Appendix
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is one of the most difficult diagnoses to make in abdominal pain. The pain usually
starts around the umbilicus and only settles in the right abdominal region when the inflammation
spreads. It is accompanied by nausea and vomiting and the tongue coating is thick.
There is tenderness in the right lower quadrant on McBurney's point (Figure 16.3(390)).
From the acupuncture point of view, there is also deep tenderness on the extra point Lanweixue
situated roughly half-way between ST-36 Zusanli and ST-37 Shangjuxu.
Large Intestine
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis consists in inflamed hernial protrusions in the colon. It is more common after 50.
The pain is unilateral, more often on the left side, and is accompanied by alternation of
constipation and diarrhoea.
Carcinoma of Colon or Rectum
Carcinoma of the colon or rectum is more common over 50 years of age. Chronic ulcerative
colitis is a predisposing factor.
There are three cardinal symptoms and signs for this condition:
- Lateral abdominal pain
- A change in bowel habit (towards either constipation or diarrhoea)
- Blood in the stools.
Thus, in an patient over 50 with the above symptoms and signs, a Western diagnosis is
imperative.
The pain is usually lateral but it may also be umbilical. The stools may be thin and long. In