This is an acute condition which occurs when external Cold invades the Stomach directly,
without going through the skin and muscles first. Such direct invasion of Cold can only affect
Stomach, Intestines or Uterus.
Cold contracts and this causes intense pain. It also prevents Stomach-Qi from descending, which
causes nausea and vomiting.
The other symptoms (no thirst, desire for warm drinks and improvement with application of
warmth) are obvious Cold symptoms.
Treatment Principle
Scatter Cold, warm the Stomach, stop pain.
Acupuncture
General Prescription
ST-21 Liangmen, ST-34 Liangqiu, SP-4 Gongsun, Ren-13 Shangwan. Reducing method, moxa
must be used. The application of the moxa box on the epigastrium while the needles on ST-21
are retained is particularly beneficial.
Explanation
- ST-21 is used for Excess patterns of the Stomach.
- ST-34 as Accumulation point stops pain.
- SP-4 removes obstructions from the epigastrium and stops pain.
- Ren-13 is used if there is nausea or vomiting.
Herbal Treatment
Prescription for Mild Cases
Sheng Jiang Hong Tang Tang
(Zingiber-brown sugar Decoction)
This is simply a decoction of several slices of fresh ginger with the addition of one teaspoonful
of Barbados sugar at the end. It scatters Cold and warms the Stomach.