A Unique TCM Therapy: Umbilical Therapy (Qiliao)

The human navel, in TCM, is also called the Shenque acupoint (Spirit Gateway point). Moxibustion and external plasters applied at the Shenque point can treat many diseases.

Skillfully applying TCM's eight-principle pattern differentiation, plasters made from Chinese medicines applied externally on the navel can let patients relieve or cure dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, frequent urination, chloasma, acne, sallow complexion, and age spots without taking medicine by mouth.

The greatest advantage of umbilical therapy is that it does not harm the patient's stomach and intestines; patients can achieve the therapeutic goal without drinking bitter Chinese medicine. Dr. Lv Bing says there are some simple umbilical formulas — for example, mixing scallion white and honey with one or two Chinese medicines into a simple ointment can treat childhood enuresis and adult frequent urination.

The method is as follows: first chop scallion white into fine bits — the finer the better — then mix in half a spoonful of honey. Apply the scallion-honey mixture on the navel, cover with gauze, and leave it on at bedtime; this resolves childhood enuresis and adult nocturia.

There are many umbilical-therapy protocols, and the medicines used are mostly simple and easy to operate. With just one or two Chinese medicines applied externally on the navel, immediate therapeutic effect can be achieved. This treatment method is truly remarkable.