Where to apply moxibustion for atrophic gastritis?

Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on September 12, 2024
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For some symptoms of atrophic gastritis, moxibustion can be applied, such as on the Zhongwan acupoint located on the Ren meridian, as well as the Xiawan and Liangqiu acupoints. Moxibustion can also be done on the Zusanli acupoint along the stomach meridian, as well as on Neiguan and Gongsun acupoints, which are intersections of the eight meridians and can regulate atrophic gastritis. However, there is a particular method to follow during moxibustion; generally, acupoints on the upper body are treated first, followed by those on the lower body. For instance, start with the acupoints on the abdomen such as Zhongwan, Xiawan, and Liangqiu, followed by Zusanli, and then Gongsun. During moxibustion, the amount of moxa used should increase gradually, and the duration of treatment should extend from short to longer periods, indicating that the treatment period for atrophic gastritis might be longer.

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Can atrophic gastritis with HP positive lead to cancer?

Chronic atrophic gastritis has a certain risk of cancerous transformation. For patients with chronic atrophic gastritis, the first step in treatment is to administer anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy, which includes a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment duration of 14 days. Additionally, treatments to suppress stomach acid, protect the stomach lining, promote gastric motility, and repair the stomach mucosa are necessary. Treatment methods also involve traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnoses and oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine. External TCM treatments, such as thunder-fire moxibustion and moxibustion on the Zhongwan acupoint, or the acupoints of spleen-shu and stomach-shu on the back, which strengthen the spleen and benefit qi to nourish the stomach, can also play a significant role in treating this disease.

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What are the symptoms before atrophic gastritis turns cancerous?

Patients with atrophic gastritis primarily exhibit symptoms such as dull pain, bloating, and burning pain in the upper abdomen, along with belching, acid reflux, weight loss, anemia, and more. If the pain from atrophic gastritis does not follow a clear pattern and is accompanied by progressive weight loss and refractory anemia, the possibility of cancerous changes in atrophic gastritis should be considered. It is advisable to promptly complete an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy, and, if necessary, undertake a biopsy. In terms of treatment, it is first essential to test for Helicobacter pylori infection and then use medications to protect the gastric mucosa.

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What is the cause of recurrent atrophic gastritis?

Recurrent atrophic gastritis is likely caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. When atrophic gastritis recurs, a Carbon-13 urea breath test or Carbon-14 urea breath test should be conducted to detect whether there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the test is positive, a two-week quadruple therapy containing a bismuth agent should be used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. Consider using a proton pump inhibitor, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, combined with two of the antibiotics amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and furazolidone, as well as bismuth citrate, to form the quadruple therapy. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Are atrophic gastritis and atrophic gastric erosion the same?

Atrophic gastritis and atrophic gastric erosion do not mean the same thing; atrophic gastric erosion refers to the presence of gastric mucosal erosion based on atrophic gastritis. When atrophic gastritis is accompanied by gastric erosion, it is crucial to actively check for Helicobacter pylori infection. If the Helicobacter pylori infection tests positive, the treatment involves a two-week quadruple therapy that includes bismuth to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, along with medications to protect the gastric mucosa, such as magnesium carbonate, sucralfate, etc., and also some digestive aids. (Please take medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Symptoms and Treatment of Atrophic Gastritis

Common symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, postprandial fullness, heartburn, and indigestion. Gastroscopy can reveal atrophy of the gastric glands in the mucosa, and a definitive diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis can be made through biopsy and histopathological examination. In terms of treatment, the first step involves eradicating Helicobacter pylori, using a regimen that includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, over a 14-day treatment period. Additionally, treatments aimed at acid suppression, gastric motility enhancement, and gastric mucosal protection are also necessary. Traditional Chinese medicine can also be effective in treating atrophic gastritis. A combined approach utilizing both Western and Chinese medicine can yield better outcomes for the treatment of atrophic gastritis.