Chronic cholecystitis refers to the chronic inflammatory lesions of the gallbladder, mostly caused by chronic calculous cholecystitis, and a few cases are non-calculous cholecystitis. This disease can be a result of repeated attacks and prolonged course of acute cholecystitis, or it can have a chronic onset. Now let's take a look at where to massage for chronic cholecystitis.
Etiology and Pathogenesis of Chronic Cholecystitis
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the etiology and pathogenesis of chronic cholecystitis are related to dampness and heat stagnation, prolonged illness from external injury, emotional imbalance, deficiency of yin and blood, which leads to disharmony of liver meridians, poor bile excretion, or malnutrition of meridians, resulting in the disease.
Specific Acupressure Points for Chronic Cholecystitis
Gallbladder Shu Point
This acupoint belongs to the bladder meridian and is the kidney shu point of the gallbladder. It has the functions of soothing the liver, benefiting the gallbladder, regulating qi, and resolving stagnation.
Acupoint location: In the spinal area, 1.5 inches beside the spinous process of the 10th thoracic vertebra, along the midline of the back.
Acupressure technique: The patient should lie prone, and the masseur should use the thumb to knead the acupoint, making horizontal movements. When combined with Yanglingquan acupoint, the relief and treatment effect for biliary diseases will be more significant. Each session should last for 5 minutes.
Yanglingquan Acupoint
This acupoint belongs to the Gallbladder meridian of Foot Shaoyang. It has the functions of activating blood circulation, promoting meridian circulation, and regulating meridians. It is a key acupoint for treating diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Acupoint location: In the lower front depression of the head of the fibula on the outside of the lower leg.
Acupressure technique: The patient should sit upright, and the masseur should use the thumb to exert pressure on the acupoint until a sore and distended feeling is felt. Each session should last for 5 minutes.
Full Body Massage for Chronic Cholecystitis
1. The patient should lie prone, and the masseur should use the base of the palm to knead the painful area on the patient's right back repeatedly for 10 minutes.
2. Apply strong pressure with the thumb on the acupoints of Gallbladder Shu and Liver Shu to quickly relieve pain.
3. Place both hands in a stacked position and vertically press the patient's spine on the back, repeatedly massaging 5 times from top to bottom.
4. The patient should lie on the left side with the left leg straight and the right leg bent. The masseur should stand behind the patient and use both hands to lift, pinch, and knead the patient's ribs 10 times, especially exerting pressure on the painful area.
5. The patient should lie supine, and the masseur can use the base of the palm to massage along the ribs, pushing and grasping from top to bottom for 50 times.
6. Apply pressure with the thumb on Qi Men, Ju Que, Yanglingquan, Sanyinjiao, and Daju points for 50 times each until the patient feels a sore and distended sensation.
7. If the patient has yellow urine and bitter taste in the mouth, press Curved Pool acupoint with force for 50 times.
8. If there is pain in the left or right hypochondrium, press Sanyinjiao and Shenshu points, massaging each acupoint for 2 minutes.
9. The patient should sit upright, and the masseur should use the palm to massage the Liver Shu and Gallbladder Shu points on both sides of the spine, back and forth, for 50 times.
10. Use the palm or a massager to vigorously tap the shoulders and back on the opposite side for 30 times each.
11. Pinch and knead the muscles on the outer side of the thigh and calf with fingers, back and forth for 30 times.
12. Apply strong pressure with the thumb on Yinlingquan, Zusanli, Neiguan until a sore and distended sensation is felt.
Hand, Foot, and Ear Massage for Chronic Cholecystitis
1. Sequentially apply pressure on the reflex zones of the kidneys, gallbladder, liver, stomach, duodenum, and other areas on the soles of the feet for 100 times each, adjusting the massage intensity according to local tenderness.
2. Press and massage the reflex zone of the ureter from the toes to the heel for 100 times, at a speed of 30-50 times per minute.
3. Apply pressure on the reflex zone of the bladder on the soles of the feet for 100 times, adjusting the massage intensity according to local tenderness.
4. From the medial side to the lateral side of the foot, apply pressure on the reflex zone of the lungs for 50 times, at a speed of 30-50 times per minute.
5. Press and knead the reflex zones of the chest lymph nodes, abdominal lymph nodes, pelvic lymph nodes, abdominal nerve plexus, and thoracic vertebra on the feet for 50 times each, adjusting the massage intensity according to local tenderness.
Care and Taboos for Chronic Cholecystitis
1. Pay attention to diet, avoid greasy and hard-to-digest foods, and avoid overeating.
2. Maintain a regular schedule, have a normal daily routine, and avoid staying up late.
3. Develop good bowel habits and maintain normal physiological functions of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. For patients with accompanying gallstones, although massage can temporarily relieve pain, it is necessary to remove the stones through surgery.
