Stomach disease is the most common digestive system disorder in daily life. Many people suffer from stomach pain and either endure it or take a few pills to relieve it. However, massaging certain acupoints on the palm can also help alleviate stomach pain. Let's learn more about it!
【Traditional Chinese Medicine Explanation for Stomach Pain】
1. Invasion of external pathogens
External pathogens such as cold, dampness, and heat can invade the stomach and block the flow of Qi, leading to pain. Among them, cold pathogens are the most common cause.
2. Diet-related damage to the stomach
Irregular eating habits, excessive hunger or overeating can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to stagnation of stomach Qi and pain.
3. Emotional disturbances
Excessive worry, sadness, anger, and other emotional disturbances can harm the liver and spleen. When the liver fails to regulate and disperse Qi properly, it can counterflow and affect the stomach. If the spleen loses its ability to transport Qi, it can result in blockage of stomach Qi and lead to stomach pain.
4. Constitutional weakness of the spleen
The spleen and stomach are responsible for digestion and absorption. If the spleen and stomach are weak, the process of digestion and absorption will be impaired. This can lead to Qi stagnation or insufficient yang energy in the middle burner, resulting in stomach pain due to coldness and deficiency.
【Can Massaging Palm Acupoints Relieve Stomach Pain?】
For acute stomach pain, the "stomach and intestines point" should be stimulated first. This acupoint is located slightly below the center of the palm and belongs to the "Three Needle Areas for Health Maintenance." Draw a straight line between the middle finger and the ring finger towards the wrist, and the point where this line intersects with the lifeline is the stomach and intestines point.
The "LUO 5" point is located on the back of the hand, approximately between the index finger and the middle finger, about 2 centimeters below towards the wrist. When touching with the fingers, it is located in the depression between the bones of the index finger and the middle finger.
The stomach and intestines point is closely related to the digestive system, including the stomach and intestines. When acute gastritis occurs, strong stimulation is needed at the stomach and intestines point. Therefore, when stimulating this point, you can use 5 toothpicks to gently prick the stomach and intestines point without breaking the skin. Generally, after 10 to 5 pricks, the pain will subside. If the pain persists, continue stimulating the stomach and intestines point. The LUO 5 point on the back of the hand should also be stimulated in the same way.
【Three Traditional Chinese Medicines for Treating Stomach Pain】
1. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Tonifying the Middle and Boosting Qi Pill)
Ingredients: Astragalus, Codonopsis, White Atractylodes, Chinese Angelica, Bupleurum, Cimicifuga, Tangerine Peel, and Processed Licorice.
Usage: Oral administration, 8-10 pills each time, 3 times a day.
Effects: This medicine nourishes the middle burner and boosts Qi, and raises Yang energy. It is suitable for treating symptoms of spleen and stomach Qi deficiency, such as fatigue, weak limbs, pale complexion, discomfort and distension in the stomach area, loose stools, and a pale tongue with thin white coating. It can also be effective for long-term use in patients with gastric prolapse.
2. Bao He Wan (Preserving and Harmonizing Pill)
Ingredients: Hawthorn (charred), Six Gentlemen (fried), Pinellia (processed), Poria, Tangerine Peel, Forsythia, Radish Seed (fried), and Malted Barley (fried).
Usage: Oral administration, 1-2 pills each time, 2 times a day; reduce dosage for children.
Effects: This medicine is a digestive aid and has the functions of promoting digestion, resolving stagnation, and harmonizing the stomach. It is mainly used to treat symptoms of food stagnation, distension in the epigastrium and abdomen, belching, acid regurgitation, and loss of appetite.
3. Hou Gu Jun Pian (Monkey Head Mushroom Tablets)
Ingredients: Monkey Head Mushroom, processed into tablets through decoction.
Usage: Oral administration, 4-8 tablets each time, 3 times a day.
Effects: It is suitable for the treatment of gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, chronic atrophic gastritis, and can also be used as an adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer and esophageal cancer.
