Abdominal distension refers to the swelling or discomfort in the abdomen caused by gastrointestinal gas. It can be a subjective sensation, where one feels a part or the entire abdomen is bloated, often accompanied by related symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and belching. It can also be an objective finding during examination, where a part or the entire abdomen appears distended. Abdominal distension is a common symptom of digestive system disorders.
Guided by the principle from the “Suwen: On the Treatment of Different Conditions” which states: “Therefore, the sage combines treatments to suit each condition, thus achieving healing for all diseases. The key to treatment lies in understanding the nature of the disease and the general principles of treatment,” Yuxuan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital selects different acupuncture methods based on the specificity of the pathogenic factors, the level of disease, the specificity of the constitution, and the specificity of the acupuncture and moxibustion techniques. The abdominal tremor cupping directly acts on the local area to improve microcirculation, dilate blood vessels, and promote blood circulation. It also accelerates the metabolism of analgesic medications. During abdominal cupping, low-frequency tremor techniques are applied, similar to the shaking technique in Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage), which can relieve pain, regulate gastrointestinal motility, adjust endocrine and autonomic nervous functions, and stabilize emotions. This direct action on the affected area can quickly restore gastrointestinal function; moxibustion at the Lower He-Se point of the Large Intestine (Shang Ju Xu) can promote Qi circulation and relieve pain; “The Large Intestine is the Yangming meridian of the hand, … connecting to the Lung, descending to the diaphragm, and belonging to the Large Intestine,” acupuncture points such as Quchi (曲池) and Hegu (合谷) are selected to promote Lung function and facilitate bowel movement, invigorating Qi and blood circulation. The abdominal points Zhongwan (中脘), Liangmen (梁门), Tianshu (天枢), Shuidao (水道), and Qihai (气海) are used to regulate local Qi and blood, improving gastrointestinal motility. Zusanli (足三里), Shang Ju Xu (上巨虚), and Xia Ju Xu (下巨虚) are the Lower He-Se points for the stomach, large intestine, and small intestine, respectively. The combination of these three points can strengthen the stomach, reduce turbidity, and guide stagnation. Taichong (太冲) is the Yuan point of the Liver meridian, while Yinlingquan (阴陵泉) is the He-Se point of the Spleen meridian. The combination of these two points can smooth Liver Qi and strengthen the Spleen and Stomach. The use of these points collectively aims to soothe the Liver, strengthen the Spleen, and warm Yang to eliminate various symptoms.
Based on this theoretical foundation and combined with long-term clinical practice, a treatment plan that is painless, non-invasive, and free of any side effects is proposed.
Abdominal tremor cupping: In a clockwise direction, use a No. 3 glass cup to move from the left Liangmen (梁门) to the left Tianshu (天枢), left Shuidao (水道), Guanyuan (关元), right Shuidao (水道), right Tianshu (天枢), right Liangmen (梁门), Zhongwan (中脘), and back to the left Liangmen, performing a cycle of cupping. While leaving the cup on the acupoint, hold the bottom of the glass cup with your palm to apply low-frequency tremor techniques at a frequency of 300-600 times per minute for 20-60 seconds. Then remove the cup and repeat the process at the next acupoint, performing cupping 10-15 times at each point until the patient feels warmth, relaxation, and the skin of the abdomen becomes slightly red. The cupping points include Liangmen, Tianshu, Shuidao, and Zhangmen (章门), with the cups left on for 10 minutes.
Acupuncture points: Quchi (曲池), Hegu (合谷), Zhongwan (中脘), Liangmen (梁门), Tianshu (天枢), Shuidao (水道), Qihai (气海), Zusanli (足三里), Yinlingquan (阴陵泉), Shang Ju Xu (上巨虚), Xia Ju Xu (下巨虚), Taichong (太冲), etc. During the procedure, the patient lies supine, and the skin at the acupoints is disinfected. Use a 0.30 mm x 40 mm acupuncture needle, inserting the needle 20-35 mm into the acupoints and leaving it in for 30 minutes.
Moxibustion with moxa sticks on Shang Ju Xu (上巨虚): Based on the patient’s tolerance, each session lasts 30 minutes. Treatment is performed once a day, with a course of treatment lasting five days.
We hope that many patients will come to receive systematic treatment, rid themselves of illness, and relieve their pain.
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Hospital Phone: 0434-8888120
Hospital Address: 629 Henan Street, Gongzhuling