Q Why does endometriosis develop?
A Endometrial tissue that should line the inside of the uterus instead settles outside it, on the ovaries or peritoneum. Each month during menstruation this tissue repeatedly bleeds and inflames, worsening adhesions and pain.
Detailed Answer
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue implants and proliferates outside the uterus (on the ovaries, peritoneum, around the bowel, and elsewhere). It is common, found in about 10% of women of reproductive age and in 35-50% of women with infertility, yet diagnosis is often delayed by an average of 7-10 years. Retrograde menstruation, immune dysfunction, and genetic predisposition are thought to act in combination.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we view endometriosis as a blood-stasis (eohyeol) tendency. When cold-damp (hanseup) cools the uterus and blood flow stagnates, endometrial tissue is interpreted as straying from its proper place and clumping. Following the principles of warming the uterus (ongung) and invigorating blood to resolve stasis (hwalhyeol-hwaeo), we combine prescriptions in the Dohong-samul-tang family with large-cone moxibustion and deep thermal therapy to restore uterine blood flow.
Related FAQs
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Q
Can endometriosis be cured with Korean medicine alone?
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