Role of traditional Chinese medicine-based acupuncture in the resolution of ovarian torsion

Abstract

Abstract Ovarian torsion (OT) is a gynecological emergency that affects females of childbearing age and usually requires surgical management. Here, we present a 30-year-old female who presented with an ultrasonographically confirmed OT along with an ovarian cyst and severe pain in the lower abdomen. She was treated at a private acupuncture clinic as an outpatient. She underwent one acupuncture session per week for 11 weeks. St 40, Sp6, Sp9, Lv3, Li4, CV4, St 29, K6, Lu7, Sp4, and Pc6 were selected and punctured based on traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis. The patient reported mild relief from pain immediately after the first session. A complete relief of pain was reported by the patient by the end of the third session. A follow-up ultrasound revealed no significant ovarian abnormality. This report indicates the possibility of using acupuncture in emergency conditions like OT.