Moxibustion is one of the oldest medical practices in China, belonging to external physical therapies. It originated in ancient times and was formed during the Shang Dynasty, lasting for thousands of years.As stated in the “Bian Que Xin Shu”: “If a person moxibusts regularly when not ill, even if they do not achieve longevity, they can still ensure a lifespan of over a hundred years.” Since moxibustion can benefit Qi and warm Yang, the Yang Qi in the human body has the function of “guarding the exterior and solidifying the body.” If Yang Qi can be maintained at a constant level, and the vital Qi is sufficient, then pathogenic factors are less likely to invade, and the body will remain healthy. TCM teaches: When the vital Qi is present, the evil cannot invade. TCM believes that the occurrence and change of diseases are complex mechanisms, but ultimately result from the interaction of vital Qi and pathogenic Qi, which is the result of the “struggle between evil and righteousness.” The role of vital Qi is a comprehensive reflection of the normal function of the body’s organs and blood. When vital Qi is abundant, the resistance to disease is strong, and even if external pathogens invade, illness does not occur. Western medicine often resorts to surgical removal or antibiotics, killing bacteria and harming the body, treating only the symptoms and not the disease. The more treatment is applied, the weaker the body becomes, making it easier to relapse. According to TCM treatment principles: “When the vital Qi is present, the evil cannot invade; strengthen the vital Qi, expel the evil Qi, and do not harm the vital Qi.” Unblock the meridians, invigorate the blood, resolve stasis, strengthen the body, and enhance disease resistance, allowing the body to quickly return to normal.The Effects of Moxibustion1. Harmonizing Qi and Blood:
Qi is the source of life, and blood is the fundamental material. When Qi and blood are sufficient, and the Qi mechanism is unobstructed, life activities can proceed normally. Moxibustion can tonify Qi, nourish blood, regulate the Qi mechanism, and elevate the middle Qi, achieving the goal of health preservation.2. Warming and Unblocking the Meridians:
The meridians are the pathways for the circulation of Qi and blood. When the meridians are unobstructed, it facilitates the flow of Qi and blood and the distribution of nutrients. If pathogenic factors invade the meridians, causing blockage, it can lead to disease. Moxibustion, through its warming effect on the skin, warms the meridians, invigorates blood circulation, and treats various conditions caused by cold stagnation and blood stasis.3. Regulating Yin and Yang:
When the balance of Yin and Yang in the body is maintained, health is preserved; when Yin and Yang are imbalanced, various diseases can occur. Moxibustion has the effect of regulating and nourishing Yin and Yang, restoring balance.4. Strengthening the Vital Qi and Expelling the Evil: When the vital Qi is present, the evil cannot invade. A strong resistance means that diseases do not occur. Moxibustion applied to specific acupuncture points, such as Dazhui (Du 14), Zusanli (St 36), Qihai (Ren 6), and Guanyuan (Ren 4), can cultivate the vital Qi and enhance the body’s ability to prevent and treat diseases. Different acupuncture points and areas can produce different beneficial effects.First, moxibustion on the skin of the affected area can quickly raise the temperature around the moxibustion point and in deeper tissues.
This can kill local pathogens, and the accumulated waste in the area can undergo morphological changes under high temperatures, making it easier to expel. High temperatures can also enhance the biological enzymes’ ability to decompose and synthesize waste, facilitating its expulsion. High temperatures accelerate local blood and fluid circulation, allowing waste to be transported away through the blood and meridians.For skin diseases such as tinea, athlete’s foot, folliculitis, angular cheilitis, otitis media, and acne, moxibustion treatment first kills the pathogenic bacteria with high temperatures, then melts the subcutaneous waste, gradually alleviating symptoms. No need for medication or injections, with immediate and effective results. Second, for deep or internal organ diseases, moxibustion should be applied to related acupuncture points, allowing the heat to penetrate. The heat is transmitted through the meridians to deeper tissues or organs, temporarily raising their temperature to achieve effects similar to those of moxibustion on the skin. For example, for knee joint moxibustion, points such as Xuehai (Sp 10), Liangqiu (St 34), Yinlingquan (Sp 9), and Xiyangguan (St 35) can be used. The heat enters the meridians directly to the knee joint cavity, temporarily raising the temperature of the long-cold joint cavity, killing bacteria, melting waste, promoting blood circulation, and repairing damaged tissues to treat arthritis.Similarly, for hepatitis, points such as Ganshu (Bl 18), Yanglingquan (Gb 34), Dazhui (Du 14), Zhongwan (Ren 12), Yinlingquan (Sp 9), and Zusanli (St 36) can be used. The heat is transmitted through the meridians directly to the liver, killing pathogens within the liver and melting the accumulated waste, restoring liver function.Third, except for congenital functional deficiencies, external injuries, and aging, human organs generally do not fail in function. Most diseases are caused by insufficient Qi and blood. Insufficient Qi and blood first lead to a significant reduction in the metabolic functions of tissues and organs, and then hinder the process of clearing and expelling metabolic waste. The gradual accumulation of waste, or garbage, in the body can block the meridians and fill the tissues and organs, further worsening the operation of the tissues, organs, and the generation of Qi and blood. If this vicious cycle continues, it can lead to diabetes, organ failure, and even cancer.Therefore, health preservation focuses on nourishing Qi and blood, while disease treatment emphasizes clearing internal waste. The removal of internal waste relies on the cardiovascular system and meridians; thus, treating diseases first involves nourishing Qi and blood, then supporting the cardiovascular system and kidneys, which is a lengthy process. Moxibustion is the most direct method for treating diseases, killing bacteria, melting waste, and unblocking meridians with immediate effects, almost no side effects, and is simple and cost-effective.The content of this article is for clinical reference only; non-TCM professionals should not attempt treatment.This platform is a space for TCM and moxibustion exchange; we welcome more enthusiasts of TCM moxibustion to join and encourage everyone to leave comments!
