Since the pandemic began, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has gained popularity, and many new friends have started exploring moxibustion. Recently, there have been quite a few newcomers in the moxibustion community.However, these moxibustion novices often encounter challenges, especially those with weak constitutions or minor ailments, who may feel that their “condition” has worsened after treatment.What they don’t realize is that this is actually a sign that their body is quietly improving; the “worsening” reactions after moxibustion are often indicators of recovery!
1. Drowsiness and Fatigue After MoxibustionSome people feel lethargic and lack energy, relying on moxibustion to invigorate themselves. However, after a few sessions, they may feel even more tired and drowsy, wondering if moxibustion is ineffective.In fact, this is a good sign that moxibustion is helping to “boost” your energy and restore your yang qi (阳气).In TCM, a healthy body is one where “yin and yang are harmonious,” and all functions work seamlessly together.However, if there is insufficient qi and blood, and yang qi is weak, it can become scattered, leading to a feeling of fatigue and lack of motivation.At this time, moxibustion acts like a “guide,” directing the wandering yang qi back home, allowing it to settle down.During this process, the body needs to rest and prepare for a “reboot.” Therefore, you may feel more tired and sleepy. Don’t worry; follow your body’s cues, eat well, and rest well, and soon you’ll feel revitalized!2. Pain in Meridians and Joints After MoxibustionSome individuals experience sudden pains in various parts of their body after moxibustion. Don’t be alarmed; this is often a sign that the body is improving.As the saying goes, “No pain, no gain.” The pain after moxibustion indicates that there is some “blockage” in the body.Moxibustion acts like a clearing agent, promoting blood circulation. Initially, the body’s “waste” may not be fully cleared, and as qi and blood surge, you may feel some discomfort, especially in areas like the elbows and knees, which are “traffic hubs” of the body.This is actually the yang qi in the meridians quietly gathering strength, preparing to clear the blockages. At this time, you just need to apply moxibustion to the painful areas to assist your body in expelling the bad elements, and the discomfort will gradually disappear!3. Feeling Cold or Drafty After MoxibustionNewcomers to moxibustion may sometimes feel a chill or draft in their body, with their skin feeling cold, leading them to wonder if their condition has worsened. In fact, this is just a “pleasant surprise” brought by moxibustion—this sensation indicates that the coldness in your body is a bit “overbearing.” When moxibustion is applied, the coldness tends to flee, causing you to feel cold in various areas, potentially leading to shivering.Don’t worry; the solution is quite simple! In addition to applying moxibustion to the cold areas, you can also soak your feet in mugwort (艾草) and ginger (生姜) to warm your body and dispel the cold.Once the yang qi strengthens, the cold will have nowhere to hide and will obediently exit your body. This way, your constitution can improve significantly!4. Blisters or Sores After Moxibustion
If you develop a few blisters after moxibustion, don’t worry; this is not a sign of worsening condition but rather a signal that the “troublemakers” (邪气) in your body are being expelled!Think of the ancients; when moxibustion produced pus-filled sores, it was considered a good thing. The “Xiao Pin Fang” states: “If pus comes out, wind and cold will flee; if no pus comes out, the illness will not leave.”Pus-filled sores were highly regarded, so blisters are even more so; they are merely the footprints of the illness escaping—this is a good sign!However, these blisters often appear in individuals with significant dampness in their bodies; in modern times, eight out of ten people have considerable dampness.When encountering blisters, handle them properly to avoid skin inflammation. Also, don’t try to force blisters to form by overdoing it, as that could lead to adverse effects!5. Burping and Flatulence After MoxibustionMany people experience burping, especially after moxibustion on the abdomen or Zhongwan (中脘) area. This is actually a sign that your digestive system, including the liver (肝), gallbladder (胆), spleen (脾), stomach (胃), and intestines, is a bit “emotional,” with cold pathogens hiding inside.Once moxibustion is applied, the yang qi surges, and the digestive system becomes more active, trying to expel the cold pathogens. Thus, burping and flatulence become their “outlets.” If these outlets are blocked, the abdomen will feel bloated.At this time, we need to enhance the moxibustion treatment; if the spleen and stomach are weak, apply moxibustion to Zusanli (足三里) and Pishu (脾俞); if there are issues with the liver and gallbladder, add Ganshu (肝俞), Danshu (胆俞), and Taichong (太冲).After a period of moxibustion, the pathogens in the organs will be “swept out,” and you will feel incredibly relieved!Final Tip: If you feel something is off after moxibustion, it may be because the treatment was too intense! Remember to start slowly, with a small amount of moxibustion, and don’t apply too many acupoints at once. Give your body a little time to adapt to avoid a host of troubles!
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