Gastric ulcer is a common gastrointestinal disease that can be treated with cupping therapy in traditional Chinese medicine. So what are the schematic diagrams of cupping positions for gastric ulcers?
Schematic Diagram of Cupping Positions for Gastric Ulcers
Shoulder Well Acupoint
1. Location of Shoulder Well Acupoint:
The Shoulder Well acupoint is located on the shoulder, in the middle of the anterior direct nipple, at the midpoint of the line connecting the Dazhui acupoint and the shoulder peak.
2. Method of Locating Shoulder Well Acupoint:
The Shoulder Well acupoint is located on the shoulder, at the midpoint between the Dazhui acupoint and the shoulder peak. Alternatively, you can close your fingers, place your index finger against the neck, and the acupoint is where your fingertips reach.
3. Efficacy of Shoulder Well Acupoint:
To promote the flow of fluids. The Shoulder Well acupoint has the functions of regulating meridians and collaterals, resolving phlegm and opening orifices, dispelling wind and clearing heat, and promoting circulation and reducing swelling.
Spleen Shu Acupoint
1. Location of Spleen Shu Acupoint:
The Spleen Shu acupoint is located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra, beside the midline.
2. Method of Locating Spleen Shu Acupoint:
When locating the acupoint, the patient should adopt a prone position. The Spleen Shu acupoint is located on the back, 1.5 inches beside the midline below the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (2 finger-widths apart).
3. Efficacy of Spleen Shu Acupoint:
The Spleen Shu acupoint has the functions of strengthening the spleen and transforming dampness, invigorating the spleen and stomach, and promoting the rise of clear energy.
Stomach Shu Acupoint
1. Location of Stomach Shu Acupoint:
The Stomach Shu acupoint is located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra. It is the back Shu acupoint of the stomach.
2. Method of Locating Stomach Shu Acupoint:
The patient should adopt a prone position to facilitate the treatment of the corresponding acupoint. The Stomach Shu acupoint is located on the back, 1.5 inches below the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra (two finger-widths apart on both sides).
3. Efficacy of Stomach Shu Acupoint:
The Stomach Shu acupoint has the functions of harmonizing the stomach and regulating the center, dispelling dampness and eliminating accumulation, invigorating the spleen and harmonizing the stomach, and regulating the center and descending counterflow.
Shanzhong Acupoint
1. Location of Shanzhong Acupoint:
It is located between the two nipples, on the midline of the sternum, at the level of the fourth intercostal space.
2. Method of Locating Shanzhong Acupoint:
Sit upright or lie supine. On the midline of the chest, between the midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples and the fourth intercostal space, press it to feel soreness and distention.
3. Efficacy of Shanzhong Acupoint:
It regulates the qi and blood of the pericardium meridian. Shanzhong acupoint has the functions of regulating qi and widening the chest, clearing the lungs and transforming phlegm, regulating qi and relieving pain, and promoting salivation and increasing fluids.
Zhongwan Acupoint
1. Location of Zhongwan Acupoint:
Zhongwan acupoint is located in the upper abdomen, on the midline of the anterior body, 4 inches above the navel. It is one of the main acupoints of the Ren meridian in the human body.
2. Method of Locating Zhongwan Acupoint:
The patient can adopt a supine position. The Zhongwan acupoint is located on the midline of the upper abdomen, 4 inches above the navel. To be more specific: the midpoint of the line connecting the lower end of the sternum and the navel is the acupoint.
3. Efficacy of Zhongwan Acupoint:
It gathers and transports water and fluids in the lower part of the body. Zhongwan acupoint has the functions of regulating qi and harmonizing the stomach, eliminating dampness and descending counterflow, invigorating the spleen and harmonizing the stomach, and descending counterflow and promoting diuresis.
Tianshu Acupoint
1. Location of Tianshu Acupoint:
Tianshu acupoint is located in the middle of the abdomen, 2 inches away from the navel, belonging to the stomach meridian.
2. Method of Locating Tianshu Acupoint:
The patient should adopt a supine position. Tianshu acupoint is located in the middle of the abdomen, in line with the navel, 2 inches away from it (about three finger-widths to the left or right of the navel).
3. Efficacy of Tianshu Acupoint:
Tianshu acupoint has the functions of regulating the center and harmonizing the stomach, regulating qi and invigorating the spleen, regulating the intestines and stomach, promoting qi circulation and relieving stagnation, and harmonizing nutrient essence and regulating menstruation.
Zhangmen Acupoint
1. Location of Zhangmen Acupoint:
Zhangmen acupoint is located on the side of the abdomen, below the free end of the 11th rib. The patient should lie on their side and raise their arms to locate it.
2. Method of Locating Zhangmen Acupoint:
Zhangmen acupoint is easily located on the side of the abdomen, below the free end of the 11th rib. The patient should lie on their side and raise their arms to locate it.
3. Efficacy of Zhangmen Acupoint:
Zhangmen acupoint has the functions of eliminating turbidity and solidifying the earth, invigorating the spleen and resolving abdominal distention, strengthening the waist and knees, soothing the liver and invigorating the spleen, regulating qi and dispersing stagnation, and clearing and promoting the elimination of damp heat.
Shousanli Acupoint
1. Location of Shousanli Acupoint:
Shousanli acupoint is located on the forearm of the human body. The standard location is on the back of the forearm, on the radial side, at the midpoint between the Yangxi acupoint and the Quchi acupoint, 2 inches below the transverse crease of the elbow.
2. Method of Locating Shousanli Acupoint:
When locating the Shousanli acupoint, the forearm should be flexed, the Quchi acupoint should be found first, and then move down two inches along the line connecting the Quchi acupoint and the Yangxi acupoint (the location of Shousanli acupoint). Pressing on this area will cause pain.
3. Efficacy of Shousanli Acupoint:
Shousanli acupoint is an important acupoint of the large intestine meridian in the human body, with the functions of promoting meridian circulation, reducing swelling and relieving pain, and clearing the intestines and invigorating the organs.
Neiguan Acupoint
1. Location of Neiguan Acupoint:
Neiguan acupoint is located on the palmar side of the forearm, on the line connecting the Quze acupoint and the Daling acupoint, 2 inches above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendon of the long palmar muscle and the tendon of the radial wrist flexor muscle. It is an important acupoint of the Pericardium meridian in the hand.
2. Method of Locating Neiguan Acupoint:
The patient should sit upright or lie supine with the palm facing upward. The Neiguan acupoint is located on the palmar side of the forearm, on the line connecting the Quze acupoint and the Daling acupoint, 2 inches above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendon of the long palmar muscle and the tendon of the radial wrist flexor muscle (or about three finger-widths above the central point of the closest wrist wrinkle).
3. Efficacy of Neiguan Acupoint:
Neiguan acupoint has the functions of promoting the circulation of water and dampness, calming the mind and calming the spirit, regulating qi and harmonizing the stomach, descending counterflow and relieving pain.
Hegu Acupoint
1. Location of Hegu Acupoint:
Hegu acupoint is located on the back of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone on the radial side.
2. Method of Locating Hegu Acupoint:
Close your thumb and index finger, and locate the acupoint at the highest point.
3. Efficacy of Hegu Acupoint:
Hegu acupoint has the functions of dispelling wind and releasing the surface, clearing and draining lung qi, and promoting intestinal movement and gastric qi.
Zusanli Acupoint
1. Location of Zusanli Acupoint:
Zusanli acupoint is located on the front outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the Duzu acupoint, one horizontal finger-width (middle finger) away from the anterior crest of the tibia.
2. Method of Locating Zusanli Acupoint:
Sit with knees flexed, locate the Duzu acupoint, and measure 4 horizontal finger-widths (approximately 3 inches) downward from the Duzu acupoint to find the acupoint. Pressing on this area will cause a sour and distending sensation.
3. Efficacy of Zusanli Acupoint:
Zusanli acupoint regulates and transforms dampness, and promotes the generation of stomach qi.
Cupping Method for Gastric Ulcers
For the upper acupoints, the cupping positions should be suctioned using the simple fire cupping method, and left in place for 10 minutes. Alternatively, the acupoints can be treated using the puncture and cupping method. First, the acupoints are punctured with a three-edged needle, and then the cupping jar is suctioned onto the punctured acupoints and left in place for 5 minutes, once daily.
In addition, the patient's back can also be pressed to find tender points between the seventh thoracic vertebra and the twelfth thoracic vertebra, 1.5 inches away from the spine. Then, the cupping jar is suctioned onto the tender points using a flash-fire method, and left in place for 15 minutes. Alternatively, a medicated jar can be used. First, fill the jar with ginger juice (about one-third of the jar's volume), then tightly attach it to the tender points. After that, use the method of air extraction to suction the jar onto the skin, and leave it in place for 5 to 10 minutes, once every other day.
Clinical Manifestations of Gastric Ulcers
The symptoms of gastric ulcers vary in severity. Mild cases may be asymptomatic, while severe cases are characterized by long-term, cyclical, and rhythmic upper abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include increased salivation, regurgitation, acid water vomiting, belching, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, weak pulse, and excessive sweating.
Characteristics of Abdominal Pain
The abdominal pain caused by gastric ulcers has the characteristics of recurrent and periodic attacks. The average duration of the entire course of the disease is 6 to 7 years, and it can last for several decades or even longer.
1. Upper abdominal pain occurs in a recurrent and cyclical manner, which is another characteristic of this disease, especially for duodenal ulcers. The upper abdominal pain can last for several days, weeks, or even longer, and then there will be a longer period of relief. It can occur throughout the year, but is more frequent in spring and autumn.
2. The rhythmic nature of the pain is also a characteristic of the disease. The pain of duodenal ulcers occurs between meals and lasts until the next meal or the intake of antacid drugs. The pain of gastric ulcers usually occurs within 1 hour after a meal, gradually subsides after 1 to 2 hours, and then reoccurs after the next meal.
3. Duodenal ulcer patients may experience timed pain at midnight. The pain can occur in the middle and upper abdomen, or in the area above the umbilicus, or above the umbilicus and slightly to the right.
4. Gastric ulcers usually occur in the middle and upper abdomen, or in the area below the xiphoid process, or below the xiphoid process and slightly to the left. The pain is generally mild and tolerable, often dull, burning, or hunger-like. The pain is often aggravated by mental stimulation, excessive fatigue, improper diet, and changes in climate; it can be relieved by rest, eating, taking antacid drugs, pressing with hands, or vomiting.
Lifestyle Care for Gastric Ulcers
Enhance Nutrition
Patients with gastric ulcers should choose easily digestible foods that are high in calories, protein, and vitamins, such as porridge, fine noodles, milk, soft rice, soy milk, eggs, lean meat, tofu, and soy products. Foods rich in vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamin C, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, should also be consumed. These foods can enhance the body's resistance, help repair damaged tissues, and promote ulcer healing. Patients with gastric hyperacidity should consume less milk.
Limit High-Fiber Foods
Patients with gastric ulcers should avoid eating fried foods and foods high in coarse fiber, such as celery, leeks, bean sprouts, ham, cured meat, dried fish, and various coarse grains. These foods are not only rough and difficult to digest, but also can cause excessive gastric acid secretion and increase the burden on the stomach. However, processed foods such as purees made from these foods can be consumed.
Avoid Eating Spicy Foods
Patients with gastric ulcers should avoid eating foods that stimulate gastric acid secretion, such as meat broth, raw onions, raw garlic, concentrated fruit juice, coffee, alcohol, strong tea, as well as overly sweet, sour, salty, hot, raw, cold, and hard foods. Sweet foods can increase gastric acid secretion and stimulate ulcer surfaces, worsening the condition; hot foods can irritate ulcer surfaces, causing pain and even bleeding; spicy foods can stimulate ulcer surfaces, increasing gastric acid secretion; cold and hard foods are difficult to digest and can worsen the condition. In addition, ulcer patients should also quit smoking, as nicotine in tobacco can change the acidity of gastric juice and disrupt the normal activity of the gastric cardia.
