with endometriosis. The scale ranges from 1 (not helpful at all) to 5 (very helpful).

Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) help with endometriosis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
(n = 320)
20,31%
21,88%
26,25%
14,06%
17,50%

Tabular summary for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Rating Percent Count
not helpful at all 17,50% 56
hardly helpful 14,06% 45
slightly helpful 26,25% 84
helpful 21,88% 70
very helpful 20,31% 65

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) bei Endometriose

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses several components. Nutritional therapy and massage are part of it, as are acupuncture and specific herbal formulas. Underlying it all is the assumption that the entire body is traversed by energy pathways (meridians) through which the so‑called Qi flows. If one or more of these pathways is disrupted, illness or pain can occur. Some women also use elements of TCM to relieve endometriosis symptoms.

Among these, the positive effect of acupuncture has been scientifically studied and documented. Ultra-fine needles are inserted into specific areas of the body and left in place for a period of time. The tiny prick is barely noticeable. As studies have shown, this alternative therapy can significantly reduce pain. In the method known as moxibustion, acupuncture points are warmed and stimulated using burned mugwort (moxa). The use of various herbs and a specific diet is also common among women with endometriosis. As with other TCM approaches, the focus here is on bringing the body back into balance. Depending on what is lacking, certain groups of foods are recommended. This assessment is entirely individualized and tailored to you. The same applies to the herbal mixtures, which are then prescribed in tea or tablet form.

All treatments are provided after a very thorough assessment, during which your pulse is taken and your tongue is examined. The choice of therapies is always made in line with your own preferences. Treatment typically takes place over multiple sessions, approximately every one to two weeks, over the course of a few months. Unfortunately, TCM and the teas and herbal tablets prescribed within it are currently not covered by health insurance providers. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is best to ask about the costs before you schedule an appointment.

Further sources:

  • Mira, T.A. et al. 2018. „Systematic review and meta-analysis of complementary treatments for women with symptomatic endometriosis.“ International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics 143(1): 2-9.
  • Xu Y. et al. 2017. „Effects of acupuncture for the treatment of endometriosis-related pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.“ PLoS One 12(10).

Did you know that you can also have a big influence on endometriosis symptoms yourself? In the Endo App you learn self-management techniques for endometriosis and find many interactive exercises to relieve symptoms.