How to relieve the pain of bloating in the stomach

Abdominal bloating pain is usually caused by gastrointestinal dysfunction, improper diet, cold stimulation, emotional tension, or imbalance of gut microbiota. It can be relieved by applying hot compress to the abdomen, adjusting diet, moderate exercise, massaging acupoints, or taking medication.

1. Apply hot compress to the abdomen

Use a hot water bag or towel to apply to the abdomen, with a temperature controlled at 40-50 degrees Celsius, for 15-20 minutes each time. Heat can promote local blood circulation, alleviate smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, and have a significant effect on the pain caused by catching a cold or eating cold. Attention shall be paid to avoid scalding the skin. Patients with diabetes and pregnant women shall use hot compress at high temperature with caution.

2. Adjust diet

Temporarily fast gas producing food such as beans, potatoes, carbonated drinks, and choose digestible food such as millet porridge, yam soup, etc. Chew slowly when eating and avoid swallowing too much air. Moderate consumption of tangerine peel and ginger water is recommended. tangerine peel contains volatile oils that can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, and the gingerol in ginger has a warming and dispersing effect.

3. Moderate exercise

Slow clockwise abdominal massage combined with walking. When massaging, take a supine position and bend your knees, starting from the lower right abdomen and pushing and kneading along the ascending colon, transverse colon, and descending colon directions. The cloud hand movement or the Eight Section Brocade single lift technique in Tai Chi can regulate the spleen and stomach, and promote the elimination of intestinal gas through breathing combined with limb movements.

4. Massage acupoints

Press the Zhongwan acupoint, Tianshu acupoint, Zusanli and other acupoints. The Zhongwan acupoint is located 4 inches above the navel and can be pressed vertically downwards with the thumb for 2-3 minutes. The Tian Shu acupoint is located 2 inches near the navel, and pressing it with both thumbs can adjust the function of the large intestine. Zusanli acupoint is located on the anterior outer side of the calf, and it is recommended to have a sour and swollen feeling when pressed. The combination of these three acupoints can strengthen the spleen, stomach, regulate qi, and relieve pain.

5. Taking medicine

Under the guidance of doctors, traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations such as Simotang Oral Liquid, Muxiang Shunqi Pill, etc. can be used. Simotang contains components such as Muxiang, ebony, etc., which can relieve qi and pain. Western medicine can choose anti-inflammatory drugs such as dimethyl silicone oil tablets, but it is not suitable for long-term use. If accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea and fever, seek medical attention promptly to rule out acute abdominal diseases such as intestinal obstruction.

It is important to maintain a regular daily routine and avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress. Hawthorn, malt and other digestive aid ingredients can be kept regularly in the diet, and drinking mint tea half an hour after meals can help promote qi circulation and reduce bloating. Pay attention to keeping your abdomen warm in winter and avoid direct air conditioning in summer. If unexplained abdominal pain occurs repeatedly or symptoms continue to worsen, it is recommended to undergo gastrointestinal endoscopy and other examinations to confirm the diagnosis. Long term gastrointestinal dysfunction patients can try moxibustion on health acupoints such as Shenque and Guanyuan, combined with abdominal breathing training to improve intestinal function.