Table 1 Acupuncture point selection rationale
Acupuncture point | Relevant indication(s) for endometriosis [37] | Location |
|---|---|---|
Sanyinjiao (SP6) | Irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, abdominal masses in women | 3 cun a directly above the tip of the medial malleolus |
Diji (SP8) | Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, abdominal masses in women | On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun below SP9, on the line connecting the tip of the medial malleolus and SP9 |
Xuehai (SP10) | Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, abdominal masses in women | When the knee is flexed, on the medial aspect of the thigh, the point is 2 cun above the mediosuperior border of the patella, on the bulge of the medial portion of m. quadriceps femoris. |
Zhongji (CV3) | Masses below the umbilicus, severe pain below the umbilicus, abdominal masses, irregular menstruation, painful urination, infertility | On the anterior median line of the lower abdomen, 4 cun below the umbilicus |
Guanyuan (CV4) | Fullness of the lower abdomen, back pain and twisting pain below the umbilicus that radiates to the genitals, painful urination, infertility | On the anterior midline, 3 cun below the umbilicus |
Guilai (ST29) | Irregular menstruation, uterine masses, pain in the vagina, infertility | 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline, level with CV 3 |
Zusanli (ST36) | Distension and pain of the abdomen | On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun below ST 35, one finger breadth (middle finger) from the anterior crest of the tibia |
Taichong (LR3) | Epigastric or abdominal pain, periumbilical pain, pain of the genitals, irregular menstruation, painful urinary dysfunction, difficult defecation | On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression distal to the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones |