Click on the aboveblue text, follow usExperiences in Acupuncture Treatment for Gastric Ptosis
Department of Acupuncture, Sheyang People’s Hospital, Dai Ling
Gastric ptosis is categorized under “stomach pain” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), clinically presenting as dull abdominal pain, loss of appetite, postprandial fullness, belching, regurgitation of clear fluids, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue, all indicative of spleen and stomach deficiency and sinking of the middle qi. In my clinical practice, I have applied acupuncture to treat gastric ptosis with satisfactory results, which I will now share:
Based on clinical manifestations, the pathological mechanism of gastric ptosis is primarily due to spleen and stomach deficiency, leading to poor transportation and transformation. Severe deficiency can result in the sinking of the middle qi, causing the aforementioned symptoms. Therefore, in the acupuncture treatment of gastric ptosis, employing methods to strengthen the spleen and stomach and lift the middle qi often yields good results. For acupuncture points, I primarily select Zhongwan (中脘), Tigu (提胃穴), Zusanli (足三里), and Neiguan (内关) as the main points, predominantly using tonifying techniques, supplemented by even reinforcing and reducing methods. Treatment is administered once a day, with needles retained for 40 minutes to 1 hour, for a course of 15 days, followed by a one-week break before resuming treatment. In addition to the above techniques, I also incorporate moxibustion and electroacupuncture. Moxibustion warms the spleen yang, strengthens the stomach, lifts the sinking middle qi, adjusts qi and blood, and smooths the meridians, thus achieving therapeutic goals. Electroacupuncture accelerates the twisting frequency, adjusted to the patient’s maximum tolerance, focusing on increasing the tension and peristalsis of the gastric smooth muscle, enhancing gastric secretion and digestive function, thereby improving gastric digestion and emptying. This results in increased appetite, greater food intake, weight gain, and the gradual elevation of the stomach to its normal position as function improves.
This condition is more commonly seen in women, often with a slender physique. During acupuncture treatment, it is also essential to alleviate mental concerns and build confidence in the treatment. Dietary advice includes eating smaller, more frequent meals and increasing the intake of fatty foods. The goal is to promote the accumulation of subcutaneous fat, fill the abdominal cavity, and enhance abdominal pressure, which helps to lift the stomach gradually.
Excerpt from “Sheyang Medicine” 1986.07.