Introduction: Using finger pressure on the Diaphragm Pass acupoint to treat stomach pain is a technique the author learned from an experienced senior doctor. It has shown significant efficacy and is particularly suitable for patients with acute stomach pain, serving as an emergency method when needles or medication are unavailable.

Using Finger Pressure on the Diaphragm Pass Acupoint to Treat Stomach Pain

Li Yiqing

In the early winter of the 1960s, the medical team of Changchun College of Traditional Chinese Medicine had three main tasks: first, to serve the poor and lower-middle-class farmers; second, to extend educational outreach; and third, to conduct graduation internships for the 1960 class of the Traditional Chinese Medicine program. A student surnamed Gao reported that the elderly director Zhang of Guojiaidian Town Hospital had a remarkable skill—he could cure stomach pain with a touch, but he kept the method to himself.

After a few minutes of finger pressure, the stomach pain disappeared

One day, after class, I deliberately visited the renowned Director Zhang in the area. Although the elderly doctor was over sixty, he still appeared robust, humble, and hospitable. During our conversation, a male patient around forty years old came in. He looked pale and emaciated, hunched over with both hands clutching his stomach, groaning in pain. He indicated that he was here for treatment.

After conducting an examination, Dean Zhang diagnosed the patient with gastric spasm. He instructed the patient to sit in a forward-leaning position, stood behind them, and extended his right hand under the patient’s clothing. With full concentration and steady finger pressure, after approximately five to seven minutes, the patient experienced relief. A few minutes later, the gastric pain completely disappeared. The patient smiled, bowed in gratitude, and departed. Dean Zhang explained, "People learn through study and experience. I am not withholding knowledge, but in cold weather, with clothing in the way and no clear acupoint to identify, it is difficult to explain…"

According to the dean’s explanation, the point where he applied finger pressure corresponds to the right-sided Geguān acupoint (located approximately 3 cun lateral to the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra). Below are some insights on this approach.

1. Indications and Techniques of Finger Acupressure:

Using finger acupressure to treat acute gastric pain, particularly in patients with gastric spasm, can yield remarkable, immediate results when performed correctly. It is also effective for diaphragmatic spasm (hiccups) and abdominal muscle spasm (simple abdominal pain). If the right side is ineffective, the left-sided Geguān acupoint can also be used. Before treatment, the back should be examined. This method is contraindicated in cases of skin conditions, suspected pancreatitis, or fever.

2、Patient's Position:

It is advisable for the patient to sit upright. The physician should stand behind the patient, clench the right hand into a fist, and use the tip of the middle segment of the middle finger (which has greater endurance than the index fingertip) to apply pressure to the diaphragm-related point. The force should be gradually increased from light to heavy, with the intensity adjusted to the patient's tolerance, maintaining a steady and constant pressure.

3、Suggestion Therapy:

During the finger acupuncture procedure, if the patient's saliva production increases, instruct them to swallow it. The more saliva produced, often the better the therapeutic outcome. If the stomach pain does not diminish after 15 minutes of finger acupuncture and there is no increase in saliva, attempt to suggest ways to increase saliva production, such as discussing the taste of oranges or sour plums.

The "Geguang" points, located on the bladder meridian of the foot-taiyang on the back at the level of the diaphragm and beside the Geshu (BL17) point where blood gathers, are named for their ability to treat chest and flank disorders.

In clinical practice, Geguang (BL46) and Weishu (BL21) are used as main points for pattern-based treatment.

1. For stomach pain, abdominal distension, constipation, yellow tongue coating, and a full or wiry-strong pulse, add Hegu (LI4), Xiawan (RN10), and Tianshu (ST25) to reduce turbidity, promote bowel movements, and alleviate pain.

2. For stomach pain, chest and flank fullness, or nausea and vomiting, with a long-wiry or wiry-strong pulse, consider adding Neiguan (PC6), Zhigou (TE6), Zhongwan (RN12), and Ganshu (BL18) to soothe the liver and spleen, relax tension, and relieve pain.

3. For stomach pain, physical weakness and fatigue, pale tongue, and weak or feeble pulse, consider adding Spleen Shu (BL20), Stomach Shu (BL21), Diaphragm Shu (BL17), and Zusanli (ST36) to regulate and tonify qi and blood, and alleviate pain.