Gallstone disease refers to the formation of stones in the gallbladder or bile ducts. It is a common surgical condition and belongs to the category of "rib pain", "jaundice", "biliary colic", "biliary distension", and so on in traditional Chinese medicine. Below, we will introduce the method of traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture treatment for gallstone disease.
(I) Case Selection
(1) Clinical manifestations of gallstone disease: biliary colic, right hypochondrial pain, burning sensation in the upper abdomen or right upper abdomen, bloating, pain, tenderness in the gallbladder area, jaundice, and skin yellowing.
(2) B-ultrasound examination shows gallbladder stones, common bile duct stones (stones smaller than 1.5 cm are suitable for treatment), or acute and chronic cholecystitis.
(3) Patients with clinical manifestations of acute and chronic cholecystitis.
(4) Patients who have taken gallstone tablets for two courses of treatment without significant improvement.
(II) Treatment
1. Body Acupuncture
Acupoints: ① Bilateral Yanglingquan and Shuangquan, bilateral Gallbladder Yu. ② Bilateral Gallbladder points, bilateral Waiguan points. For Qi deficiency, add bilateral Dazhui points and Zusanli points; for Qi stagnation, add bilateral Taichong points, Neiguan points, and Stomach Yu points; for damp-heat, add bilateral Quchi points, Neiting points. Once a day, 10 sessions make up one course of treatment. Moderate stimulation is appropriate. The technique should be skilled, aiming to achieve the effect of "qi reaching the affected area" (i.e., there should be a sour, distending, numb, electric, or flowing sensation transmitted to the gallbladder area). The needles should be retained for 20-30 minutes. Electric acupuncture can also be used.
2. Ear Acupressure
Apply the Chinese herbal patch Wang Buleixing to the corresponding ear acupoints and massage and press them to achieve the therapeutic effect similar to acupuncture.
(1) Acupoints: Shenmen, Liver, Gallbladder, Sanjiao, Stomach (or positive points on the digestive tract), and the corresponding points on the back of the ear, as well as the root of the ear.
(2) Procedure: Apply the patch to one side of the ear at a time, remove it after 3 days, and then apply it to the other side. Instruct the patient to massage and press the patch on the ear acupoints for 1-3 minutes before or after meals or when there is pain in the gallbladder area. The ideal effect is to feel warmth and airflow transmitted to the gallbladder area on the auricle.
Alternatively, a 5mm-long filiform needle can be used for ear acupuncture. Body acupuncture and ear acupressure can be used separately or simultaneously.
3. Auxiliary Treatment Measures
(1) After treatment, if the symptoms are relieved, the patient should consume a fatty meal (such as braised pig trotters, pork ribs, or fried eggs) to promote gallbladder contraction and bile excretion.
(2) Engage in appropriate physical activities to aid in the elimination of gallstones.
(3) Practice "rib massage" 2-3 times a day. Open the right hand and scratch from the right upper abdomen to the right rib area, ensuring contact with the skin. Repeat this scratching motion more than 50 times each time.
