Abdominal pain is not only a symptom caused by pain in the abdomen, but also one of the symptoms caused by systemic diseases. The etiology is extremely complex, mostly due to external factors such as wind, cold, and dampness; internal factors such as improper diet; or emotional disturbances, qi stagnation, and blood stasis; or other diseases. For mild abdominal pain, effective relief can be achieved through massage therapy. So, which part of the abdomen should be massaged for abdominal pain?
Zhongwan Acupoint
The patient should lie supine or sit. Use the index finger or middle finger to press the Zhongwan acupoint for half a minute, and then massage in a clockwise direction for 2 minutes, with a preference for a local sour and distended sensation. This acupoint can treat digestive system diseases and has a good therapeutic effect on abdominal pain and bloating.
Location of Zhongwan: On the upper abdomen, on the midline of the front, 4 inches above the navel.
Xiawan Acupoint
The patient should lie supine or sit. Use the index finger or middle finger to press the Xiawan acupoint for half a minute, and then massage in a clockwise direction for 2 minutes, with a preference for a local sour and distended sensation. This acupoint can treat digestive system diseases and has a good therapeutic effect on abdominal pain and bloating.
Location of Xiawan: On the upper abdomen, on the midline of the front, 2 inches above the navel.
Tianshu Acupoint
The patient should lie supine or sit. Use the thumbs or middle fingers of both hands to press the Tianshu acupoint on both sides for half a minute, and then massage in a clockwise direction for 2 minutes, with a preference for a sour and distended sensation spreading to the entire abdomen. This acupoint has a good therapeutic effect on abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea.
Location of Tianshu: In the middle of the abdomen, in line with the navel, 2 inches away from the navel.
Qihai Acupoint
The massager places the fingertip of the middle finger on the Qihai acupoint of the patient and massages in a clockwise direction for 2 minutes. The best effect is achieved when heat is felt. This acupoint has a good therapeutic effect on abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation.
Location of Qihai: In the lower abdomen, on the midline of the front, 1.5 inches below the navel.
Chengshan Acupoint
The patient should sit or lie on the side. The massager holds the lower part of the patient's calf with the right hand and uses the thumb of the left hand to press the acupoint. The pressure should start lightly and gradually increase, first soft then firm, and first shallow then deep, until a clear sour and distended sensation is felt. This acupoint is suitable for treating abdominal pain caused by various reasons.
Location of Chengshan: On the back of the lower leg, 8 inches below the Weizhong acupoint, in the depression between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Zusanli Acupoint
When experiencing abdominal pain, use the thumb to pinch and press the Zusanli acupoint on one side for 3-5 minutes to alleviate the pain. If necessary, pinch and press the Zusanli acupoint on the other side. It is mainly used to treat acute abdominal pain.
Location of Zusanli: 3 inches below the outer knee, on the anterior border of the tibia, one horizontal finger width away from the outer side.
