ACUPRESSURE: IRRITABLE BOWEL, CHRON'S SYNDROME AND COLITIS

 Dear readers and friends,

Today I propose another article of the series on traditional Chinese medicine, in particular on acupressure; regarding various pathologies for which using it correctly could provide relief. In this article we will talk about IRRITABLE BOWEL, CHRON'S SYNDROME AND COLITIS .  For a more conscious use and to follow the topic more easily I recommend you read the first of the past articles.  Acupressure: Meridians, treatments and precautions .

IRRITABLE BOWEL, CHRON'S SYNDROME, COLITIS

IRRITABLE BOWEL: This term defines some functional manifestations of the colon, which are caused by neurovegetative imbalances. It is also called "SCI (irritable bowel syndrome)" or "irritable bowel". The recurring symptoms are: acute abdominal pain, accompanied by meteorism, diarrhea or constipation, sometimes alternating. It is a typical disease of our times characterized by a frenetic life, stress and anxiety-provoking situations that produce neurovegetative imbalance.

INFECTIOUS COLITIS: The term colitis refers to inflammation of the colon, when the duodenum is also affected it is called enterocolitis. If an infectious process is implanted on the inflammation we will speak of infectious colitis. The term colitis is also improperly defined as some functional manifestations, often of neurovegetative origin, which are more correctly called irritable colon and which is treated in a totally different way from infectious colitis.

 CROHN'S DISEASE:  more commonly known as ' Crohn's disease ', it is an  inflammatory disease of the intestine  and can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the location, the symptoms that can manifest are different and, for those who suffer from it, can transform into highly disabling conditions. 

After this brief introduction to the pathologies, the various points to be treated for the aforementioned pathologies will be shown below.

Brief introduction to point treatment

Points that are painful to press are judged to be areas where excessive energy has accumulated.
Points that feel pleasant to press are judged to be areas where there is a lack of  energy.
Acupressure points are generally treated bilaterally.
When there is excessive energy, apply deeper pressure and hold until the excess energy disperses.
When there is a lack of energy, apply moderate pressure, use the flat part of the thumb, and hold to draw blood and Qi to the area. (approximately 3 minutes).

The first point is the most important one to always use first.

CV12 : Stomach Mu Point.  4 cun above the navel and has the following Actions/Indications:

– Point with strong influence on all the Viscera
– Strongly tonifies the QI especially of the Spleen
– Harmonizes the middle Jiao
– Cures Gastralgia, gastroduodenal ulcers, vomiting, dyspepsia, abdominal pain,
deficiency diarrhea. Indirectly cures syndromes dominated by the Tan.

SP 6 :  Located on the posterior border of the tibia and 3 cun from the tibial malleolus.

Acupuncture Point:  Spleen 6  (SP 6) 
Chinese Name: San Yin Jiao 
Meaning in English: Intersection of the three Yin 

Element: Earth

– Tonifies YIN
– Treats all Blood diseases
– Reactivates Blood circulation
– Removes Blood stasis
– Consolidates the Spleen and disperses Dampness
– Promotes the descent of Blood and reopens the channels
– Harmonizes the circulation of QI and Blood
– Controls the pelvic area and regulates Liver QI
– Tonifies the Kidney and treats all Spleen diseases
– Cures gynecological disorders, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, female sterility, urinary incontinence
– Cures psoriasis, eczema and urticaria.

The acupuncture point  Spleen 6  is commonly used for a wide range of benefits; one of the most intense and long-lasting effects of  Spleen 6  is to promote a substantial decrease in appetite.

St25:  1 cun above the navel, eliminates stasis by treating nausea and vomiting.

LI 11 ( GI11)  Qu Chi (Curved Pond)  Located at the outer apex of the elbow flexion crease. It has the following Actions/Indications:

– Purifies Heat
– Disperses Wind/Damp
– Clears the channels and pacifies the Shen
– Cures elbow pain, paralysis and weakness of the upper limb

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health goals.