01
During moxibustion, or throughout the entire treatment course, it is most taboo to drink cold water, or eat cold food, as this is akin to extinguishing the fire of moxibustion, which is detrimental to the treatment of diseases.
02
It is best to drink a cup of warm water, above body temperature, before moxibustion. After moxibustion, it is advisable to replenish with a cup of hot water around 60 degrees Celsius, slightly hot to the mouth.
03
After completing moxibustion on an acupuncture point, gently pat or massage the point and surrounding area, which is called sealing the point! This is very important! After sealing, cover the moxibustion area with clothing.
04
After moxibustion, if you wish to wash your hands, it is recommended to use hot water, above body temperature, around 50 degrees Celsius. If it is not a rheumatic disease, cold disease, or postpartum wind disease, you may use cool water after 30 minutes of moxibustion, but in principle, do not rush to use cold water.
05
Considerations for the amount of moxibustion (can be self-administered, not limited to professional moxibustion institutions):
(1) For children, women, thin individuals, those with weak constitutions, first-time moxibustion recipients, and those with functional decline: it is advisable to use small moxa cones, thin moxa sticks, and fewer applications.
(2) For adults, overweight individuals, strong individuals, those with dull sensations, and those with functional enhancement diseases: it is advisable to use large moxa cones, thick moxa sticks, and more applications.
(3) For the weak or elderly: who cannot tolerate excessive moxibustion, small cones can be used in multiple sessions.
(4) For sensitive individuals: it is advisable to use small moxa cones, thin moxa sticks, change frequently, and avoid burning too close to the skin.
Additionally, for the waist, back, abdomen, and shoulder areas with thick skin and abundant flesh, yang energy may be depleted, requiring larger and more numerous cones; it can be large and numerous.
For the head, face, chest, and extremities with thin skin and many tendons, in cases of wind-cold colds, carbuncles, and painful obstructions, the amount of moxibustion should not be excessive. It should be small and few.
06
Attention should be paid to the accuracy of body position and acupuncture points—moxibustion must pay attention to the accuracy of body position and acupuncture points. The body position for moxibustion should not only meet the needs of moxibustion but also be comfortable and natural. It is essential to locate the correct area and acupuncture points according to the prescription to achieve the desired effect.
07
If you wish to conceive, do not engage in intercourse immediately after moxibustion, as the environment of the uterus and fallopian tubes is still very warm, which is not conducive to sperm survival. It is best to wait 24-48 hours after moxibustion before engaging in intercourse, as this is when the environment of the uterus and fallopian tubes is suitable for sperm implantation and survival. Of course, this varies from person to person. Some men have a high sperm survival rate and can thrive even in adverse conditions, while others with lower quality sperm may not yield good results even in optimal conditions.
08
Extreme sadness, extreme joy, and extreme anger can destabilize emotions, which may diminish the effectiveness of moxibustion. Being overly full or overly hungry is also not suitable for moxibustion, especially for those with gastrointestinal diseases, who should pay more attention to these factors.
09
Attention should be paid to the quality of moxibustion materials; the quality of moxa wool directly affects the treatment outcome. Generally, for direct moxibustion, it is essential to use high-quality moxa wool, which does not harm the meridians, is not too dry, is relatively gentle, and easy to ignite. If using ginger or garlic for indirect moxibustion, ensure they are fresh to maintain their efficacy.
10
The procedure for moxibustion: The “Qianjin Fang” states: “For moxibustion, always start with yang and then yin… first upper and then lower.” If there are acupuncture points in both upper and lower areas, yang meridians should be moxibustioned first, followed by yin meridians, starting from the upper body and then the lower body, that is, first the back, then the chest and abdomen, first the head and body, and then the limbs, in that order. This is to draw yang to lead yin without excess, so it should not be done in reverse order. If the order is not followed, moxibustion on the head and face may often lead to residual symptoms such as facial heat, dry throat, and dry mouth, or uncomfortable feelings. Even if there are no such reactions, moxibustion should still be performed from top to bottom, similar to acupuncture point selection, where the order should not be mixed up to avoid forgetting.
11
The duration of moxibustion should be gradual, with the acupuncture points being treated starting from fewer to more, and the heat should be gradually adapted. Generally, moxibustion is performed in the morning or afternoon. If there is no time, it can be done in the evening, especially for patients with insomnia, as moxibustion before sleep can aid in sleep.
12
Many people ask if they can take a shower immediately after moxibustion. We generally recommend waiting 4 hours after moxibustion before showering, and even hot water should not be used immediately, as hot water can introduce dampness, which may easily enter the acupuncture points and meridians.
13
Reactions to moxibustion may include heat, thirst, excessive internal heat, skin itching, and some may develop rashes, fatigue, constipation, yellow urine, sweating, toothache, tinnitus, irregular vaginal bleeding, and general discomfort. Generally, there is no need to panic; continuing moxibustion will help these symptoms disappear. At this time, you can moxibustion on Zu San Li (Stomach 36) to help direct the heat downward, and also drink more water. If necessary, stop moxibustion or do it every other day, and these symptoms will quickly resolve.
14
Some people eat while moxibustion, which is not advisable. One does not know the nature of the food being consumed—whether it is cold or warm. If you eat while undergoing moxibustion, it poses a challenge to the stomach qi. Those with gastrointestinal diseases should not blindly perform moxibustion in this manner.
15
The phenomenon of disease return during moxibustion: some people may see quick results, while others may take a long time to see effects. This depends on the type of disease and its duration. Additionally, individuals vary; we cannot use a single standard to measure all diseases with the same symptoms and manifestations.
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