Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Methods for Varicocele

Varicocele can be treated by taking Chinese medicine orally, acupuncture and moxibustion, massage, external application, diet conditioning and other Chinese medicine methods. Varicocele may be related to factors such as congenital deficiency, prolonged standing and sitting, emotional instability, damp heat accumulation, and blood stasis obstruction. It usually manifests as symptoms such as scrotal swelling and pain, tortuous and dilated veins, and local temperature rise.

1. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that varicocele is often related to factors such as liver depression and qi stagnation, damp heat stagnation, and blood stasis. Commonly used traditional Chinese medicines include promoting blood circulation and removing stasis, soothing the liver and regulating qi, and clearing heat and dampness. Ruxuefu Zhuyu Tang can improve local blood circulation and alleviate scrotal swelling; Chaihu Shugan San helps to soothe the liver, relieve depression, and alleviate symptoms caused by emotional distress; Longdan Xiegan Wan is suitable for patients with damp heat and downward pressure type, and can alleviate the burning sensation of scrotum dampness. It is necessary to choose a prescription after differentiation by a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and avoid self medication.

II. acupuncture and moxibustion Therapy

acupuncture and moxibustion regulates the movement of qi and blood by stimulating specific points, and Sanyinjiao, Taichong, Guanyuan and other points are commonly used. San Yin Jiao is the intersection of the liver, spleen, and kidney meridians, which can improve the circulation of qi and blood in the lower burner; The Taichong acupoint belongs to the Foot Jue Yin Liver Meridian and can relieve liver depression and qi stagnation; Guanyuan acupoint can warm and tonify kidney yang, suitable for patients with lumbar and knee soreness and coldness. Acupuncture and moxibustion needs to be operated by a professional doctor. It is treated 2-3 times a week, and 10 times is a course of treatment. It is a normal reaction that local soreness may occur.

III. Tuina Massage

Tuina massage can promote local blood circulation and relieve venous congestion. Common techniques include rubbing around the scrotum, tapping on the Qi Sea acupoint, and pushing and rubbing the inner thigh. The massage technique should be gentle and tolerated by the patient, avoiding excessive force that may worsen venous injury; Pressing the Qi Hai acupoint can be combined with breathing regulation, lasting 3-5 minutes each time; The direction of pushing should be along the direction of venous return. It is recommended to perform under the guidance of a professional physician and avoid immediate operation after meals.

Fourth, External Application Therapy

Traditional Chinese medicine external application can directly act on the affected area, and commonly used blood activating and stasis removing herbs such as safflower, Danshen, Chuanxiong, etc. are made into ointments or fumigation washes. Topical application of safflower oil can alleviate local swelling and pain, but it is contraindicated when the skin is damaged; Fumigation and washing with Danshen decoction can help improve microcirculation, and the temperature should be controlled below 40 ℃; The application of Chuanxiong powder is suitable for those with obvious blood stasis, and slight redness of the skin may be a normal phenomenon. People with allergies need to undergo a skin test first.

Fifth, Dietary Adjustment

Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes light and smooth diet, and can consume foods such as hawthorn, black fungus, winter melon in moderation. Hawthorn can promote blood circulation and disperse lumps, and can be boiled as a substitute for tea; Black fungus is rich in gum, which helps improve vascular elasticity; Winter melon is suitable for patients with damp heat type due to its ability to absorb water and dampness. Avoid spicy, stimulating, greasy and rich foods, and limit alcohol intake. Patients with combined other diseases need to adjust their diet according to their physical condition.

Patients with varicocele should avoid prolonged standing and sitting in their daily lives, and move their lower limbs every 1-2 hours to promote reflux; Choose loose and breathable underwear to reduce local pressure; Moderate aerobic exercise such as jogging and swimming can improve overall circulation; Avoid behaviors that increase abdominal pressure, such as lifting heavy objects or engaging in vigorous exercise. If the symptoms persist or if testicular atrophy, infertility, or other conditions occur, timely medical evaluation should be sought to determine whether integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment or surgical intervention is needed. Regularly review semen quality and scrotal ultrasound during treatment to monitor changes in the condition.