Traditional Chinese Medicine Methods for Relieving Renal Colic, Stone Discharge, and Rectal Prolapse
**For pain relief and stone removal, try cupping and tapping.**
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In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), urinary tract stones fall under the category of "stone strangury" (石淋) within the broader category of "lin" (淋). The incidence of these stones shows a significant gender difference; whether they are upper or lower urinary tract stones, male patients outnumber female patients. Generally, the male-to-female ratio for urinary tract stones is 2:1 to 3:1. In patients with idiopathic urinary tract stones without significant metabolic disorders or urinary system abnormalities, the gender ratio can even reach 4:1 to 5:1. Currently, it is believed that the higher incidence of urinary tract stones in men is closely related to factors such as the male urinary tract structure, dietary habits, and the role of androgens in increasing oxalate formation in urine.
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Depending on the location of formation, urinary tract stones can be classified into kidney stones, ureteral stones, bladder stones, urethral stones, etc. There are many home remedies for urinary tract stones; here we mainly introduce methods to relieve renal colic and promote stone passage.
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Renal colic, also known as renal or ureteral colic, is usually caused by urethral stones leading to spasms of the smooth muscle in the renal pelvis and ureter, or partial obstruction of the lumen. The pain occurs suddenly and is severe, typically starting in the lower back of men and radiating down the ureter to the lower abdomen, groin, inner thigh, and testicles. Sometimes it stops within minutes, while other times it can last for tens of minutes or even hours. This pain can be treated with cupping therapy for emergency relief. The specific method is as follows:
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For those with pain located higher up, apply cupping to the corresponding point on the back, with the corresponding point being inside the cup near the upper edge.
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If the pain is located low in the abdomen, apply cupping directly to the painful spot.
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If you don't have a proper cupping set at home, you can temporarily use a cup or similar object for pain relief. Cupping is a simple and easy method that most people can do at home. After the pain subsides, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible for a thorough examination and early treatment.
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The traditional remedy for kidney stones mainly involves tapping and exercise, targeting stones caused by excessive heat in the lower abdomen, specifically those located in the upper lumbar triangle below the twelfth rib and on the outer edge of the sacrospinalis muscle. For tapping, make fists with both hands and tap the kidney area backward for 5-10 minutes each time, three times a day. The purpose of this is to help the stone move to the renal pelvis as quickly as possible. If the stone is in the upper renal pelvis or has already entered the renal pelvis, increase exercise, such as running, jumping, playing ball, or gymnastics, to promote the downward movement and expulsion of the stone.
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Whether you undergo surgery to remove the stones or manage it yourself, it's essential to ensure adequate hydration, ideally with a daily urine output exceeding 2000 ml. Magnetized water, which is low in minerals, is preferable. Furthermore, diet is closely related to urinary stones. Therefore, men with stones should develop their own dietary plan based on their urine sediment analysis and the composition of past stones. For example, those with calcium-containing stones should avoid excessive consumption of high-calcium foods such as milk and calcium-rich dairy products; those with calcium oxalate stones should limit their intake of foods rich in calcium oxalate, such as spinach, tomatoes, and celery.
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**Rectal prolapse is caused by a deficiency of Yang energy in the body.**
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We know that the anus is the "Gate of the Soul" in the human body. When Qi is deficient and sinking, prolonged diarrhea, prolonged bed rest due to illness damaging Qi, or constipation can lead to rectal prolapse. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that rectal prolapse is caused by a weakening of the body's Yang Qi. Modern people often experience excessive work and life stress, leading to a weakening of Yang Qi in the lower Jiao (lower burner), making it unable to retain Qi, or a sinking of Qi in the middle Jiao (middle burner). Both of these conditions manifest as rectal prolapse.
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So, what should we do in this situation? The method is simple: contract your anus 10-20 times daily. This will help to unblock the central meridian, and frequent anal contractions can boost Yang energy, direct Qi to the Dantian (lower abdomen), warm the five internal organs, promote longevity, and prevent anorectal diseases. If acupuncture is used, Baihui (GV20) can be needled, and for chronic cases, Zusanli (ST36) can be added.
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In addition, the following medicinal diets are also effective ways to treat rectal prolapse.
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**1. Stewed Pork with Snails**
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120 grams of snail meat and 120 grams of pork. Place the cleaned snail meat and pork in a pot and stew together. Take one dose daily, divided into four servings.
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2. Daylily and Wood Ear Mushroom Soup
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100g daylily (also known as golden needle flower), 25g wood ear fungus, 5g white sugar. Wash the daylily and wood ear fungus to remove impurities, add water and boil for 1 hour. Add white sugar to the broth and mix well before serving.
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**3. Crucian Carp and Astragalus Soup**
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> 150-200g crucian carp, 15-20g astragalus root, 9g dried orange peel (stir-fried). Remove the gills, scales, and internal organs of the crucian carp. First, simmer the astragalus root and dried orange peel for 30 minutes, then add the crucian carp. Once the fish is cooked, drink the soup. You can add appropriate amounts of ginger and salt to taste.
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4. Pomegranate peel and gallnut juice
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Take 90 grams of pomegranate peel, 30 grams of gallnut, and 15 grams of alum, and add 1000 ml of water. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, filter out the dregs, and while still hot, first fumigate and then wash the affected area, gently lifting the prolapsed part back up. Do this once in the morning and once in the evening, and it usually heals in 5-10 days.
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5. Chicken Soup with Polygonum multiflorum
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Take 30 grams of Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu) and one hen (approximately 500 grams). Slaughter the hen, remove feathers and internal organs, wrap Polygonum multiflorum powder in white gauze, and stuff it into the hen's abdomen. Add an appropriate amount of water, put it in a pot, and simmer until the chicken meat is tender and easily separates from the bone. Remove the Polygonum multiflorum powder, add salt, oil, ginger, and wine to taste, and drink the soup and eat the chicken. Consume in two divided doses throughout the day.