Disease and Condition Overview
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is characterized by inflammation of the female uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and nearby tissues. In Chinese medicine, it is closely related to the Penetrating Vessel and Ren Channel, spleen, liver and kidney. The initial stage of the disease is characterized primarily by excess syndrome, mostly excess damp heat causing stagnation which after a long time damages normal qi and leads to kidney deficiency and the mixed syndrome of excess and deficiency.

Depending on the location of inflammation, the disease can be further differentiated. Also, depending on the duration of disease, it can be differentiated into acute and chronic PID. Most often seen in middle aged women, acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) usually occurs during the menstrual cycle, or post-partum due to vaginal bleeding. Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is often a continuation of acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

Pair-point Treatment Combinations

(1) Zhongji (RN3), Zigong (EX) (Fig 122)
Zhongji (RN3): on the lower abdomen, on the anterior midline, 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus.
Zigong: on the lower abdomen, 4 cun below the center of the umbilicus, and 3 cun lateral to Zhongji (RN3).
Zhongji (RN3), the front-mu point of bladder, disperses lower jiao, drains damp heat and warm uterus. Zigong (EX) is an extra point. It warms uterus, regulates the menstrual cycle and leucorrhea. This pair point combination, works in synergy, to regulate the menstrual cycle, stop leucorrhea, drain dampness and collaterals and stop pain. This treatment is appropriate for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and annexitis.

Needling techniques:
1. Zhongji (RN3) towards inferior oblique insertion to a depth of 0.5-1 cun.
2. Zigong (EX) perpendicular insertion to a depth of 1 cun or towards the genital direction oblique insertion to a depth of 1.5-2 cun.

Commentaries
Acupuncture has good effect in the treatment of chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
In treating acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), acupuncture should be combined with medication to increase efficacy, shorten the treatment cycle and preventing the disease from transitioning to the chronic syndrome. Moxibustion is the primary therapy in treating chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).