Spring Moxibustion
All Questions Answered
In early spring, the world revives, and nature bursts with vitality. The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) mentions that “spring governs the liver” and “spring and summer nourish Yang, while autumn and winter nourish Yin.” Spring is the season for the liver Qi to rise and a good time to replenish Yang. Many people choose moxibustion to regulate their bodies.
About Moxibustion
TCM Knowledge
Moxibustion
Introduction
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a TCM external treatment method that uses moxa (mugwort) as the raw material, igniting it and bringing it close to or in contact with the affected area or acupuncture points. This method stimulates the local area with heat to achieve therapeutic effects. Due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and ease of operation, it is widely popular among the public.
Types and Methods of Moxibustion
Moxibustion is generally divided into direct moxibustion and indirect moxibustion (with a barrier). Depending on the method of operation, it can be further subdivided into moxa stick moxibustion, moxa cone moxibustion, and warm needle moxibustion, with moxa stick moxibustion being the most commonly used in daily life.Moxa stick moxibustion can be performed using hand-held moxibustion or moxibustion devices. Hand-held moxibustion involves holding a lit moxa stick and rotating it over the treatment area at a distance of 3-5 cm from the skin, allowing a warm sensation without burning; moxibustion devices involve placing a warming moxa box on a flat treatment area, positioning the lit moxa roll over the acupuncture point on a metal mesh, covering it with a lid, and generally applying moxibustion for 15-30 minutes.
Principles of Moxibustion
The moxibustion therapy utilizes the “moxibustion” method, using “mugwort leaves” as the material, leveraging the effects of acupoints to transmit therapeutic effects along the meridians throughout the body, and to adjust the Yin and Yang of the organs.The Shen Jiu Jing Lun states: “Moxibustion warms the meridians, promotes Qi and blood flow, allowing the stagnant to move and the reversed to become smooth.” The Ben Cao Gang Mu states, “Mugwort leaves are bitter and pungent, warm when raw and hot when cooked, can ascend or descend, belong to Yang, can traverse the three Yin, and expel cold and dampness.” Therefore, moxibustion has the effects of warming the meridians, dispelling cold, and promoting Qi flow.The Ling Shu: Meridians states, “If it sinks, moxibustion should be applied.” The Zhen Jing states: “If the Yang Qi sinks into the Yin Qi, the Yin occupies the upper position and reverses the Yang, and the pulse signs are evident externally, then moxibustion should be applied.” Mugwort leaves are Yang in nature, and fire is also Yang; the combination of two Yangs can benefit Qi and warm Yang, lifting the sinking Yang.
Truth About Moxibustion
Moxibustion
Introduction
Why Can Moxibustion Treat Diseases?
The material for moxibustion is mugwort leaves. Mugwort is a pure Yang herb that absorbs the most vigorous Yang energy. Mugwort leaves can be classified into raw and cooked types; raw mugwort has a strong aromatic scent and is particularly good at dispersing, while its nature is warm, making it effective in warming the meridians and dispelling dampness. Cooked mugwort has a nature that rises from warm to hot, enhancing its warming and dispersing effects.Moxibustion is essentially an enhanced version of cooked mugwort, where the assistance of fire allows the medicinal properties of mugwort to reach various parts of the body more easily, scraping out the pathogenic factors hidden deep within your body, effectively warming the meridians and dispelling dampness and cold.
Is Moxibustion a Cure-All?
Moxibustion falls under the category of fire therapy and has many contraindications, so it is not a panacea. Moxibustion also requires observation, inquiry, and pulse diagnosis, and treatment should be based on syndrome differentiation. We must approach it rationally, formulating an appropriate moxibustion plan based on factors such as age, location, body needs, and treatment goals, including the rhythm, duration, and intervals of moxibustion, to achieve the best health benefits.
How Long Should Each Moxibustion Session Last?
1. For regular moxibustion on an acupoint, the duration is typically 5 to 30 minutes, with a single moxibustion session generally lasting from 30 minutes to 2 hours;2. For acupoints on the waist and abdomen, the duration is often longer, while for acupoints on the limbs and extremities, the duration is relatively shorter;3. Body condition: during acute or severe illness, the moxibustion time for an acupoint may be longer, while for daily health maintenance, it can be shorter;4. Observe the moxibustion sensation: if a significant sensation occurs at an acupoint, the duration for that session can be extended, or it can be prioritized. The moxibustion sensation refers to specific phenomena experienced during moxibustion, such as a crawling sensation, heat conduction, diffusion, itching, or pain (not due to the moxa being too close), and even the appearance of spots or red lines on the skin.
Can Moxibustion Be Done Daily?
The frequency of moxibustion should be determined based on individual constitution and treatment goals.For chronic disease management, it can be done daily in the initial stage for 7-10 days, followed by a break of two to three days, and then continue for another 7-10 days.If noticeable improvement is felt after the first 7-10 days of moxibustion, or if time is limited, one can opt for moxibustion every other day or 2-3 times a week.During the moxibustion process, body fluids and Qi may be consumed; if done daily, it may lead to excessive heat and damage Yin, contradicting the initial health goals. Therefore, it is essential to seek guidance from a professional.
What Conditions Should Not Use Moxibustion?
Moxibustion should not be performed on individuals with excess heat in the body. If there is already internal heat, using fire therapy will have the opposite effect, exacerbating the condition. Many patients with excess conditions experience heat and sleeplessness after moxibustion. Zhang Zhongjing documented similar cases where internal heat worsened after fire therapy, damaging body fluids and depleting Qi, leading to a more severe condition.Children, being pure Yang bodies, generally do not require moxibustion. Individuals with severely deficient Qi and blood should also avoid moxibustion, as its principle is to open the meridians and dispel dampness and cold, but it does not replenish Qi and blood, and may even deplete some Qi and blood. Those recovering from severe illness should first restore their Qi and blood to normal before gradually starting moxibustion.
What Should Be Noted After Moxibustion?
The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion states: “After moxibustion, one should not drink tea, as it may dispel the fire energy; nor should one eat immediately, as it may obstruct the Qi flow. One should rest quietly for a while, avoiding social interactions, distractions, and maintaining a calm mind. It is essential to avoid great anger, excessive labor, extreme hunger, overeating, exposure to heat, or cold. Cold fruits should also be avoided. Only light, stomach-nourishing foods should be consumed to ensure smooth Qi and blood flow, allowing the moxa fire to expel pathogenic Qi. Heavy, toxic, or alcoholic foods may produce phlegm and obstruct the pathogenic Qi.”Ancient practitioners paid great attention to post-moxibustion care, emphasizing the need for quiet rest and a light diet. One should not drink tea immediately after moxibustion, as it is believed to counteract the fire energy of moxibustion, preventing its full efficacy. Eating should also be delayed, and one should lie down to rest, avoiding anger and fatigue.
How to Identify Quality Moxa Sticks?
1. Moxibustion sensation: gentle, penetrating heat, long-lasting warmth, soft and not harsh, easy to achieve sensation;2. Color: Moxa fluff should be earthy yellow, with very few small green or black stem particles;3. Aroma: The aroma of moxa should be balanced and pleasant, providing a sense of comfort when inhaled;4. Moxa smoke: The smoke should be light white and pure, with good initial smoke dispersion, not irritating to the lungs or nose;5. Craftsmanship: The moxa roll should be tightly rolled, easy to ignite, burning evenly and thoroughly, and the moxa fluff should clump together without scattering when the moxa leaf paper is torn off;6. Ash: The ash should be fine, gray-white, compact, and easy to clean.
Source: Capital Medical University Hospital
About Us
The medical team at Dinghu District Maternal and Child Health Hospital has rich clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of breast diseases, cervical diseases, women’s health care, prenatal and postnatal care, gynecological endocrinology, infertility, family planning surgeries, common and frequently occurring gynecological diseases, hysteroscopy, cervical LEEP surgeries, and the prevention and treatment of birth defects. We welcome consultations and visits.
Medical Team
Qin Jianying
Branch Secretary Center Director
Associate Chief Physician
Engaged in gynecological diagnosis and treatment for 30 years, a national level four reproductive health consultant, with rich clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological diseases, specializing in infertility treatment, preconception health assessment consultation, and nutritional guidance during preconception and pregnancy. Over the years, has led the promotion and application of three new technologies and projects in obstetrics and gynecology, and participated in two municipal-level research projects. In 2023, awarded the Dinghu District 30-Year Medical Contribution Award.
Xie Xueying
Deputy Director of the Center Associate Chief Physician
Engaged in obstetrics and gynecology clinical work for over 20 years. Has studied at Guangdong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital and Foshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital. Specializes in breast diseases, common and frequently occurring gynecological diseases, gynecological endocrinology, gynecological tumors, infertility, family planning, prenatal and postnatal care, women’s health care, difficult labor surgeries, and the treatment of obstetric emergencies and birth defect prevention. In December 2014, won the third prize in the National Maternal and Child Health Skills Competition in the perinatal care specialty, and has received multiple honors including Dinghu District’s Top Ten Doctors, Dinghu District’s March 8th Red Banner Holder, Dinghu District’s Most Beautiful Medical Staff, Dinghu District’s Most Beautiful Women’s Fighter, Zhaoqing City Labor Model, and Guangdong Province Advanced Individual in the Fight Against COVID-19.
Wu Shaofen
Chief Physician
Engaged in gynecological clinical work for over 20 years, responsible for women’s reproductive health care and preconception consultation, accumulating rich clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of common and frequently occurring gynecological diseases. Familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological endocrinology, infertility, women’s health care, and cervical diseases. Especially skilled in various family planning surgeries, cervical disease prevention and treatment, hysteroscopy, and cervical LEEP surgeries. Participated in colposcopy training at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, and completed a four-month gynecological study at Zhaoqing First People’s Hospital in 2009, and a six-month study at the Gynecological Endocrinology, Cervical Disease Center, and Hysteroscopy Center at Foshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital in 2020. Awarded the title of Dinghu District’s Most Beautiful Women’s Fighter in 2020 and Dinghu District’s Top Ten Physicians in 2023.
Liu Minyan
Associate Chief Physician
Graduated from Guangdong Pharmaceutical University with a bachelor’s degree in clinical medicine, has worked in obstetrics and gynecology at a tertiary general hospital for over 10 years, and passed the review for the non-primary associate chief physician title in 2022. Rich clinical experience, skilled in various family planning surgeries, complex cesarean sections, colposcopy, cervical LEEP surgeries, and laparoscopic surgeries.
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various common and frequently occurring diseases, as well as difficult cases in obstetrics and gynecology, such as high-risk pregnancy management, prenatal consultation, emergency treatment of critically ill pregnant women, infertility, endocrine disorders, menopausal syndrome, various gynecological inflammations, and cervical disease treatment.
Wu Youzhen
Associate Chief Physician
Graduated in 1996 from Hunan Normal University Medical College with a degree in clinical medicine, has been engaged in gynecological clinical work for over 20 years, and has studied at Zhaoqing First People’s Hospital and Zhaoqing Second People’s Hospital for further training in obstetrics and gynecology. Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of common and frequently occurring gynecological diseases, familiar with gynecological endocrinology, infertility, cervical diseases, breast diseases, and prenatal examinations; has rich clinical experience in women’s reproductive health care and preconception health consultation; especially skilled in various family planning surgeries (IUD insertion and removal, abortion, sterilization, etc.) and gynecological outpatient surgeries. In 2019, studied breast disease prevention and treatment and minimally invasive biopsy techniques at Guangdong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital.
Chu Jiaxiu
Pediatric Associate Chief Physician
Graduated from Xinjiang Shihezi Medical College in 1989, and in 1991, studied neurology at Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps General Hospital. For over 30 years, has been engaged in pediatric clinical work, with good theoretical and diagnostic skills in common and frequently occurring pediatric diseases, as well as difficult and critical illnesses. Especially experienced in neonatal diseases, pediatric pneumonia, diarrhea, anemia, nephritis, and heart disease, and has published several medical papers recognized by the medical community. In 2023, awarded the Dinghu District 30-Year Medical Contribution Award.
Huang Zhenmei
Head of Health Care Department
Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Graduated from Guangdong Medical University. Has been engaged in obstetrics and gynecology clinical work for over 12 years. Studied colposcopy at Nanhai Luocun Hospital and obtained a colposcopy completion certificate. Participated in specialized training for breast cancer at Guangdong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital and obtained a completion certificate for the breast cancer project. Won third place in the cervical cancer project competition at Guangdong Province. Specializes in prenatal examinations, pregnancy care, common diseases in obstetrics, common and frequently occurring gynecological diseases, family planning, women’s health care, cervical diseases, genetic counseling, and the prevention and control of birth defects. Accumulated rich clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological endocrinology and common breast diseases. Skilled in postpartum pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation care. Proficient in common gynecological surgeries such as IUD insertion and removal, abortion, and curettage.
