Mechanisms and Therapeutic Research Progress of Acupuncture in Treating Chronic Pelvic Pain

Abstract

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a significant health issue affecting women’s quality of life, imposing substantial physical and psychological burdens on patients. As a traditional therapeutic modality, acupuncture has garnered increasing attention in CPP management in recent years. Research indicates that acupuncture may alleviate chronic pelvic pain through multiple mechanisms, including regulation of pain-perceiving brain regions, neurotransmitter homeostasis, and neuroplasticity. However, specific research on the mechanisms of acupuncture remains insufficient, necessitating further empirical studies to explore its underlying biological mechanisms. This review aims to summarize the application of acupuncture in treating chronic pelvic pain in women and its potential mechanisms, providing theoretical support for the clinical application of acupuncture therapy and offering references for future research directions.