Chinese Medicine Book Club Issue 2165
Daily updates to accompany the growth of TCM practitioners
IIntroduction: The Shenque cupping method is a family tradition of the author, aimed at enhancing the circulation of Qi in the internal organs. Combined with corresponding abdominal acupuncture points, it can achieve effects similar to those of Xiao Jian Zhong Decoction, but with a broader application range. It is simple to operate, convenient to use, and has minimal side effects. As long as the patient’s navel is not ulcerated or infected, Shenque cupping can be used to assist acupuncture at the chest and abdomen points. Case four involved cupping at the Juque point, which was quite ingenious! (Editor/Qian Cheng)
Acupuncture Treatment for Acute Diarrhea: Four Cases
Author/Gao Haitao
Case One: Diarrhea, loss of appetite, with a history of tinnitus
A restaurant owner from Baima Temple Town, whose mother is 62 years old, is usually healthy and has been farming five acres of land back home, managing all aspects of planting, maintenance, and harvesting by herself. Since there is no busy farming work now, she specially came from Mengjin Changdai Township to help her younger son manage the restaurant.
On the morning of August 4, 2009, she came for a consultation, stating that she had diarrhea for two days and had tried various medications without effect. She needed to go to the bathroom more than ten times a day and had no appetite, feeling nauseous at the sight of food. However, being healthy and helping her child, she still managed to pick vegetables and serve dishes daily. Although she felt slightly fatigued, she could still force herself to do it. Today, she came with a trial attitude after hearing from her child that acupuncture here was good.
Upon examination, her body was of medium build, complexion dark, neither overweight nor underweight, with low spirits, weak and deep pulse, yellow and thin tongue coating, and a red tip of the tongue.
She was instructed to lie on her back, and the following points were selected: Baihui (百会), Zhongwan (中脘), Shuangtianshu (双天枢), Shuangshuidao (双水道), Shuangsanli (双三里), Shuangneiguan (双内关).
Shenque cupping was applied, leaving it for 30 minutes.
After the needles were inserted, the patient reported feeling very good.
On the afternoon of August 5, she returned for a follow-up, stating that after acupuncture, she had diarrhea again seven or eight times and felt very frustrated, thinking acupuncture was ineffective. However, she was surprised to find that after getting up today, she felt much lighter, and by the afternoon, she had not had any more diarrhea. She ate a steamed bun in the morning and a bowl of noodles at noon, feeling very hungry. Today, she came to also treat her long-standing eye blurriness and tinnitus.
The following points were selected: 1. Baihui (百会), Sishenchong (四神聪), Wangu (完骨), Yifeng (翳风), Tinggong (听宫), Tinghui (听会), Yeming (眼明); 2. Zhongwan (中脘), Tianshu (天枢), Sanli (三里), Guangming (光明), Diwuhui (地五会).
Shenque cupping was applied.
After the needles were removed, she reported that her eyes were brighter than usual, but since the tinnitus did not occur during the day, she could not see the effect and would wait to report tomorrow. On the third day, she said the tinnitus had decreased, and the diarrhea had healed.
Note: The Shenque cupping method is a family tradition aimed at enhancing the circulation of Qi in the internal organs. Combined with corresponding abdominal acupuncture points, it can achieve effects similar to those of Xiao Jian Zhong Decoction, but with a broader application range. It is simple to operate, convenient to use, and has minimal side effects. As long as the patient’s navel is not ulcerated or infected, Shenque cupping can be used to assist acupuncture at the chest and abdomen points. The duration of cupping can be determined based on the patient’s tolerance and the strength of the cupping, generally recommended to be between five to thirty minutes.
This patient was usually healthy, with diarrhea accompanied by loss of appetite, and the yellow tongue coating indicated stagnation in the middle burner. The red tip of the tongue indicated heat in the upper burner. She could still manage to work and come to see a doctor, indicating that her righteous Qi was not severely deficient. Therefore, the acupuncture treatment focused on reducing counterflow and harmonizing the stomach. When the stomach is harmonized, the Qi can circulate naturally, and the diarrhea will resolve. Baihui protects the Yang Qi and effectively prevents fainting from acupuncture. Zhongwan, Tianshu, and Shuidao work together to harmonize the stomach and intestines, stopping food stagnation. Shuangsanli is commonly used for abdominal pain and diarrhea, with significant effects in descending Qi. It can both tonify and drain, achieving results. Neiguan is commonly used for diseases of the chest and abdomen, and it can also help to lower heart fire and nourish kidney water. Shenque cupping, combined with the power of various points, restores gastrointestinal function, leading to self-healing of minor ailments.
Case Two: Spleen Qi Deficiency with Water Accumulation, Watery Diarrhea
Ms. Zhao, 58 years old, from Zao Yuan Village, Baima Temple Town, came for a consultation on August 13, 2009.
She had acute diarrhea for three days and had received intravenous fluids at the village clinic for two days without any effect. Her stools were urgent and watery, with no abdominal pain, but she was always thirsty and had no appetite. After drinking water, she had to go to the bathroom immediately, and shortly after, she was thirsty again, repeating this cycle, leaving her extremely fatigued.
Her sister, in her sixties, heard that her sister was ill and that the intravenous treatment was ineffective. She hurriedly came from Luoyang with her husband to visit her sister. Seeing her sister’s haggard appearance, she suggested acupuncture, and they came to seek my treatment. At around 2:30 PM on the 13th, I was about 10 kilometers away in Luoyang East Flower Bed for another matter. Her sister, seeing her sister suffering from thirst and unable to drink water, and her condition worsening, called me urgently, almost in tears, saying there was an emergency patient at my door, but the door was locked. A doctor should prioritize saving lives, and she begged me to come. Upon hearing it was an emergency, I immediately left my work and rushed back to Baima Temple, arriving at 3 PM. I found an elderly couple sitting on the steps waiting. Although they looked anxious, they did not appear ill. Upon inquiry, I learned that the call was made by the elderly lady in front of me, and her sister had gone to find water.
Upon examination, the patient walked unsteadily, her steps were weak, her complexion was yellow, she was thin, appeared fatigued, and her eyes were dull. With her sister’s help, she described her condition, stating that she had received two days of intravenous fluids with no effect, showing signs of fatigue. Her tongue was wet and slippery, with a red tip and no coating, and the back of her tongue had a light yellow slippery coating. Her pulse was thin and weak.
Diagnosed with watery diarrhea.
Due to internal accumulation of dampness, the spleen lost its ability to transform and transport, causing the clear and turbid to be indistinguishable, leading to water passing through the large intestine, with food and fluids not being separated, and clear Yang not rising, hence the thirst and desire to drink, while the spleen could not transport, resulting in drinking and then diarrhea. For details, refer to Mr. Liu Duzhou’s “Water Syndrome Theory”; I, being inexperienced, borrow his profound insights to enhance my understanding.
Acupuncture prescription: Zhongwan (中脘), Left Guanmen (左关门), Shuangtianshu (双天枢), Guanyuan (关元), Shuidao (水道), Shuangneiguan (双内关), Shuangsanli (双三里), Shuanggongsun (双公孙).
Shenque cupping was applied, leaving the needles and cupping for twenty minutes.
After the needles were removed, the patient reported feeling very comfortable, especially feeling relaxed immediately after the cupping (indicating the significant effect of cupping should not be underestimated).
On August 14, at 2:30 PM, the patient came alone for a follow-up, stating that since the acupuncture, she had been feeling very well, eating more at dinner than in the past two days combined, and had not had any more diarrhea. In the morning, she went to the village for the last two bottles of intravenous fluids, as the fluids prescribed were for three days. At 11 AM, she went again, and the amount of diarrhea was much less than in the past two days. By 1 PM, she had another bowel movement, which was large but not as watery as before; it was a more normal amount of stool.
Her tongue coating was no longer as slippery as yesterday, her complexion was still yellow, but her cheeks had a faint blush. The pulse was not examined.
Acupuncture prescription: Zhongwan (中脘), Right Guanmen (右关门), Shuangtianshu (双天枢), Guanyuan (关元), Shuidao (水道), Neiguan (内关), Sanli (三里), Shangjuxu (上巨虚).
After acupuncture, the patient mentioned a history of dizziness and a cold, wanting to treat them together, so additional points were added: Baihui (百会), Taiyang (太阳), Fengchi (风池), Neiguan (内关) to connect with Waiguan (外关), Quchi (曲池).
On August 15, at 4 PM, she returned, stating that her diarrhea had resolved.
Note: In this case, the patient had spleen Qi deficiency with internal dampness, leading to watery diarrhea, thirst, and a desire to drink, with diarrhea occurring immediately after drinking. The intravenous treatment was ineffective, as the village’s Western medicine only knew to treat inflammation without understanding that the spleen governs transformation and transportation. When the transformation and transportation are abnormal, the clear and turbid are indistinguishable, leading to water passing through the large intestine, hence in such cases of diarrhea, urination must be scant, and the slippery tongue coating is the main symptom. Acupuncture treatment focused on promoting urination and relieving diarrhea. Promoting urination helps solidify the stool, targeting Zhongwan to harmonize the stomach, combined with Tianshu, Guanyuan, and Shuidao to facilitate urination. Guanmen governs abdominal pain and diarrhea, assisting Zhongwan’s function while also promoting urination. According to “Qianjin Yifang,” Guanmen is located below the stomach and above the bladder, governing the storage of water and preventing liquid retention. Neiguan and Gongsun treat abdominal pain and diarrhea, as well as intestinal sounds. Sanli is the connecting point for the stomach, governing various deficiency syndromes. The next day, needling Shangjuxu assists the effect of Sanli.
Case Three: Diarrhea for Three Days
Mr. Li, 50 years old, from a village in Baima Temple Town, had diarrhea for three days and came for a consultation on August 20 after ineffective treatment at the village clinic. He appeared robust, with strong limbs and a deep, thin pulse.
Acupuncture: Zhongwan (中脘), Tianshu (天枢), Shuidao (水道), Sanli (三里), Neiguan (内关), Shangjuxu (上巨虚).
On August 21, he returned, stating that the diarrhea had stopped, and he did not need a different prescription, repeating the previous acupuncture points. Shenque cupping was applied. One treatment was sufficient, and a second treatment was done for consolidation.
Case Four: Weak Spleen and Stomach, Liver Qi Stagnation Leading to Cold in the Intestines, Diarrhea for One Week
Ms. Ma, 31 years old, of Hui ethnicity from Luoyang’s Yanhe District, came for a consultation on August 26.
She reported having diarrhea for a week, needing to go to the bathroom more than ten times a day, accompanied by thirst, dry throat, bitter mouth, fatigue, poor appetite, and dizziness and swelling on the top and sides of her head. She had a history of stomach pain, often experiencing sharp pain in the epigastric area. Upon examination, the patient appeared fatigued, was slightly thin, had a yellow complexion and dry lips, with a thin white tongue coating, red edges on the tongue, and a weak pulse. Her menstrual period was delayed, with a light color.
This indicates weak spleen and stomach, with liver Qi stagnation leading to cold in the intestines. The bitter mouth and dry throat are symptoms of lesser Yang, and gallbladder inflammation should be considered, but the patient had never undergone related examinations.
Acupuncture treatment: Baihui (百会), Zhongwan (中脘), Shuangneiguan (双内关), Shuangtianshu (双天枢), Guanyuan (关元), Shuangshuidao (双水道), Shuangsanli (双三里), Right Yangling (右阳陵), Shuangshangjuxu (双上巨虚).
Shenque cupping was applied.
Due to the patient’s weakness, gentle needling was performed, leaving it for twenty minutes.
Upon needling, the bitter mouth disappeared, and the patient reported feeling comfortable.
On August 27, she returned, stating that since the acupuncture yesterday, she had not had a bowel movement until the afternoon, and had gone to the bathroom five or six times, but the stools were now accompanied by a small amount of feces. In the afternoon, she had to go to the district health service station for two bottles of water, and in the morning, she had gone to the bathroom twice.
Upon learning that the acupuncture was ineffective, she felt quite ashamed. Upon examination, her pulse was weak on the left Guanmen and slightly weak on the right, with a floating and rapid pulse on both cun positions. The tongue coating had not changed much, but the tongue body was thinner than yesterday.
I asked if she felt heavy-headed and weak. She replied that her head felt heavy and her nose was congested, and she still had a bitter mouth in the morning. Yesterday, her appetite was slightly better.
It seems the patient had caught a cold, and since the diarrhea had not resolved, I pressed on the Shuangsanli points, and she reported severe pain on the right side, with relatively less pain on the left. I pressed on the Shuangjuxu and Shuangtianshu points, and the left side was even more painful.
Acupuncture treatment: Baihui (百会), one and a half cun above Yintang (印堂) (not yet named, let’s call it above Yintang for now; in my personal experience, it works well for throat pain and frontal headaches), Jianli (建里), Right Abdominal Pain (右腹哀), Left Tianshu (左天枢), Left Dajuxu (左大巨), Shuangsanli (双手三里), Right Foot Sanli (右足三里), Left Yangling (左阳陵), Right Taibai (右太白).
Shenque cupping was applied, leaving it for thirty minutes.
Upon needling, the bitter mouth disappeared.
On August 27, she returned, stating that since yesterday’s acupuncture, she had not had a bowel movement, and her appetite had slightly increased. The bitter mouth had lessened in the morning.
Re-needling at the previous points. Reduced Taibai (太白) and Abdominal Pain (腹哀), Jianli (建里).
After three treatments, the diarrhea resolved, the bitter mouth was lighter, and the patient stated she would return for treatment of the bitter mouth and lack of appetite during her leisure time.
Note: This patient had a complex of weak symptoms, hence the selection of points seemed diverse. Right Yangling quickly alleviates inflammation and relieves the bitter mouth, while Baihui, Sanli, and Guanyuan govern deficiency and fatigue. Shenque cupping treats stomach discomfort and fullness, while Shenque cupping and other points each have their strengths. The upper part of the Shenque is the throat, needling above Yintang effectively treats throat pain without swelling.
Recommended Reading
“Moxibustion on Shenque Point: An Unexpected Gain”
“Shenque Point Cupping Treatment for Acute Urticaria”
|
I Copyright Statement
I Submission Email [email protected] |
Related Reading to Help Understand Muscle and Meridian Release:
Having seen experts treat illnesses, I understand that what is 1000 times more important than treatment is this matter…
Doctors are like detectives: they must restore the scene to hit the mark.
Years of hand numbness were surprisingly recognized at a glance from facial features…
Why did the patient get worse after correcting scoliosis?