Benefits and Contraindications of Moxibustion

Benefits and Contraindications of Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a common treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has benefits such as unblocking meridians, harmonizing qi and blood, dispelling dampness and cold, regulating yin and yang, tonifying yang qi, and preventing diseases. However, certain body parts and specific populations are not suitable for moxibustion treatment, which can be considered contraindications. Additionally, care should be taken to avoid burns during the moxibustion process.

Benefits

1. Unblocking Meridians: TCM believes that meridians are the pathways for the circulation of qi and blood in the body. Smooth meridians facilitate the transport of nutrients. Moxibustion can utilize heat to warm the body and achieve the effect of unblocking meridians, which is beneficial for those affected by cold pathogens;

2. Harmonizing Qi and Blood: In TCM, qi is the source of life, and blood is the fundamental substance of the body. Moxibustion can tonify qi and nourish blood, helping to harmonize qi and blood, suitable for conditions such as dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and abdominal pain in women;

3. Dispelling Dampness and Cold: The circulation of blood and qi can be obstructed by cold. Moxibustion can help the circulation of blood and qi through heat, assisting in dispelling dampness and cold, suitable for individuals with heavy dampness and cold constitution;

4. Regulating Yin and Yang: The balance of yin and yang in the body is essential for maintaining health. Imbalance can lead to disease. Moxibustion can help regulate yin and yang, restoring balance, and alleviating symptoms of yang deficiency, such as cold limbs and a pale tongue coating;

5. Tonifying Yang Qi: Insufficient yang qi can lead to poor mental state and, in severe cases, collapse. Moxa (mugwort) is considered yang in nature, and moxibustion can enhance yang qi to help restore vitality;

6. Reducing Swelling and Dissolving Nodules: Moxibustion can assist in dissipating surface blood stasis, swelling, and nodules, suitable for conditions such as cold-type abscesses, sores, and breast abscesses during the non-suppurative stage;

7. Preventing Diseases and Health Maintenance: Moxibustion helps improve bodily functions. By treating acupuncture points with moxibustion, combined with the above benefits, it can help prevent diseases and achieve better health maintenance.

Contraindications

1. It is not recommended to perform moxibustion on areas with wounds, thin skin, or less muscle, such as the face, joints, and perineum;

2. Moxibustion is contraindicated in states of extreme fatigue, hunger, fullness, intoxication, or other poor physical conditions, as individuals lacking self-control may cause burns;

3. It is not recommended for women during menstruation, pregnancy, or in cases of infectious diseases and severe physical decline;

4. From a TCM perspective, individuals with excess heat conditions are also unsuitable for moxibustion. During and after treatment, it is advised to avoid cold foods and contact with cold water to prevent affecting the treatment’s efficacy.

Editor-in-Chief: Liu Qianjin Chief Editor: Li Ya Editor: Yao Na