Kidney stones are a common disease in our lives, and the most obvious symptom of kidney stones is renal colic. It is generally believed that the best treatment for kidney stones is natural therapy, which includes drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly to naturally pass the stones. Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture therapy can also be used, and the best time for acupuncture is during the active phase of the stones. Acupuncture during a colic attack can not only relieve pain, but also help with the passage of the stones. Now let's take a look at how traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture can help the body pass kidney stones.
(1) Case Selection
(1) Patients with clinical symptoms such as hematuria, intermittent colic pain in the waist and abdomen, and urinary pain.
(2) Abdominal X-ray or B-ultrasound examination showing kidney, ureter, and bladder stones with diameters less than 1cm.
(3) Patients who have taken kidney stone medications for two courses without obvious effects can be treated with acupuncture therapy.
(2) Treatment
1. Body Acupuncture
Acupoints: ①Bilateral Zusanli, Sanyinjiao, and Guanyuan; ②Bilateral Shenshu, Dachangshu, and Taixi; ③Bilateral Tianshu, Yinlingquan, and Waiguan; ④Bilateral Xuehai, Taichong, and Hegu. One group of acupoints is selected each day, and 15 days is considered one treatment course. Each group of acupoints should be needled at least 3 times continuously. Strong stimulation is applied and the needles are left in place for 30-45 minutes. When needling in the prone position, the needle should not be left in for more than 20 minutes. Skilled techniques should be used to aim for the patient to feel a sense of soreness, distension, numbness, electric shock, or a sensation of flowing water in the affected area. If symptoms worsen during needling, it is possible that the stones are moving, and observation and necessary examinations should be performed. Electrostimulation can also be used.
2. Ear Acupressure
Chinese medicine Wang Buliu Xingzi is applied to and pressed on the ear acupoints to achieve a similar stimulating effect as acupuncture.
(1) Acupoints: Kidney, bladder, ureter, urethra, Sanjiao, external genitalia, sympathetic, subcortical, adrenal gland.
(2) Procedure: Apply the Wang Buliu Xingzi patch to certain acupoints on one side of the auricle, remove it after 3 days, and apply it to the acupoints on the other side. Instruct the patient to press and rub the Wang Buliu Xingzi on the auricle for 1-3 minutes daily, aiming for a sensation of warmth and air flow transmitted to the affected area of the body.
The above acupressure can also be done with 5mm long filiform needles. Body acupuncture and ear acupressure can be used separately or simultaneously.
3. Supplementary Treatment Measures
If the patient usually has a habit of drinking less water, it is advisable to increase water intake before and after acupuncture treatment. Especially in summer when sweating is more, water intake should be increased.
(2) Increase physical activity appropriately, such as jumping exercises.
