In this issue, we will introduce Tung’s Acupuncture treatments that are highly effective for various digestive disorders and acute/chronic abdominal pain caused by issues in the Spleen, Stomach, and Large/Small Intestines.
Acute Abdominal Pain
- Bloodletting at 77.09∙Four Flower Center and 77.11∙Four Flower Outer + 88.01∙Passing the Gate and 88.02∙Passing the Mountain: Effective for general digestive and stomach disorders. According to the principle of treating the Heart and Stomach simultaneously, these are frequently used for patients with heart conditions, as prescriptions that stabilize the Heart also regulate the Stomach.
- Bloodletting at 77.08∙Four Flower Upper: Provides immediate pain relief when the patient feels severe gastric discomfort.
- ST34: The Xi-Cleft point of the Stomach meridian. Located 2 cun above the patella when the knee is flexed. Strong stimulation or needling at this point is highly effective for stopping acute stomach pain because Xi-Cleft points are rich in Qi and Blood, making them ideal for acute conditions.
- PC6 and ST36: Use long needle retention. This combination can also treat asthma.
- 22.11∙Earth Water and 66.05∙Golden Gate: If the stomach is “cold” (Stomach Cold), blue veins (varicosities) often appear near the acupoint.
Clinical Note on ST36: ST36 is the essential foundation point for all digestive disorders. For acute/chronic gastric pain or food stagnation, first apply bloodletting at this point; it is highly effective. Its ability to regulate the stomach is so powerful that it is also used for asthma, palpitations, and flushing. Its “dual-directional” therapeutic action allows it to treat both heat/cold and deficiency/excess conditions.
- Chronic Indigestion: Bloodletting at 77.08, 77.09, and 77.11.
- 66.05∙Golden Gate: Excellent for both acute and chronic gastralgia. When needling 66.05, place the needle close to the bone. As a Shu-Stream point, it is exceptionally effective for managing pain.
- 1010.12∙Original Source: Located on the nose, this point has a superior warming effect. It is used as an emergency point for comas and is highly effective for acute gastric distension, pain, and stomach spasms.
- PC6: While it takes longer to see analgesic effects, it focuses more on the “root” treatment. I often combine 77.08 with PC6 for general stomach pain.
- Chronic Gastric Pain: Immediate bloodletting at 77.09 (near ST38 and ST40). If the pain is extremely acute and severe, needle ST34 to help inhibit gastric acid secretion.
Gastritis, Gastric Ulcer, and Duodenal Ulcer
- Bloodletting at 77.09 and 77.11.
Lower Abdominal Pain
- If pain disappears during needling but returns after removal, use bloodletting therapy.
- 66.05 and 66.11∙Fire Chrysanthemum
- Bloodletting at LU5 and 77.09
Lower Abdominal Distension
- 22.08∙Wrist Smooth One and 22.09∙Wrist Smooth Two: Distension in the lower abdomen is often caused by Kidney deficiency (Kidney Qi Deficiency). While the symptoms manifest in the Large and Small Intestines, the root cause lies in the Kidney. 22.08 and 22.09 regulate the Small Intestine and tonify the Kidney. For upper stomach distension, use 66.05.
- Combination (22.08, 22.09 + 66.05 + ST36 + SP6): Used for all distending pain in the stomach, lower abdomen, and periumbilical area.
- Combination (22.05 Spirit Bone, 66.11 Fire Chrysanthemum, 66.03 Fire Hardness, and 66.04 Fire Master).
Periumbilical Pain and Low Back Pain
- 22.08 and 22.09.
Bloating, Food Stagnation, Acid Reflux, and Anorexia
- Abdominal Bloating (Gas): Combine 22.05∙Spirit Bone and 66.05∙Golden Gate. 22.05 treats lower abdominal pain, and 66.05 treats upper abdominal pain; together, they promote gas discharge and regulate the entire gastrointestinal tract.
- Base Formula for Bloating/Abdominal Pain: 22.05, 22.04∙Big White, 66.05, LU5, and 22.11∙Earth Water.
- Focus on 66.05: Even using this single point can reduce abdominal bloating. Most female-related disorders involve the Stomach and Liver. 66.05 is excellent for PMS; I have seen students with severe menstrual cramps recover immediately after needling this single point. It is particularly effective for women experiencing abdominal gas.
- Base Formula for Indigestion (Food Stagnation): Bloodletting at 77.08 and 77.09.
