As spring quietly approaches, all things revive and flourish. However, for some individuals, the cold of winter seems not to have completely retreated, and they may still be troubled by cold and dampness. This is especially true in southern regions, where the damp and cold climate of winter can be particularly uncomfortable. Even wearing heavy clothing may not be enough to resist the penetrating chill that seems to reach the bones.
Spring is a time when Yang energy begins to rise, making it an ideal opportunity to regulate the body and expel internal cold and dampness. Among the many Chinese herbs, Ai Ye (Artemisia argyi) is revered as the “pure Yang herb” and is an excellent choice for dispelling cold and dampness in spring.
1. Ai Ye: A Small Herb with Significant Effects
Ai Ye is not only known as a “medicinal herb” but also as a “moxibustion herb” because it is used for moxibustion. The Zhēnzhū Náng states: “(Ai Ye) warms the center, expels cold, and eliminates dampness.” Ancient physicians praised the effects of Ai Ye in regulating the body. The Ming Yi Bie Lu refers to it as a “medicinal herb,” while the Bencao Gangmu records: “Ai can treat diseases, and over time it becomes more effective, hence the character for Ai is derived from the character for ‘treat.'” The character ‘treat’ (乂) sounds the same as ‘medicine’ (医), implying that Ai Ye has the power to heal and stabilize.
However, while moxibustion is beneficial, improper use can also harm the body. Therefore, when performing moxibustion, it is important to be aware of the following two misconceptions:
1. Using Fresh Ai to Make Moxa Sticks Can Harm Rather Than Heal
Fresh Ai refers to Ai Ye that has not been aged or processed. Directly making moxa sticks from freshly harvested Ai Ye is not suitable because the strong heat of fresh Ai can easily burn the skin and meridians. The Bencao Gangmu points out: “If fresh Ai is used for moxibustion, it will harm the skin and meridians.” Therefore, when selecting moxa sticks, it is advisable to choose those made from aged Ai Ye.
2. Thunder Fire Moxibustion: Difficult to Operate and Can Harm Yin
Thunder fire moxibustion is a special moxibustion method where the moxa column is wider and generates more heat. However, the timing and acupuncture points for using thunder fire moxibustion are critical and should be performed by professionals. It is difficult for the average person to control, and improper use can easily lead to excessive heat and harm to Yin, which may not be beneficial for health. Therefore, when performing moxibustion, it is essential to choose a method that suits oneself and to follow the guidance of professionals.
2. Moxibustion to Expel Cold and Dampness: Effectively Using the “Ashi Point”
It is commonly said that “pain indicates a point,” and traditional Chinese medicine holds a similar view. In TCM theory, the “Ashi Point” refers to a point on the body that, when pressed, produces sensations of soreness, numbness, swelling, pain, or heaviness. These points are often where cold and dampness have attached to the body, resulting in discomfort or pain.
The “Ashi Point” is where Qi deficiency and pathogenic factors are retained. Moxibustion can be used at these points to leverage the warming and pain-relieving properties of the moxa stick to help expel cold and dampness. A simple method to determine the cold and dampness nature of an “Ashi Point” is to observe whether pain worsens in cold or rainy weather. If so, it is likely suitable for moxibustion treatment.
During moxibustion, some individuals may experience unique sensations such as a crawling feeling, itching, warmth spreading, or beads of sweat forming on the skin at the moxibustion site. When these sensations occur, it is advisable to continue moxibustion at that point until the sensations naturally subside, as this may yield certain therapeutic effects.
If there are concerns about burns from moxibustion, one can opt for heat patches containing Ai Ye powder. Applying a heat patch to the “Ashi Point” can also help warm Yang, disperse cold, and promote circulation. The benefit of heat patches is that they maintain a constant temperature, aligning with the “gentle effect” principle of moxibustion.
3. Recommended Acupuncture Points and Moxibustion Methods
Here are several commonly used acupuncture points for reference. These points can be treated with moxibustion or heat patches.
1. Shoulder Pain: Jian Jing (Shoulder Well) Point
The Jian Jing point is located on the shoulder and is an important point for treating shoulder pain. Moxibustion or heat application at this point can help warm the meridians, disperse cold, and relieve pain, thus alleviating shoulder pain issues.
2. Early Stage of Cold: Da Zhui (Great Vertebra) Point
The Da Zhui point is located in the neck and is an important point on the Du Meridian. In the early stage of a cold, moxibustion or heat application at the Da Zhui point can help disperse wind-cold, relieve exterior symptoms, and reduce fever, thus alleviating cold symptoms.
3. Cold-Induced Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea: Shen Que (Spirit Gate) Point + Ming Men (Life Gate) Point
The Shen Que point is located at the center of the navel, and the Ming Men point is located in the lower back. These two points are important for treating cold-induced abdominal pain and diarrhea. Moxibustion or heat application at these points can help warm Yang, disperse cold, and relieve diarrhea and pain.
4. Enuresis in Children: Shen Que Point or Ming Men Point
For enuresis in children, moxibustion or heat application can be performed at the Shen Que point or Ming Men point. These points can help warm and tonify kidney Yang, and stabilize urination.
4. Precautions for Moxibustion
1. For children aged 3-6 years: It is recommended to perform moxibustion at each point for 3 to 5 minutes, with the total moxibustion time controlled between 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring safety and avoiding burns.
2. For children over 6 years: It is recommended to extend the moxibustion time at each point to 5 to 8 minutes, with the total moxibustion time being 20 to 30 minutes, while also strictly observing safety precautions.
If parents have concerns about the safety of moxibustion, they can choose heat patches containing Ai Ye for their children, applying them for 10 to 15 minutes at each point, while carefully monitoring to prevent burns.
3. For adults: It is recommended to perform moxibustion at each point for 10 to 15 minutes. If using heat patches, the application time can be extended to 2 to 4 hours, and if sweating occurs at the local area, it is advisable to wipe it off promptly to prevent dampness from re-entering the body.
4. It is worth noting that while Ai Ye is widely distributed, not all varieties are suitable for medicinal use. Li Shizhen praised Qi Ai as the superior choice due to its exceptional penetrating power. There is an ancient saying that tests the quality of moxa sticks by using them on wine jars: “Only Qi Ai can penetrate the wine jar,” highlighting its strong heat transfer and penetration capabilities.
