Stomach pain is a familiar issue for many. Based on frequency, it's typically categorized as occasional or persistent. Different frequencies often indicate distinct underlying causes. So what causes frequent stomach pain?
Disease Factors
Understanding frequent stomach pain requires considering other symptoms, discomfort, and relevant lab tests. Particular attention should be paid to stomach pain caused by gastritis or gastric/duodenal ulcers, which necessitates timely endoscopy for diagnosis. Beyond gastrointestinal diseases, conditions affecting other organs—such as the gallbladder, pancreas, or heart—can also trigger stomach pain, making comprehensive examinations essential.
Lifestyle Factors
Beyond disease, frequent stomach pain is closely linked to genetics, environment, diet, medications, bacterial infections, as well as smoking and alcohol abuse. Therefore, managing stomach pain requires diligent daily care: maintaining a balanced diet, using medications appropriately, quitting smoking and alcohol, and adhering to a regular sleep schedule to better prevent and treat stomach pain.
Effective Acupoints for Relieving Stomach Pain
Zhongwan (CV12)
Zhongwan is a crucial acupoint for treating gastrointestinal disorders. It is located at the midpoint between the lower end of the sternum and the navel, approximately one palm's width above the navel.For acupressure: Lie supine, relax muscles, exhale slowly while applying firm downward pressure with a finger. Release after 6 seconds and repeat 10 times for gastric comfort. This method proves most effective during acute stomach pain episodes.
Tianshu Point
This point is located two thumb-widths to the left and right of the navel. The patient can lie flat on a bed and use the middle three fingers to press and massage this area for about 2 minutes. Tianshu Point primarily treats conditions such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Zusanli (ST36)
Located four finger-widths below the lateral knee joint (the lateral condyle of the tibia). Below the kneecap, you can feel a protrusion (the lateral condyle of the tibia). From there, move slightly outward and diagonally downward to find another protrusion (the head of the fibula). Connecting these two protrusions forms the base of an equilateral triangle pointing downward.The apex of this equilateral triangle marks the Zusanli point. Press for 6 seconds, release, and repeat 10 times. This promotes gastric acid secretion, soothes stomach discomfort, and provides pain relief.