Moxibustion is well-known and widely practiced. Many people have purchased moxa sticks and moxibustion tools but do not know how to use them. This article will help you solve these problems.
(Image source: Internet)
First, let us understand what moxibustion is. It refers to the practice of igniting moxa (ai rónɡ) and applying it to acupuncture points or affected areas to utilize its warming properties and pharmacological effects to prevent and treat diseases.
Moxibustion is an important component of acupuncture therapy. Like acupuncture, it is based on the theories of the organs, meridians, and acupoints, and it adjusts the functions of the meridians and organs by stimulating the acupoints, thus playing a role in disease prevention and treatment. Its clinical applications are very broad, but the stimulation factors and mechanisms of moxibustion are significantly different from those of acupuncture. Although its theoretical system is complex, it is simple to operate and has obvious effects, making it widely accepted by the public for self-treatment.
Moxibustion is particularly effective for conditions of deficiency and cold, as well as for preventive health care. It has special effects that can supplement the insufficiencies of acupuncture and herbs. The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine) states: “Where acupuncture cannot reach, moxibustion is appropriate.” The Yixue Rumen (Introduction to Medicine) mentions, “For any disease that cannot be treated by medicine or acupuncture, moxibustion must be used.”
Mugwort (ai yè) has an aromatic scent, is pungent, slightly bitter, and has a warm nature, embodying pure Yang properties. Ancient practitioners believed that mugwort “can return the Yang that has fallen, connect the twelve meridians, travel through the three Yin, regulate blood and Qi, expel cold and dampness, warm the uterus, stop various bleeding, warm the middle, relieve stagnation, regulate menstruation, and calm the fetus… Using it for moxibustion can penetrate the meridians and eliminate hundreds of diseases.” The Bencao Congxin (New Herbal Classic) explains that using mugwort as a moxibustion material has multiple effects, including alleviating dysmenorrhea, promoting circulation, expelling Yin cold, and reviving Yang. Additionally, the moxa made from mugwort is easy to burn, has a pleasant aroma, and its gentle heat can penetrate the skin to reach deep tissues. Aged moxa is preferred as it burns more gently, while freshly made moxa contains more volatile oils, which can produce excessive heat and potentially harm the skin and meridians. Therefore, ancient texts recommend using “aged moxa.” The Mengzi (Mencius) also records: “For a disease lasting seven years, seek moxa from three years ago.”
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So, in what situations is moxibustion appropriate? How should it be performed?
Pain Syndromes — Meridian Obstruction — Unblocking Meridians
Common occurrences of pain in various areas, such as neck and lower back pain after prolonged sitting or working, or pain in the waist and legs; as one ages, issues like “frozen shoulder” or lingering pain from injuries are all due to obstruction in the meridians, which is often summarized as “where there is blockage, there is pain; where there is flow, there is no pain.” These pains can be alleviated by applying moxibustion to the painful areas to help unblock the meridians.
Using a common wooden or copper moxibustion box, ignite the moxa stick and place it on the painful area.
Cold Syndromes — Yang Deficiency and Cold Body — Warming Yang and Expelling Cold
If you feel cold, have cold hands and feet, and wear more than those around you, this may indicate Yang deficiency and cold body. In this case, moxibustion can be used to warm Yang and expel cold. For example, women who are prone to cold in the uterus and dysmenorrhea can moxibust the Shenque (CV8) point at the navel, or the Guanyuan (CV4) point three inches below the navel, or the Mingmen (GV4) point located on the lower back directly opposite the navel. These are all excellent points for warming Yang and helping the body to warm up and dispel internal cold.
Deficiency Syndromes — Weak Constitution
Moxibustion is also very suitable for individuals with a weak constitution. The famous ancient physician Sun Simiao, known as the King of Medicine, was an advocate of moxibustion. Many moxibustion tools still in use today were invented by him. He suffered from poor health as a child, but after consistently practicing moxibustion, he improved his constitution and lived over 100 years, demonstrating the benefits of moxibustion for enhancing health.
Spleen Deficiency — Strengthening the Spleen and Boosting Qi
If you have a poor appetite, difficulty digesting food, a bloated stomach after eating, frequent diarrhea, a pale complexion, feel easily fatigued, and have loose body flesh, you may be suffering from spleen deficiency. Moxibustion is very helpful for spleen deficiency; regularly moxibusting the Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), and Shenque (SP6) points can strengthen the spleen and boost Qi, improving overall health.
Kidney Deficiency — Nourishing the Kidneys and Stabilizing the Essence
If children experience delayed growth and development, are short in stature, have delayed closure of fontanelles, soft bones, low intelligence, or if adults have reduced reproductive function, low libido, men with low sperm count or infertility, women with amenorrhea or infertility; if there is soreness in the lower back and knees, or if there are loose teeth, hair loss, premature graying, or even tinnitus and hearing loss, these may indicate kidney deficiency. Moxibustion can be applied to the Shen (KD3), Mingmen (GV4), Guanyuan (CV4), and Taixi (KD3) points to nourish the essence and support growth in children, as well as improve reproductive function in adults. Additionally, for children wanting to grow taller in spring, moxibustion can be applied to the Shenzhu (GV3) point.
(Image source: Internet)
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Although moxibustion is beneficial, there are certain precautions to consider.
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Generally, moxibustion should not be performed on an empty stomach, after overeating, or when extremely fatigued.
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Sequence: Generally, moxibust the upper body first, then the lower body; start with the back, then the abdomen; begin with the head, and finally the limbs.
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Avoid moxibustion on the face, heart area, large blood vessels on the body surface, and joints or tendons. Pregnant women should avoid moxibustion on the lower back and abdomen. For limbs that are numb or have reduced sensation, do not apply excessive moxibustion to avoid burns.
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Treatment of moxibustion sores and blisters: For moxibustion sores, refer to “Pus-producing Moxibustion.” Small blisters can be absorbed naturally, while larger ones can be punctured with a sterilized needle to release fluid, then covered with a sterile gauze and secured with adhesive tape.
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During the moxibustion process, ensure good ventilation in the room. Take care to prevent moxa fire from damaging clothing, bedding, etc. After moxibustion, ensure that the moxa fire is completely extinguished to prevent fire hazards.
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If you experience discomfort, seek medical attention promptly. This article is merely a method of TCM health care and cannot replace medical treatment.
Source: Mental Rehabilitation Department, Xu Binbin
Editor: Propaganda and United Front Work Department, Chen Xiaoqin
Reviewed: Propaganda and United Front Work Department, Chen Suling
