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Condition Treated / Pain Conditions

Acute Cholecystitis / Cholelithiasis (Gall Stones)

Acute Cholecystitis or Cholelithiasis (Gall Stones)

Acute cholecystitis is manifested as colic in the upper right abdomen and is characterized as
continuous, paroxysmal, and aggravating pain. The area is too painful to be touched or there can be tenderness when the area is percussed, which often radiates to the right scapular area, and is
accompanied by nausea and vomiting. There is obvious pain and myotonia in the upper right abdomen (gallbladder area). Some patients may appear jaundiced with a high fever.

Cholelithiasis is a colic disease that can occur along the gallbladder tracts at any time. Its clinical presentation is related to the position, shape and type of stones. Gallbladder colic presents with serious pain, nausea and vomiting, a different kind of jaundice and a high fever.

Gallbladder colic often has a brief paroxysm, while some continue for several hours. Cholecystitis
and cholelithiasis could exist simultaneously and affect each other.

Causes and Pathogenesis of the Acute Cholecystitis or Cholelithiasis

These diseases may be caused by qi-stagnation in the liver and gallbladder due to emotional
irregularities; phlegm and dampness accumulation due to an irregular diet and injuries of the
spleen and stomach; and a scorching of the body fluids by the heat trartsformed from
phlegm-dampness and manifested as cholelithiasis.

Identification of Patterns

Chief symptoms Abrupt continuous colic in the upper right abdomen.that worsens in a paroxysmal
manner. The pattern of liver-gallbladder qi stagnation manifests as colic which is closely related to
emotional fluctuation, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, vexation, irritability and a wiry, tense
pulse. The pattern of damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder manifests as chills with a high fever,
a bitter taste in the mouth and a dry throat, nausea and vomiting, possible jaundiced eyes,
jaundiced body, bright yellow urine, a yellow tongue coating, and a rapid, wiry pulse.

Acupuncture Treatment for Acute Cholecystitis or Cholelithiasis (Gall Stones)

(1) Primary treatment
Principal points Danshu (BL 19), Ganshu (BL18), Riyue (GB 24), Qimen (LR14), Yanglingquan (GB
34), and Dannang (EX-LE6).
Supplementary points Add Taichong (LR 3) and Xiaxi (GB 43) to pattern of liver-gallbladder qi
stagnation; add Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) to the pattern of damp-heat in the liver
and gallbladder; add Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) for nausea and vomiting; add Zhiyang (GV 9) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) for jaundice due to damp-heat; and add Dazhui (GV 14) and Quchi (LI 11) for fever. Explanation Danshu (BL 19) and Riyue (GB 24), Ganshu (BL18) and Qimen (LR
14) are two pairs used in combination as Back-Shu and Front-Mu Points. Choose the right side points to soothe the liver and gallbladder and to stop pain locally. Yanglingquan (GB 34), the Lower He-Sea Point of the gallbladder, is applied as instructed by the ancient principle that "disorders of the sixfu-organs are treated by the Lower He-Sea Points", and it is the most commonly used point for gallbladder disease. Dannang (EX-LE6) is an empiric point to treat gallbladder disease.

(2) Alternate methods of treatment
Auricular acupuncture Select Liver (CO 12), Pancreas and Gallbladder (CO 11), Sympathesis (AH 6a), Shenmen (TF 4) and Root of the Ear Vagus (R 2). Treat with filiform needles using a strong stimulation in the acute stage for 30 to 60 minutes each time. Applying ear-pressure with wang bu liu xing (Semen Vaccariae) is recommended as an extended treatment after the acute stage. The two ears are used alternately.

Electro-acupuncture Choose the points in the abdomen and lower limbs to treat by
electro-acupuncture for 30 to 60 minutes using a continuous wave at a high frequency
1 to 2 times per day.

Remarks
Acupuncture has a good effect in easing pain for this disease. If the patient does not
respond to acupuncture, further diagnosis and management is needed as soon as possible.

Pain Care Acupuncture Clinic is your local acupuncture office in Torrance, CA . specializing in treating injuries and chronic pain. Dr. Ming Chen and Dr. Lu Yang, Both acupuncturists who also the oriental medical doctor ( O.M.D. ) can pinpoint the cause of the injury and suggest the best treatment methods for you. You need our doctor to listen to the whole story and examine you, so that you can get started treating on your injuries or chronic pain and get you on the track toward recovery.

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