Intestinal Abscess

Intestinal abscess is an acute abdominal disorder occurring in the intestines . According to the ancient literature , it can be classified into large - intestinal abscess and small - intestinal abscess . The abscess with pain around Tianshu ( S 25 ) is known as 'large - intestinal abscess , while that with pain around Guanyuan ( Ren 4 ) is named small - intestinal abscess . ' Because extension of the right leg is limited , it is also called leg - contracted intestinal abscess . '

Etiology and Pathogenesis

Intestinal abscess is caused by irregular intake of food , retention of undigested food , undue cold and warmth , or running after a big meal . All these factors may give rise to dysfunction of the intestines in transmission with accumulation of damp heat and stagnation of qi and blood , which in combination will lead to suppuration and abscess formation .

Differentiation

Main manifestations : At the onset there is sudden paroxysmal pain in the upper abdomen or around the umbilicus . Soon the pain becomes continuous and localized in the right lower abdomen near Tianshu ( S 25 ) , accompanied by tenderness , mild contracture of the abdominal wall , difficulty in extension of the right leg , fever , chills , nausea , vomiting , constipation , dark urine , thin , sticky and yellow tongue coating , rapid and forceful pulse . If the pain is severe and there is contracture of the abdominal wall with marked tenderness or palpable mass , accompanied by high fever and spontaneous sweating , forceful and rapid pulse , the condition is serious .

Analysis : Intestinal abscess is due to accumulation of damp heat and stagnation of qi and blood that obstructs the pathway of the stomach and intestines . So it is manifested by localized abdominal pain and tenderness . Intestinal abscess mostly occurs in the appendix which is located in the right lower abdomen , and hence severe abdominal pain is present in this quadrant . Stagnation of qi and blood , imbalance between the nutrient qi and defensive qi , and confrontation between the pathogenic factors and the body resistance result in fever and chills . When the stomach qi fails to descend , there are nausea and vomiting . Yellow - sticky tongue coating and rapid , forceful pulse indicate an excess syndrome caused by accumulation of damp heat in the stomach and intestines . Sharp pain with acute contracture of the abdominal wall , tenderness , local mass , high fever , spontaneous sweating , and rapid forceful pulse indicate suppuration with collection of pus and extreme heat in the Yangming Meridians .

Treatment

Method : To disperse damp heat , regulate qi circulation and stop pain by reducing method . Points of the Yangming Meridians are selected as the principal points . Needles are retained for a long time from thirty to one hundred twenty minutes . Manipulation is given every ten minutes , and treat every six to eight hours . When the symptoms and signs are alleviated , treatment should be given once daily with needles retained for thirty minutes .

Prescription : Tianshu ( S 25 ) , Quchi ( Li11 ) , Lanwei ( Extra ) , Shangjuxu ( S 37 ) . Supplementary points : Fever : Dazhui ( Du 14 ) , Hegu ( Li4 ) . Vomiting : Neiguan ( P 6 ) , Zhongwan ( Ren 12 ) .

Explanation : Lanwei ( Extra ) is an empirical point in treating the intestinal abscess . Shangjuxu ( S 37 ) , the lower He - ( Sea ) Point of the large intestine , together with Tianshu ( S 25 ) , the Front - ( Mu ) Point of the large intestine , are used to remove accumulation of damp heat from the intestines and to promote qi circulation and stop pain . Quchi ( Li11 ) , the He - ( Sea ) Point of the Large Intestine Meridian , is us'ed to eliminate heat from the intestines . Dazhui ( Du 14 ) and Hegu ( Li4 ) are used to strengthen the antipyretic action . Neiguan ( P 6 ) and Zhongwan ( Ren 12 ) are used to harmonize the stomach and stop vomiting .

Remarks

Intestinal abscess is chiefly referred to simple appendicitis in modern medicine , for which acupuncture treatment is considered effective . If there is appendicial abscess or tendency to perforate , other therapeutic measures should be resorted to . For chronic appendicitis , the above - mentioned points may also be used . Acupuncture is given once a day or every other day . Moxibustion may be applied locally at the same time .