Acupuncture Therapy for Hemorrhoids
This condition is a chronic disease occurring in the anal and rectal region, commonly seen in young and middle-aged adults. Clinically, based on the position of hemorrhoidal nodules, it is divided into internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, and mixed hemorrhoids, collectively known as hemorrhoids.
[Pathogenesis]
Causes of hemorrhoids often include prolonged sitting or standing work, carrying heavy loads, long-distance walking, pregnancy and fetal qi; or chronic diarrhea, chronic dysentery, constipation, excessive consumption of rich and spicy foods, leading to sinking of middle qi, relaxed sinews, qi stagnation and blood stasis, dry heat and turbid qi accumulating in the rectum, thus causing hemorrhoids.
[Symptoms]
First distinguish internal, external, and mixed hemorrhoids by location. Hemorrhoids above the anal dentate line are internal; below are external; both above and below are mixed. Internal hemorrhoids: bleeding during defecation, bright red or dark red blood, variable amount, prolapse outside the anus not promptly reduced, or infection may cause severe local pain; if incarcerated, swelling, erosion, necrosis may occur. External hemorrhoids: sensation of foreign body in the anus, severe pain or no pain, painful when inflamed. Mixed hemorrhoids exhibit symptoms of both internal and external hemorrhoids.
[Treatment]
1. Acupuncture
Treatment principle: Mainly select points on the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Use draining method with appropriate deep insertion.
Prescription: Ciliao (BL32), Changqiang (GV1), Huiyang (BL38), Erbai (EX-LE1)
Explanation: Ciliao, Huiyang, and Changqiang belong to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. The Bladder Meridian has a collateral branch connecting to the anus. Using draining method with deep insertion at these three points helps regulate bladder meridian qi and eliminate stasis. Longqiang is selected for local effect. Erbai is an empirical point for treating hemorrhoids. As stated in "Jade Dragon Song": “Hemorrhoids and fistulas are dreadful, both surface and deep are hard to manage; whether pain, itch, or bleeding, Erbai lies behind the palm.” This point is effective for treating internal hemorrhoid bleeding.
2. Picking Therapy
Method: Locate spots on the seventh thoracic vertebra’s bilateral areas and lumbar-sacral region. Select one spot per session for picking therapy, once every seven days.
3. Auricular Acupuncture
Select Points: Lower Segment of Rectum, Large Intestine, Shenmen, Brain, Spleen
Method: Select 2–3 points each time, retain needles for 2–30 minutes, once daily.