Abstract:Objective To investigate whether moxibustion at the Huiyin acupoint (CV1) treats endometriosis (EMs) by suppressing the NF-κB pathway. Methods An EMs mouse model was established via intraperitoneal injection of isogeneic uterine fragments. The mice were randomly assigned to the following groups: normal control, sham-operated, model, and moxibustion. Hematoxylin and eosin (H E) staining was used to evaluate lesional tissue structure and to score inflammation within the lesion cysts. The phosphorylation levels of IκBα and p65 proteins, as well as the nuclear translocation of p65 in the NF-κB pathway, were assessed using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Serum levels of inflammatory factors were measured by ELISA. Microvascular density and cell proliferation were evaluated by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results Moxibustion treatment significantly inhibited the growth of ectopic lesions. H E staining revealed a uterine-like glandular structure in the lesions; this structure in the moxibustion group showed a significant reduction in glands and a lower inflammatory score. Mechanistically, moxibustion effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα and blocked the nuclear translocation of p65, indicating suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Downstream effects included decreased levels of pro-inflammatory factors, downregulated VEGF expression, reduced microvascular density, and suppressed cell proliferation. Conclusion Moxibustion at the Huiyin acupoint can treat EMs by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway, thereby coordinately regulating inflammation and angiogenesis. These findings provide experimental evidence supporting the traditional Chinese medicine theory that moxibustion achieves therapeutic effects through “warming, unblocking, dissipating stasis.”