Gallstones can be incredibly painful, especially when they first occur, and especially at night when trying to sleep. So, how can we quickly relieve the pain?
Method One
Have the patient undress and lie face down. Use the thumb or palm to press firmly on the liver point, gallbladder point, and spleen point. If the pain persists, you can also use a warm towel (steamed or boiled) to apply heat to the right breast area, just below the nipple, and the epigastric region (upper stomach). This should help alleviate the pain.
Method Two
Have the patient lie on their left side, with their right arm straight and raised towards their head. The right arm should be raised to about 130 degrees above the horizontal plane of the right side of the abdomen, aligning with the liver and gallbladder. The person administering the treatment should stand in front of the patient's head, to the side, supporting the patient's right elbow with their left hand. Use the thumb to gently press on the patient's right hand at the index finger side of the Hegu point (located between the thumb and index finger), while pulling the patient's right hand upwards. After a moment, reverse the direction and push and press on the Hegu point towards the liver. Repeat this slow and gentle motion three times to eliminate the pain.
Method Three
Have the patient lie on their back, with their legs straight and slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. The person administering the treatment should sit in front of the patient's feet, supporting the patient's left ankle with their left hand. Use the thumb to press on the Xiaxi point, located between the 4th and 5th metatarsal bones on the top of the foot, until a tender point is felt. At this point, rotate the left foot outward about 40 degrees, and continue to press on the tender point while pushing towards the Epigastric point and the Riyue point. Initially, there may be pain when pressing, but it should gradually subside and become comfortable. At this point, stop pressing.
