This article is excerpted from the book “Centennial Cheng’s Series on Acupoint Health Preservation 2”.
Published by: China Medical Science and Technology Press
Clinically, the symptoms of dry mouth and bitter taste are often seen together. Dry mouth and bitter taste are primarily due to gallbladder fire disturbing the body and injuring the fluids. The pathogenesis involves both gallbladder fire and fluid deficiency, thus acupuncture points should be used in two categories for treatment.
First Group: Suppressing Gallbladder FireRight Gallbladder, Right Huanroumen, Bilateral Xiakexi, Bilateral Chize
1. Right Gallbladder: An extraordinary point located two inches below the Yanglingquan (Gallbladder 34) on the lateral side of the lower leg. This point often experiences pain or changes in the superficial veins during gallbladder disorders. Bloodletting and cupping can be performed here, once a week.
2. Right Huanroumen: This point is located on both sides of the twelve meridians, but the properties of the left and right points differ due to their anatomical structures.
Huanroumen is a typical example; the right Huanroumen is located at the lower opening of the stomach and has a suppressive effect on acid reflux. Clinically, it is often needled to cause contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter. For self-care, one can palpate for hard cords or nodules at this point, applying pressure and performing vibration techniques for 3-5 minutes multiple times a day, avoiding this after meals.
3. Bilateral Xiakexi: This is the Ying point of the Gallbladder meridian, which can drain heat. It can be pinched and should be done multiple times without time restrictions.
4. Bilateral Chize: This point can be struck to induce a sha rash, once a day, alternating sides.
Second Group: Generating Body FluidsLiexue, Zhaohai, Chengjiang
1. Liexue combined with Zhaohai: This is an intersection point of the eight vessels, which has the effect of benefiting the throat, clearing heat, and generating fluids. It can be pressed and kneaded, or needle retention can be applied.
2. Chengjiang: This point, located at the end of the Ren meridian, can assist in the upward flow of fluids and moisten dryness. It can be pressed and combined with techniques for swallowing fluids.
The above combinations of acupuncture points can alleviate dry mouth and bitter taste. However, it is important to note that dry mouth and bitter taste are only accompanying symptoms and not the main symptoms; thus, they should be carefully differentiated from other symptoms in clinical practice to avoid misdiagnosis.
Text | Cheng’s Acupuncture
Images | Cheng’s Acupuncture
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