Mumps

Mumps is an acute infectious disease characterized by painful swelling in the parotid region , caused by epidemic wind heat . It happens in all the seasons of a year , but mostly in winter and spring . It is more frequently seen among preschool children , but seldom in those under two years .

Etiology and Pathogenesis Mumps is mainly due to invasion of the epidemic pathogen which enters the body via the mouth and nose . Together with phlegm fire it obstructs the collaterals of Shaoyang Meridians , causing abnormal circulation of qi and blood and bringing on pain and swelling in the parotid region , probably associated with chills and fever .

Differentiation

Main manifestations : At the onset there are chills and fever , redness , pain and swelling in unilateral or bilateral parotid regions , and dysmasesia . When the pathogenic heat is intense , the redness , pain and swelling in the parotid region are more marked , and there are pain and swelling of the testis , high fever with irritability , dryness of the mouth and constipation , dark urine , yellow tongue coating , and superficial and rapid pulse .

Analysis : Since the disease is caused by exogenous attack of the epidemic pathogenic heat , there is the exterior syndrome of chills and fever at the beginning . Agglomeration of the pathogenic heat in the Shaoyang collaterals results in the redness , pain and swelling in the parotid region , and dysmasesia . If the pathogenic heat is intense , it will consume the fluid of the Yangming collaterals , resulting in dryness of the mouth , constipation , dark urine , etc . The Shaoyang Meridians are interiorly - exteriorly related with the Jueyin Meridians and the Foot Jueyin Meridian winds around the genital organs , so when the pathogenic factor is transmitted internally to the Jueyin Meridian , there are redness , swelling and pain of the testis . Yellow tongue coating and superficial rapid pulse are signs of invasion of pathogenic heat .

Treatment

Method : Points of Shaoyang and Yangming Meridians are mainly recommended . The superficial puncturing with reducing method is adopted to expel wind and heat and remove the agglomeration .

Prescription : Jiache ( S 6 ) , Yifeng ( S J 17 ) , Waiguan ( S J 5 ) , Quchi ( Li11 ) , Hegu ( Li4 ) . Supplementary points : Chills and fever : Lieque ( L 7 ) . High fever : Dazhui ( Du 14 ) , Twelve Jing - ( Well ) Points ( L 11 , Li1 , P 9 , S J 1 , H 9 , SI1 ) . Swelling and pain of testis : Taichong ( Liv3 ) , Ququan ( Liv 8 ) .

Analysis : Mumps is located in the area pertaining to Shaoyang Meridians . Yifeng ( S J 17 ) , the meeting point of Hand and Foot Shaoyang Meridians , is used to resolve the local stagnation of qi and blood . Since the Hand Yangming Meridian travels up to the face , Jiache ( S 6 ) , Quchi ( Li 11 ) and Hegu ( Li4 ) are applied to eliminate the pathogenic heat . Waiguan ( S J 5 ) , the meeting point of Hand Shaoyang Meridian and Yangwei Meridian , is employed in combination with the points from Yangming Meridian , to expel the wind , dissipate the agglomeration , and clear away the pathogenic heat . Lieque ( L 7 ) is combined to disperse wind and alleviate the exterior symptoms for those suffering from chills and fever . Dazhui ( Du 14 ) and Twelve Jing - ( Well ) Points are used to bring down the high fever . Taichong ( Liv 3 ) and Ququan ( Liv 8 ) regain the normal circulation ofqi in Foot Jueyin Meridian for those with the pain and swelling of testis .

Remarks

a ) Mumps is also called epidemic parotitis . Acupuncture and moxibustion provides satisfactory effect .

b ) Moxibustion with Medulla Junci . Point : Jiaosun ( S J 20 ) Method : Two pieces of rush pith soaked with vegetable oil are ignited and aimed at the point Jiaosun ( S J 20 ) . Remove them quickly as soon as there is a sound of burning of the skin . Usually the swelling will subside after one treatment . The treatment can be repeated the next day if the swelling is not completely gone .