Gastroptosis results from the weak lifting and holding power of the middle energizer qi due to the unhealthy spleen and stomach. The pathogenesis at the stage of recovery mainly lies in qi deficiency of the middle energizer and concurrent stagnation and blood stasis.

Syndrome differentiation and treat-merit

Sunken qi of the middle energizer

It manifests declining appetite, anorexia, even unconsciousness of starvation, concurrent postcibal epigastric and abdominal oppression and distension, inclination to vomiting in the case of excessive or insufficient food intake, short breath, disinclination to speak, lassitude, hypodynamia, pale tongue with white and thin fur, slow and weak pulse. It is advisable to strengthen the middle energizer and supplement qi. The prescription used is the modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (Decoction for Strengthening the Middle Energizer and Supplementing Qi).

Qi stagnation due to asthenia of the middle energizer

It manifests epigastric mass and abdominal distension which are relieved in the case of an empty stomach, defecation, wind from bowels or eructation and aggravated after the meals, thin fur and taut pulse. It is advisable to strengthen the middle energizer and regulate qi. The prescription used is the modified combination of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (Decoction for Strengthening the Middle Energizer and Supplementing Qi) with Zhizhu Decoction (Decoction of Immature Bitter Orange and Bighead Atractylodes).

Blood stasis due to asthenia of the middle energizer

It manifests anorexia, short breath, disinclination to speak, lassitude of limbs, epigastric and abdominal distending pain with definite site, purple tongue in most cases, thready and unsmooth pulse. It is advisable to strengthen the middle energizer and remove blood stasis. The prescription used is Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (Decoction for Strengthening the Middle Energizer and Supplementing Qi) with additional Taoren ( Semen Persicae), Honghua ( Flos Carthami) , Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) and Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong).

In addition, grind 30 g of Renshen (Radix Ginseng) and 60 g of Cangzhu ( Rhizoma Atractylodis) into fine powder. Put the powder into capsules. Take 1 g each time, three times a day. This administration and dosage are applicable to all the above syndromes.

Rehabilitation methods

Regulating emotions and recreation therapy

Adopt the method of checking one emotion with another to keep free from worries and use the method of straightening out the patients to tranquilize the mind in combination with the color therapy and flower therapy. As for the musical therapy, select the music for strengthening the spleen and stomach. In the case of constipation due to qi deficiency, it is advisable to select the beautiful, gentle and sweet tunes of classical music.

Physical training

Practice two or three postures or a dozen of postures of Taijiquan in the light of the state of illness and physical conditions of the patient. It is also advisable to practice the section of "Stretching One Hand Upward to Regulate the Functions of the Stomach and Spleen".

Acumox and massage

Acumox: Select Qihai (CV 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Weishang (bilaterally, two cun above the navel and four cun lateral to the anterior midline), Neiguan (PC 6), Zhangmen (LR 13), Liangmen (ST 21), Gongsun (SP 4) and Jianli (CV 11). Puncture two to four acupoints each time with the twirling manipulation once a day. Retain the needles for fifteen to twenty minutes.

Penetration needling Penetrate more acupoints on the upper abdomen along the skin with a longer thick filiform needle. Twirl the needle to one direction mostly so that the muscle fibre twines around the body of the needle. Then, adopt the lifting-pulling manipulation to produce the full, convulsive and tight sensation in the stomach.

Acupoint injection Mix 100 mg of vitamin B1 injection with 0.1 mg of vitamin B12 injection. Inject the mixed injection into the two groups of the bilateral Zhangmen (LR 13) acupoints and Zusanli (ST 36) acupoints as well as the bilateral Pishu (BL 20) acupoints and Weishu (BL 21 ) acupoints alternately once a day, 0.5 ml each acupoint.

Ear acupuncture: Select Wei, Jiaogan (MA-AH 7), Pizhixia (MA-AT 1) and Gan (MA-SC 5).