Treatment by external application of Chinese herb
22 cases of obstinate abdominal distension of liver origin were treated by local application on the umbilical region with Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan. The formula was ground into a powder and mixed with vinegar to make a paste. This paste was applied once every 2 to 3 days and 3 treatments constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. The results showed that 7 cases had significant improvement, 10 cases had some improvement, and 5 cases had no improvement. The total effectiveness rate was 77.27%.(
9)
49 cases of gastrointestinal gas distension were treated by local application of an herbal paste on the umbilical region. The herbs used were powdered Lai Fu Zi (Raphanus), Pu Xiao, and Cong Bai. The paste applied was 0.5cm thick and the area was covered with gauze and bandaged. If necessary, the herbal dressing was changed every 4 hours. The results showed that after 1 to 3 sessions, 47 cases showed exsufflation and defecation with subsidence of abdominal distension. 2 cases had no improvement. The total effectiveness rate was 95.9%.(10)
30 cases of abdominal distension, which occurred after apoplexy, were treated by regional application of an herbal paste. The paste included 10g of Lai Fu Zi (Raphaus) powder, which was then mixed with rice wine. The paste was made into a cake shape with a diameter of 3 cm. After routine sterilization, the herbal cake was placed on the umbilical region and fixed with gauze. The herbal cake was changed every 12 hours. The effectiveness of this treatment was measured in the reduction of abdominal distension. The results were: 19 cases showed effectiveness within 12 to 48 hours after treatment, 8 cases showed effectiveness within 48 to 72 hours, and 3 cases showed no effectiveness. The total effectiveness rate was 90%.(11)
Enema treatment
An enema was used in 20 cases for prevention and treatment of post-operative abdominal distension. Tong Fu Tang was used. This formula consisted of Da Huang (Rhubarb), Yuan Min Fen, Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Hou Pu (Magnolia), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Dan Pi (Moutan), Sheng Di (Rehmannia Root), Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Tao Ren (Persica), and Gan Cao (Licorice). These herbs were immersed in 500ml water for an hour and boiled for 30 minutes. This mixture was then decocted until the total volume was reduced to 200ml. This resulting mixture was boiled for 15 minutes and then 100ml of the mixture was taken and then 10g of powdered Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis) was added. The mixture was used as an enema. The tube for the enema was inserted into the rectum 15 to 18cm. The flow rate of enema fluid was 80 to 120 drops per minute and the temperature of the fluid was 39 to 40 degrees. No drugs were used in the control group of 20 cases. The results showed that exsufflation and spontaneous defecation in the enema group occurred earlier than the control group (P<0.05,P<0.01).(12)
Combined treatment of acupuncture and herbs
34 cases of abdominal distension of liver origin were treated by acupuncture on the points Qi Men (Liv14), Zhong Wan (Ren 12), Zu San Li (S36), Tai Chong (Liv3), Gan Shu (B18), Pi Shu (B20), and San Yin Jiao (Sp6) by the enforcing and reduction method. The needles were retained for 30 minutes, once a day. Also, Xiao Zhang San (a powder of relieving fullness) was externally applied to the umbilical region. The formula contains Chen Xiang (Aquilaria), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), and Bing Pian (Borneol). The herbal application was changed every other day. 14 days constituted one course of treatment. 34 cases in the control group were treated with an oral administration of Xiao Zhang Pian (a tablet form of Xiao Zhang San) for removing fullness. After therapy of 2 to 3 courses, the results for the treatment and control groups were respectively: marked improvement in 25 and 16 cases, some improvement in 8 and 10 cases, and no improvement in 1 and 8 cases. The total effectiveness rates were 97% and 76.5% (P<0.05).(13)
Massage treatment
30 cases of abdominal distension were treated by a chiropractic technique that included kneading and massaging the muscles forcefully with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger of both hands. The massage began at the sacrum, moving upward along the vertebral column to the point Da Zhui. This procedure was repeated 6 times. 7 days constituted one course of treatment. The kneading and pulling the spinal muscles and skin upward while moving right and left slightly resulted in, preferably, regional redness and warming sensations. The results showed that 18 cases had recovered after 2 courses of therapy, and 12 cases had improved. The total effectiveness rate was 100%.(14)