This gastritis case report explores the journey of a 56-year-old woman who sought relief from chronic gastritis through acupuncture treatment. According to Chinese medicine principles, she was diagnosed with liver Qi stagnation and stomach fire. Following eight acupuncture sessions, she experienced a significant reduction in stomach pain and inflammation. Through a series of treatments targeting acupuncture points associated with these conditions, the patient found considerable relief, highlighting the benefits of acupuncture as an effective treatment for gastritis.
What Is Gastritis?
Gastritis, characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting individuals worldwide. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, often significantly impacting the quality of life of affected individuals. While conventional treatments such as medications and lifestyle modifications are commonly employed, many patients are turning to alternative therapies to alleviate their symptoms without the burden of adverse medication side effects.
Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has gained attention for its ability to manage various health conditions, including gastritis. This gastritis case report presents the experience of a 56-year-old woman who found relief from gastritis symptoms through acupuncture treatment targeting specific acupuncture points associated with Liver Qi Stagnation and Stomach Fire.
Gastritis Case Report
Our patient, a 56-year-old woman, came to Raleigh Acupuncture, presenting with a history of chronic gastritis characterized by persistent stomach pain, bloating, and discomfort. Despite adherence to prescribed medications and dietary modifications, her symptoms remained troublesome and often debilitating. Frustrated with the limited efficacy of conventional treatments, as well as their adverse side effects, she expressed interest in exploring alternative therapies, particularly acupuncture.
Our intake exam included detailed questions about her stomach symptoms, bowel function, sleep patterns, emotional health, and energy levels. In addition to her stomach pain, she experienced constipation, gnawing hunger, and frequent night sweats. We also examined her tongue and pulse, two important features of Chinese medicine. Her tongue was red with a scanty coating and rough edges, and her pulse was rapid and wiry.
Chinese Medicine Diagnosis
Her symptoms were consistent with the Chinese medicine pattern diagnosis of gastritis due to Liver Qi Stagnation and Stomach Fire. According to this diagnostic framework, Liver Qi Stagnation refers to an imbalance in the flow of Qi (vital energy) associated with the liver, often manifesting as emotional distress, abdominal bloating, and discomfort. On the other hand, Stomach Fire suggests excessive heat and inflammation in the stomach, leading to symptoms such as burning pain, acid reflux, and gnawing hunger.
Her acupuncture treatment plan aimed to regulate Qi flow by invigorating Liver Qi, reduce inflammation by draining Stomach Fire, and restore balance in the affected organs and meridians. We selected specific acupuncture points based on their associations with Liver Qi Stagnation and Stomach Fire patterns, as outlined in traditional Chinese medicine texts.
Gastritis Treatment Intervention
Our patient in this gastritis case report underwent four initial acupuncture sessions once a week, after which we assessed her progress. If no progress had been achieved, we would have referred her to another doctor. However, she made good progress, so treatments continued weekly for another four sessions, at which time her condition significantly improved. Each session lasted approximately 60 minutes and involved inserting sterile, single-use, thin needles into specific acupuncture points identified for their relevance to her condition.
Acupuncture Points for Gastritis
The acupuncture points utilized in this gastritis case review included:
Liver 3 (Taichong): Located on the dorsum of the foot, between the first and second metatarsal bones, this point is traditionally used to soothe liver Qi and alleviate emotional disturbances.
Stomach 36 (Zusanli): Situated on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, approximately four finger-widths below the kneecap, Stomach 36 is renowned for its ability to tonify the stomach, regulate digestion, and relieve abdominal pain.
Stomach 44 (Neiting): Located between the second and third toe in the web of the foot, this point clears Stomach Fire and helps restore normal Stomach function.
Pericardium 6 (Neiguan): Found on the anterior aspect of the forearm, approximately two finger-widths proximal to the wrist crease, Pericardium 6 is valued for its calming effects on the mind and its ability to guide stomach energy downward, alleviating nausea, reflux, and pain.
Large Intestine 11 (Quchi): Situated on the lateral aspect of the elbow, this powerful acupuncture point regulates Qi flow and clears heat and inflammation from all areas of the body.
In addition to these primary points, we selected supplementary points based on individual symptomatology, as well as tongue and pulse diagnosis on the day of each treatment conducted by the acupuncturist.
Gastritis Treatment Outcomes
Our patient responded positively to her acupuncture treatments, experiencing gradual improvement in gastritis symptoms with each session. Initially, she reported a reduction in the frequency and intensity of stomach pain, accompanied by diminished bloating and discomfort. As treatment progressed, she noted significant relief from acid reflux and heartburn, which had been particularly troublesome before acupuncture intervention.
By the conclusion of the eight-week treatment period, our patient reported a remarkable reduction in her overall symptom burden. Her stomach pain was largely alleviated, and she no longer experienced episodes of severe discomfort or acid reflux. Follow-up consultations indicated sustained improvement in her condition, with occasional acupuncture sessions recommended for maintenance.
Acupuncture for Gastritis Discussion
The successful outcome observed in this gastritis case report suggests that acupuncture may offer valuable therapeutic benefits in the management of gastritis, particularly in cases where conventional treatments prove insufficient or intolerable. By targeting specific acupuncture points associated with Liver Qi Stagnation and Stomach Fire patterns, acupuncture addresses the underlying imbalances contributing to gastric inflammation and discomfort.
The selection of acupuncture points in this case was guided by traditional Chinese medicine principles, emphasizing the importance of individualized diagnosis and treatment planning. By addressing both the root cause and symptoms of gastritis, acupuncture seeks to restore harmony and balance within the body, thereby promoting healing and symptom relief.
Gastritis Case Conclusion
This gastritis case report highlights the potential of acupuncture as a complementary therapy for gastritis management. Acupuncture offers significant relief from symptoms associated with Liver Qi Stagnation and Stomach Fire patterns. By targeting specific acupuncture points, acupuncture aims to rebalance Qi flow, reduce inflammation, and alleviate discomfort, thereby improving the overall well-being of affected individuals.
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What our Clients are Saying
Thanks Mark for helping relieve my gastroparesis! The nausea, stomach pain, and reflux were driving me crazy. With your help and dedication I’m feeling so much better. Recommended!