Gallstones are a common symptom of the biliary system and can cause severe pain. Scraping therapy, also known as "gua sha," has a good relieving effect on gallstones. So, where should scraping therapy be applied for gallstones?
Locations for Scraping Therapy for Gallstones
Method One
Scraping locations: Both sides of the spine, shoulder area, ribs 8-12 and their sides (ribs 1-5 and their sides during acute phase), scapular area, upper abdomen and areas of abnormal reaction, and knee crease area.
Treatment method: Use scraping technique. First, lightly scrape three lines on both sides of the spine (from the second thoracic vertebra to the lumbar vertebra) and the shoulder area until it turns red. Then, scrape five lines on ribs 8-12 and their sides (or additional scraping on adjacent segments) until petechiae appear (technique strength: heavy for acute phase, moderate for chronic phase). After that, scrape the scapular area, areas of abnormal reaction, upper abdomen, and knee crease area. Once a day, 10 times is considered one course of treatment.
Main indications: Cholecystitis, gallstone disease.
During the acute phase (attack), use purgative method; during the chronic phase (remission), use moderate purgative method. It is clinically proven to have good analgesic effect. If necessary, it should be combined with other treatments.
Method Two
Scraping locations: During the attack phase, use Tianzong, Dan Yu, and the shoulder blade area. During the remission phase, use Dan Yu, Ri Yue, upper abdomen Yang Ling Quan, gallbladder point, Guang Ming, Qiu Xu, and the outer side of the lower leg.
Treatment method: Use scraping technique. During the attack phase, use purgative method; during the remission phase, use moderate purgative method. Choose acupuncture points according to the condition and scrape until petechiae appear. Once a day, stop when the condition improves.
Main indications: Biliary colic (cholecystitis, gallstone disease).
This method is suitable for the treatment of the chronic phase. For acute cases (with infection) and severe biliary colic, comprehensive measures must be taken for treatment.
Method Three
Scraping locations: Divided into three groups: Group one includes Tianzong, Dan Yu, and the shoulder blade area. Group two includes Qi Men, Ri Yue, Liang Men, Yang Ling Quan, gallbladder point. Group three includes Guang Ming, Qiu Xu. Acupuncture points are chosen according to the condition: for liver stagnation and qi stagnation, use liver Yu, Zhang Men, and Tai Chong; for liver and gallbladder damp-heat, use San Jiao Yu, San Yin Jiao, and Kun Lun.
Treatment method: Use scraping technique. First, scrape the first group of acupuncture points, then scrape the second group of acupuncture points until petechiae appear, and then apply acupressure to the third group of acupuncture points for 3-5 minutes until there is a sensation of qi. Once a day. The technique strength is moderate for both types, and the operation range is extensive.
Main indications: Acute biliary colic.
Clinical use has shown good therapeutic effects. When combined with antispasmodic drugs, the treatment effect is better. Avoid overeating, and reduce consumption of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods.
Method Four
Scraping locations: Zhong Wan, Tianzong, Ashi point (tender point), Dan Yu, Zu San Li.
Treatment method: Use scraping and acupressure technique. First, apply strong pressure and acupressure to Zhong Wan point for 3-5 minutes, and find tender points (usually on the back, take 1 or 2 tender points). Then, scrape Tianzong, Ashi point, Dan Yu, and Zu San Li until petechiae appear. Once a day, switch to acupressure if petechiae have not disappeared, but continue scraping if they have disappeared.
Main indications: Cholecystitis, gallstone disease.
Clinical practice has shown not only analgesic effects but also the possibility of stone excretion after continuous treatment for 20 days.
Method Five
Scraping locations: Divided into two groups. Group one includes Liver Yu, Dan Yu, Diaphragm Yu, Qu Yuan, Zhang Men, Ri Yue, Liang Men, Tai Yi, Zu San Li, gallbladder point. Group two includes Liver Yu, Dan Yu, Ri Yue, Qi Men, Yang Ling Quan, gallbladder point, Tai Chong.
Treatment method: Use scraping technique. First, scrape Diaphragm Yu, Liver Yu, Dan Yu, and Qu Yuan on the back. Then, scrape Ri Yue, Liang Men, Tai Yi, Zhang Men on the chest and abdomen. Finally, scrape Zu San Li and gallbladder point on the lower limbs. Use moderate replenishing and purgative method, scrape until slight petechiae appear. Once a day or every other day.
Main indications: Chronic cholecystitis (group one), biliary system infection and gallstone disease (group two).
Years of use have proven its effectiveness.
Precautions for Scraping Therapy for Gallstones
Precautions before Scraping
1. Scraping therapy requires exposed skin, and the skin pores are open during scraping. If exposed to cold wind, the evil qi can enter directly through the open pores, affecting the efficacy of scraping therapy and even causing new diseases. Therefore, it is important to choose a good treatment location with fresh and well-ventilated air, and pay attention to keeping warm. Avoid scraping in places with draft during summer. Expose as little skin as possible.
2. Choose a comfortable body position for scraping to facilitate scraping and prevent dizziness during scraping.
3. Strictly disinfect the scraping tools to prevent cross infection. Before scraping, carefully inspect the scraping tools to avoid scraping the skin.
4. The hands of the therapist should also be disinfected.
5. Before scraping, explain the general knowledge of scraping to the patient to eliminate their fear and gain their cooperation to prevent dizziness during scraping.
6. Do not perform scraping therapy on patients who are excessively hungry, full, or overly tense.
Precautions During Scraping
1. The scraping technique should be applied with even force, within the patient's tolerance, until petechiae appear.
2. Infants and the elderly should receive gentle scraping techniques.
3. Avoid pursuing petechiae excessively with heavy techniques or prolonging the scraping time. The amount of petechiae is influenced by various factors. Generally, blood stasis conditions result in more petechiae; conditions of excess and heat result in more petechiae; conditions of deficiency and cold result in fewer petechiae; excessive medication, especially the use of hormone drugs, make it difficult to produce petechiae; obese individuals and those with well-developed muscles have fewer petechiae; yin meridians produce fewer petechiae than yang meridians; petechiae are less likely to appear in low room temperatures.
4. During scraping, frequently ask the patient about their sensations. If dizziness occurs, such as mental fatigue, dizziness, pale complexion, nausea, cold sweats, palpitations, cold limbs, or decreased blood pressure and loss of consciousness, immediately stop scraping. Comfort the patient and help them lie flat, keep them warm, and give them warm water or sugar water to drink. If the symptoms do not improve, lightly press the angles of the scraping board on the water ditch acupuncture point, avoiding swelling after pressing. Use purgative scraping method on Bai Hui and Yong Quan acupuncture points. After the patient's condition improves, continue scraping Nei Guan and Zu San Li acupuncture points.
Precautions After Scraping
1. Scraping therapy opens the pores and releases evil qi, which consumes part of the body's fluid. Therefore, after scraping therapy, drink a cup of warm water and rest for a while.
2. After scraping therapy, in order to prevent the invasion of evil qi due to wind and cold, the pores of the skin must be closed and returned to their original state before bathing, which generally takes about 3 hours.
3. For patients with complex and critical conditions, in addition to scraping therapy, other treatments should be combined to avoid delaying the condition.
Causes and Symptoms of Gallstones
Causes
The gallbladder is closely related to the liver. Bile is produced by the liver and flows into the gallbladder. If the liver fails to disperse and excrete bile, it can lead to qi stagnation and blood stasis, damp-heat accumulation, and enlargement and inflammation of the gallbladder. If the liver fails to disperse and excrete bile, leading to poor bile excretion, it can accumulate and form stones. Blockage of the stones causes "pain with obstruction."
Symptoms
Pain or colic in the upper right abdomen, radiating to the right shoulder (gallstone colic can be particularly severe). Often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite, bitter taste in the mouth, and jaundice. During acute episodes, fever, chills, and headaches are also common symptoms.
Is Scraping Therapy for Gallstones Good If Done Frequently?
Scraping therapy should be done according to the treatment course. It is not advisable to do scraping therapy frequently, as it can be harmful and not beneficial:
1. Frequent scraping can cause damage to the tissues outside the skin and does not help relieve fatigue, but rather increases the burden on the body.
2. For individuals with weak qi and blood, scraping therapy can deplete qi. Frequent scraping can lead to mental fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and make the body worse.
3. For individuals with skin ulcers or other skin conditions, scraping therapy is not enjoyable but rather torturous. It can cause greater harm to already vulnerable skin tissue and even cause infection, worsening the condition.
4. For certain individuals with blood disorders or problems with heart or liver function, scraping therapy should be avoided as it can cause greater harm to the body.
What Not to Eat for Gallstones?
1. High Cholesterol Foods
Avoid foods with high cholesterol content, such as animal hearts, livers, brains, intestines, egg yolks, salted eggs, fish roe, and chocolate.
2. High-Fat Foods
Avoid foods with high fat content, such as fatty meat, lard, and deep-fried foods. Pastry with excessive oil should also be consumed in moderation as excessive fat can cause gallbladder contraction and result in pain. The diet should mainly consist of vegetable oil, and animal oil should be used sparingly.
3. Spicy Foods
Avoid spicy and stimulating condiments, such as chili, chili oil, five-spice powder, and black pepper. Also, consume fewer gas-producing foods, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, carbonated beverages, and acidic fruit juices.
4. Stimulating Foods
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and coffee. These stimulating foods can cause excessive gastric acid and intense contraction of the gallbladder, leading to biliary sphincter and bile duct obstruction, resulting in biliary colic.
5. Limit Organ Meats
Due to the formation of gallstones being related to high cholesterol levels in the body, strict control and restraint should be exercised over the consumption of animal organs, such as liver, kidneys, egg yolks, and fatty meat.
6. High-Sugar Foods
Obese patients should limit their intake of sugar and high-sugar foods to reduce fat synthesis.
7. Acidic Foods
Research has shown that people who frequently drink fruit juice, especially acidic fruit juices such as plum juice, orange juice, grape juice, and grapefruit juice, have a 30% higher incidence of gallstones than normal individuals. Acidic foods, after entering the duodenum from the stomach, can stimulate the duodenum to secrete bile hormones, causing contraction of the sphincter of Oddi and gallbladder, preventing bile from being discharged and causing stagnation, eventually leading to stone formation.
