Introduction
Hemorrhoids is one of the commonly encountered chronic anal and intestinal diseases and is divided into internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids and complicated hemorrhoids according to the location. TCM holds that hemorrhoids is caused by prolonged sitting, overloading, long distance walking, frequent labor, addiction to pungent and greasy foods, chronic diarrhea and constipation that lead to looseness of tendons and vessels, interior accumulation of damp-heat, stagnation of qi and blood in the lower part of the body.
Syndrome differentiation
1. Sthenia Syndrome
Fresh red or blackish red and profuse or scanty blood in stool, protrusion of hemorrhoids nucleus, swelling and pain or severe pain or burning sensation around the anus, retention of dry feces or unsmooth defecation, accompanied by dysphoria, dry mouth, abdominal distension, yellow urine, red tongue, yellowish or yellowish and greasy tongue fur, rapid and sthenic pulse.
2. Asthenia Syndrome
Protrusion of hemorrhoids nucleus, prolapsing sensation of the anus; or protrusion of nucleus, light-colored or blackish bleeding, accompanied by palpitation, lusterless complexion, spiritual lassitude and shortness of breath, poor appetite, light-colored tongue and thin pulse.
Treatment
1. Body Acupuncture
Prescription: Baihuanshu (BL 30), Changqiang (GV 1), Chengshan (BL 57) and Erbai (EX-UE 2).
Modification: For sthenia syndrome, Ciliao (BL 32), Huiyang (BL 35) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) are added; for asthenia syndrome, Baihui (GV 20), Pishu (BL 20) and Zusanli (ST 36) are added.
Performance: Reducing needling technique is used for treating sthenia syndrome while reinforcing needling technique is used for treating asthenia syndrome. Baihnanshu (BL 30) and Changqiang (GV 1) are needled with mild reinforcing and reducing techniques. Changqiang (GV 1) is needled obliquely anterior to the coccyx. Baihui (GV 20) can be moxibusted.
2. Ear Acupuncture
Prescription: Rectum (HX2), Large Intestine (CO7), Ear Shenmen (TF4) and Subcortex (AT4).
Performance: Each time 2 - 3 acupoints are selected and needled with medium stimulation. The needles are retained for 20 - 30 minutes once a day. Or Wangbuliuxingzi (Semen Vaccariae) is used for ear acupressure.