There are many acupuncture points in the human body, among which 9 are the most commonly used in health maintenance and disease treatment. These points are frequently recommended for moxibustion, as they can regulate the spleen and stomach, support the vital energy, and strengthen the foundation, making them applicable for 90% of diseases!
Moxibustion Guidelines
Moxibustion time: 15-20 minutes for each point on the limbs, 30-50 minutes for each point on the waist and abdomen. You can buy several moxibustion boxes to use simultaneously. If you cannot finish in one session, you can split it over two days. The order of moxibustion is back, abdomen, legs, from top to bottom and left to right. You can perform moxibustion daily for several days, as it is generally recommended to rest for 1-2 days each week.
1. Dazhui (GV14): The “Sun” of the Body that Drives Away Cold and Supplements Yang!
On our body, there is an acupuncture point that nurtures Yang energy—Dazhui (GV14). By using moxibustion on this point, you can illuminate your internal “little sun,” generating continuous energy and invigorating the Yang energy throughout the body, thus enhancing immunity!
Dazhui is traditionally known in TCM as the “Meeting of All Yangs” and is considered the “Yang among Yangs” in the body. It is strategically located and plays a crucial role in connecting the upper and lower parts of the body. If Dazhui is blocked, it can obstruct seven meridians: the Governing Vessel, Bladder Meridian, Large Intestine Meridian, Small Intestine Meridian, San Jiao Meridian, Gallbladder Meridian, and Stomach Meridian, highlighting its importance for health.
Indications include: 1. Wind-cold common cold, runny nose, cough. 2. Wind-damp fatigue, postpartum issues. 3. Allergic eczema, rhinitis, asthma. Additionally, Dazhui has a significant antipyretic effect; moxibustion on Dazhui can prevent and treat colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other upper respiratory infections, and can also be used for the prevention and treatment of emphysema.
2. Mingmen (GV4): The Fire of Life, Supplementing the Innate Foundation!
The fire of Mingmen is the root of Yang energy in the body, the source of vitality, and plays a warming and promoting role in the physiological activities of all organs. Thus, it is said that “the Yang energy of the five organs cannot be generated without it,” promoting the functions of the internal organs and facilitating the metabolism of fluids, regulating the opening and closing of the kidneys.
The fire of Mingmen is the root of Yang energy in the body, the source of the functional activities of the five organs. Prolonged illness, aging, or excessive sexual activity can lead to kidney Yang deficiency and a decline in Mingmen fire. Clinical manifestations of Mingmen fire decline include symptoms of kidney Yang deficiency, such as fatigue, pale or dark complexion, cold intolerance, male impotence with clear and sparse semen, and female infertility due to cold in the uterus.
3. Zhongwan (CV12): Treats All Spleen and Stomach Disorders!
Zhongwan is located in the middle of the stomach, occupying the main part of the stomach, making it the most effective point for treating spleen and stomach diseases. Therefore, it is naturally a commonly used point for spleen and stomach issues. Stimulating Zhongwan enhances gastric motility, resulting in the pylorus opening and a slight elevation of the lower edge of the stomach. It can also improve the body’s immune capacity, enhancing the phagocytic activity of macrophages.
Zhongwan is the mu point of the stomach meridian and a meeting point of the eight hui points, connecting the hand Taiyang, Shaoyang, foot Yangming, and Ren meridians. Indications include: digestive system diseases such as bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, borborygmus, acid reflux, vomiting, constipation, jaundice, and it is also effective for general stomach issues, loss of appetite, dizziness, tinnitus, acne, fatigue, and neurasthenia.
4. Tianshu (ST25): The Janitor of the Intestines!
Tianshu is the mu point of the large intestine, where the Yangming meridian qi originates. It regulates the intestines, promotes qi movement, and aids digestion, making it a crucial abdominal point. Numerous experiments and clinical validations have shown that acupuncture or moxibustion on Tianshu significantly improves intestinal function and alleviates various symptoms caused by intestinal dysfunction.
In addition to moxibustion, massage is also an excellent method to stimulate Tianshu. Massage method: Place both palms flat on the abdomen, with the middle fingers aligned with the navel, applying slight pressure and moving in a clockwise direction until a warm sensation is felt in the abdomen. Regular massage can promote intestinal peristalsis, enhance gastric motility, regulate constipation, treat bloating, intestinal sounds, dysmenorrhea, and nephritis.
5. Shenque (CV8): A Perfect Acupuncture Point!
Shenque is a perfect acupuncture point that can aid in weight loss and beauty while harmonizing various ailments! Moxibustion on Shenque has the effects of tonifying the spleen and kidneys, benefiting vital energy, and anti-aging, as well as activating cells, moisturizing the skin, and tightening the skin. Because it enhances the body’s resistance to disease, it can also be used to strengthen the body for those who are weak and sickly, and rejuvenate the elderly.
When regulating women’s issues, we often include Shenque, as women tend to have a cold constitution, leading to conditions like cold in the uterus and cold hands and feet. Moxibustion on Shenque can warm and tonify the lower body, dispelling cold. Shenque is located on the Ren meridian, which is the sea of Yin meridians, representing the Yang within Yin, corresponding to the body’s defensive qi and blood. Historically, people have used moxibustion on the navel to warm the center, dispel cold, and harmonize the defensive and nutritive qi, achieving remarkable effects.
6. Qihai (CV6): One Point Warms the Whole Body!
There is a saying: “Qihai warms the whole body,” which vividly illustrates the function of Qihai. Located between the two kidneys, Qihai connects with the body’s original qi, serving as the source of vitality. Qihai is the gathering place of congenital qi, the foundation of original Yang, and the source of life energy, playing a role in nourishing original qi and stabilizing Yang energy.
Anyone with insufficient original qi can improve their condition by stimulating this point. Stimulating this point can invigorate the metabolism of qi and blood in the organs and meridians, allowing for continuous circulation and sustaining life. Ancient texts describe Qihai as the “Sea of Bull Qi” for men, indicating it is a source of energy. Therefore, when Qihai is abundant, many diseases can be treated, and one can maintain strength.
7. Zusanli (ST36): Harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach, Supplementing the Acquired Foundation!
Zusanli is one of the most prominent acupuncture points in the body, known by both experts and beginners in moxibustion therapy. Located four fingerbreadths below the knee, it has the functions of regulating the spleen and stomach, tonifying qi, dispelling wind and dampness, and supporting the righteous qi while expelling pathogens. It is also used for conditions like cold in the uterus, chronic gynecological inflammation, and poor follicle development.
Most moxibustion treatments for women’s diseases require Zusanli. Due to physiological characteristics, women often experience qi and blood deficiency, which is the root cause of many gynecological diseases. Moxibustion on Zusanli can harmonize the spleen and stomach, enhance the “transportation and transformation” ability of the spleen and stomach, and improve women’s qi and blood deficiency, thus addressing gynecological issues at the source.
8. Sanyinjiao (SP6): The Anti-Aging Point for Women!
For women, Sanyinjiao is especially important and can be considered the “anti-aging point”. It is a “miracle drug” for gynecological diseases, sometimes referred to as “female Zusanli”. Regular moxibustion or massage on this point can help women maintain youth, delay aging, and postpone menopause.
Sanyinjiao is the intersection of the spleen, liver, and kidney meridians, regulating menstruation and improving skin health. The spleen generates qi and blood, governs blood, the liver stores blood, and the kidneys produce qi and blood. As long as women have sufficient qi and blood, issues like menstrual irregularities will disappear. In fact, skin issues like spots, acne, and wrinkles are often related to menstrual irregularities.
9. The Best Acupuncture Point for Kidney Supplementation: Taixi (KD3)
Taixi is located in the depression behind the inner ankle. It is a place of abundant original qi in the body, referred to by ancient physicians as one of the “Nine Points of Returning Yang”.
Taixi is the source point of the kidney meridian, where the original qi of the kidney flows and resides. The kidneys store essence and differentiate Yin and Yang, so whether it is kidney essence deficiency or insufficient kidney Yin and Yang, Taixi can nourish them.
Indications include: kidney Yin deficiency, Yin deficiency with excess fire leading to sore throat, oral ulcers, tinnitus, hearing loss, insomnia, forgetfulness, or kidney Yang deficiency presenting as cold limbs and lower limb edema. Moxibustion on Taixi can prevent and treat these conditions.
These 9 acupuncture points can address 90% of diseases! Both men and women can benefit from moxibustion, as regular treatment can comprehensively improve physical health, as they nourish the foundation!
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