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Moxibustion has become a popular health method among modern people due to its green, natural, safe, and non-toxic properties.Generally, for different ailments, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) will provide multiple acupuncture points. With so many points, which one should be treated first?
Many people may not be clear about this, similar to how Western medicine prescribes medications to be taken before or after meals; the timing can affect the absorption of the medicine.Likewise, the order of moxibustion points plays a significant role in the effectiveness of the treatment. Today, let’s discuss the sequence of moxibustion!
01 Sequence of Moxibustion Points
Sun Simiao, known as the “King of Medicine,” clearly recorded in his work “Qianjin Fang”:Moxibustion should follow the principle of treating Yang before Yin, left before right, and upward before downward.
How are the various parts of the human body classified into Yin and Yang?
As an agricultural nation, ancient people generally lived with their faces toward the earth and their backs toward the sky.Therefore, TCM classifies the back and upper body as Yang, while the abdomen and lower body as Yin.In the theory of Yin and Yang, the head is Yang, and the feet are Yin; the left side is Yang, and the right side is Yin.
Thus, according to traditional TCM theory, the sequence of moxibustion is generally:
First, treat the upper body, then the lower body.
First, treat the back, then the abdomen.
First, treat the head and torso, then the limbs.
First, treat the left side, then the right side.
When performing moxibustion for daily health care, following the above methods will yield excellent results.Of course, TCM emphasizes dialectical treatment, and many methods for regulating ailments are not singular; generally, the priority is to alleviate symptoms first, such as moxibustion at the Ah Shi point and other key points.
02 Best Timing for Moxibustion
According to the “Neijing: Ling Shu”:Ancient people divided the day into four periods corresponding to spring, summer, autumn, and winter: morning is spring, noon is summer, sunset is autumn, and midnight is winter.
Specifically, the time divisions are:
From 3 AM to 9 AM is the spring of the day, called “Day Spring”.
From 9 AM to 3 PM is the summer of the day, called “Day Summer”.
From 3 PM to 9 PM is the autumn of the day, called “Day Autumn”.
From 9 PM to 3 AM is the winter of the day, called “Day Winter”.
In the morning, both nature and the body’s Yang energy begin to rise. Utilizing this time for moxibustion can yield twice the result with half the effort, especially for those with Yang deficiency or Qi deficiency, such as those who are cold-sensitive, have cold hands and feet, low immunity, or loose stools.
Of course, depending on different constitutions and ailments, the timing for moxibustion varies. For example, to regulate spleen and stomach function, moxibustion can be performed from 9-11 AM; for kidney nourishment, it can be done from 5-7 PM; for insomnia, it should be done before sleep.
Generally, the best times for moxibustion for health care are: 10-11 AM and 2-4 PM.
03 Seasonal Moxibustion
1. In terms of seasons, moxibustion is most effective in summer and winter.
Summer, especially during the Three Fu days, is the time when Yang energy is at its peak. At this time, the body’s Yang energy is strongest, and metabolism is vigorous.With the Yang energy from the heavens descending and the earth’s heat rising, the energies of heaven and earth converge. At this time, the body should align with the natural order and nurture Yang.
During this period, moxibustion can not only resist summer heat and humidity but also store Yang energy for autumn and winter, ensuring sufficient Yang energy to combat Yin cold and enhance disease resistance throughout the year.
Winter, especially during the Three Jiu days, is the coldest time of the year. At this time, Yang energy is concealed, Qi and blood flow is obstructed, skin becomes dry, and pores are closed. Performing moxibustion during this time can warm Yang, boost Qi, and enhance resistance.
Therefore, performing moxibustion every winter, especially during the Three Jiu days, can strengthen and consolidate the effects of summer moxibustion.
2. Throughout the year, moxibustion during the solar terms is most effective.
Humans are influenced by the energies of heaven and earth.During the solar terms, the changes in the energies of heaven and earth are particularly intense.
Spring and summer are associated with Yang; spring is warm and summer is hot, with warmth and heat being similar. The transition from spring to summer is a shift from rising to floating; once it rises, it naturally floats;autumn and winter are associated with Yin; autumn is cool and winter is cold, with coolness and coldness being similar. The transition from autumn to winter is a shift from gathering to storing; once it gathers, it naturally stores.
However, the transition from summer to autumn is different; summer is Yang and autumn is Yin, and the shift from Yang to Yin requires a pivot.This pivot is the Yang pivot, known as Shaoyang, which is the fire of the heart. When the fire energy is activated, it can reverse the tendency of Yang energy to float upwards, changing it from floating to gathering;
The same applies to the transition from winter to spring; winter is Yin and spring is Yang, and the shift from Yin to Yang also requires a pivot.This pivot is the Yin pivot, known as Shaoyin, which is the fire of the ruler. When the fire energy is activated, it can reverse the tendency of Yang energy to be concealed, changing it from storing to rising.
Thus,the human body has two pivots: one is Shaoyang and the other is Shaoyin, both of which belong to fire.Humans use fire as a pivot because life itself is a manifestation of Yang energy.Human life originates from the sun, which is fire; thus, life is established on fire.The changes of Yin and Yang in life require fire energy to act as a pivot.
In nature, there are changes in the rise and fall of Yin and Yang; Yang rises and Yin falls, rising to the extreme and then falling, falling to the extreme and then rising. Therefore, the two solstices (summer and winter) are significant nodes;the balance of rise and fall, and the equality of Yin and Yang, the two equinoxes (spring and autumn) are also important nodes;additionally, the four beginnings (Lichun, Lixia, Liqiu, Lidong) are also significant nodes.
The six Qi changes also have six nodes, including the Great Cold, Spring Equinox, Grain Full, Great Heat, Autumn Equinox, and Minor Snow.All of these are significant nodes and are times when the pivot needs to function.
During the solar terms, human Qi also changes dramatically, and Qi movement can easily become stagnant, leading to illness, especially for those with weak constitutions, which can worsen existing conditions or lead to relapses.To navigate these changes smoothly, fire is needed to pivot.
Moxibustion uses pure Yang fire, so it is said thatthe week before and after the 24 solar terms is an excellent time for moxibustion to prevent and treat diseases, and should not be missed.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion on the Zhongwan (中脘), Shenque (神阙), and Guanyuan (关元) points during the solar terms for health maintenance, as it helps to eliminate dampness, dispel wind, and support Yang.
1
Moxibustion on Zhongwan Point
【Function】The Zhongwan point is where the hand Taiyin, hand Shaoyang, and foot Yangming meridians converge, and it is a meeting point of the Ren meridian.It can regulate all organ diseases (stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, large and small intestines), especially stomach diseases, and has the effects of strengthening the spleen, dispelling dampness, promoting the Qi movement of the middle burner, and tonifying the middle Qi.The stomach is known as the sea of the five organs and six bowels, hence the saying, “Those who gain stomach Qi live, and those who lose stomach Qi die.”Therefore, for any patient, the first step is to harmonize the stomach Qi; when the stomach Qi is harmonized, the Qi from food is generated, making this point essential for health maintenance.
【Location】The Zhongwan point is located on the midline of the upper abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus.
【Time】Moxibustion for 10-15 minutes.
2
Moxibustion on Shenque Point
【Function】The Shenque point is the most secret and critical point for human life, known as the longevity point.It is an important point located on the midline of the Ren meridian, serving as the gateway for the spirit to enter and exit the body.Moxibustion on Shenque can regulate symptoms of physical weakness and deficiency.
【Location】The Shenque point is located in the center of the abdomen, at the umbilicus.
【Time】Moxibustion for 10-15 minutes.
3
Moxibustion on Guanyuan Point
【Function】The Guanyuan point is where true Yang resides and where essence is generated; it is a major point for enhancing Yuan Qi.Moxibustion on Guanyuan can promote the rise of clear Yang, the descent of turbid Yin, warm the Yuan Yang, and enrich the blood, thereby nourishing the kidneys, consolidating the foundation, replenishing Qi, restoring Yang, regulating the Chong and Ren meridians, and invigorating blood circulation.
【Location】The Guanyuan point is located on the midline of the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus.
【Time】Moxibustion for 10-15 minutes.
04 Monthly Moxibustion
The 8th day of the lunar month is the best time for moxibustion, as it is the 8 days of Yang’s rise, from the new moon to the waxing crescent.
During the new moon, the moon phase has not yet appeared, but Yang energy has already begun to move, which cannot be compared to the end of the waning moon.That is the end of Yang, while this is the beginning of Yang.Although not yet visible, the Yang energy is entirely different.
At this time, it can be paired with the Kun hexagram, but it is at the end of Kun, the initial movement of Yang.During the waxing crescent, Yang energy begins to rise, and the moon phase will become visible, so it is paired with the Zhen hexagram, which represents the beginning of Yang energy.At this time, one should assist Yang to promote its rise.
The first quarter moon, which is the 8th day of the lunar month, has a half-bright and half-dark moon phase, with Yin and Yang in balance. However, although the moon phase is bright, it is still waning, so it is paired with the Li hexagram, which represents the interaction of Yin and Yang.The Li hexagram, in terms of Yin and Yang, represents a balance of both, and is also a symbol of the peak of Yang, which is the understanding of the later Heaven Bagua.
Therefore, from Kun to Li, it is the time when Shaoyang begins to rise, and this time period corresponds to the first to the eighth day of the lunar month, making it the most suitable time for moxibustion in a month.
05 Daily Moxibustion
According to the “Neijing: Ling Shu”:Ancient people divided the day into four periods corresponding to spring, summer, autumn, and winter: morning is spring, noon is summer, sunset is autumn, and midnight is winter.
Specifically, the time divisions are:
From 3 AM to 9 AM is the spring of the day, called Day Spring.
From 9 AM to 3 PM is the summer of the day, called Day Summer.
From 3 PM to 9 PM is the autumn of the day, called Day Autumn.
From 9 PM to 3 AM is the winter of the day, called Day Winter.
In the morning, both nature and the body’s Yang energy begin to rise, and utilizing this time for moxibustion can yield twice the result with half the effort.
It is worth noting that after 11 PM, unless in an emergency, moxibustion should not be performed.
From 11 AM to 1 PM is the noon time, which is when the heart meridian is active. The heart belongs to fire in the five elements, and there is an ancient saying, “The time of Zi and Wu is for rest, and the time of Mao and You is for work.” Therefore,noon is also not suitable for moxibustion; if moxibustion is performed at noon, it can easily lead to excessive heat.
The best times for moxibustion for health care are generally:10-11 AM and 2-4 PM for optimal results.
Of course, depending on different constitutions and ailments, the timing for moxibustion varies.
This is closely related to the operating times of the twelve meridians. In modern times, a day is 24 hours, while in ancient times, it was divided into 12 two-hour periods. Each of these 12 periods corresponds to a specific meridian, meaning that each period has a primary meridian that plays a significant role in the body.
The 12 periods are:Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, and Hai. Zi is from 11 PM to 1 AM, Chou is from 1 AM to 3 AM, Yin is from 3 AM to 5 AM, Mao is from 5 AM to 7 AM… Hai is from 9 PM to 11 PM, completing a full day.
Zi corresponds to the gallbladder meridian, Chou to the liver meridian, Yin to the lung meridian, Mao to the large intestine meridian, Chen to the stomach meridian, Si to the spleen meridian, Wu to the heart meridian, Wei to the small intestine meridian, Shen to the bladder meridian, You to the kidney meridian, Xu to the pericardium meridian, and Hai to the Sanjiao meridian.
For example, if there is a problem with the lungs, one cannot simply wake up in the middle of the night to perform moxibustion. In this case, the relationship between the exterior and interior meridians, or the relationship between two meridians with the same name, must be considered.
For instance, the lung meridian and the large intestine meridian are a pair of exterior and interior meridians, like a husband and wife relationship. However, the large intestine meridian is active from 5 AM to 7 AM, which is not suitable for moxibustion.
The lung meridian is the hand Taiyin meridian, and the foot Taiyin meridian is the spleen meridian. The lung meridian and the spleen meridian have a same-name relationship, like a brotherly relationship. The spleen meridian is active from 9 AM to 11 AM, making it suitable for moxibustion to treat lung-related issues.
The lung belongs to metal in the five elements, and according to the principle of mutual generation and restriction in the five elements, earth generates metal, and metal generates water. Following the principle of “if deficient, supplement the mother; if excessive, drain the child,” if there is excess heat in the lungs, moxibustion can be performed during the kidney meridian’s active time from 5-7 PM, as the kidney belongs to water.
The same principle applies to other conditions, and one can draw analogies.In fact, it is not a matter of whether morning or evening is better for moxibustion; the key is to consider what issue you are trying to address.
06 Precautions for Moxibustion
1. Avoid moxibustion when extremely fatigued, overly hungry, overly full, intoxicated, excessively sweating, or emotionally unstable.
2. Avoid moxibustion during certain infectious diseases, high fever, coma, convulsions, or extreme physical weakness, such as emaciation.
3. Do not drink cold water or eat cold food during moxibustion, as this is akin to extinguishing the fire of moxibustion, which is detrimental to treatment.
4. It is best to drink a cup of warm water above body temperature before moxibustion.After moxibustion, it is advisable to drink a cup of hot water around 60 degrees Celsius, slightly hot to the mouth.
5. If you need to wash your hands immediately after moxibustion, use hot water above body temperature, around 50 degrees Celsius.If it is not a rheumatic disease, cold disease, or postpartum wind disease, you can use cool water 30 minutes after moxibustion; however, as a principle, do not rush to use cold water.
6. It is best to take a shower 20-30 minutes after moxibustion, as the meridians are generally in a state of recovery after moxibustion, and the heat from the treatment gradually dissipates and is utilized. Taking a hot shower at this time will feel very comfortable.
Moxibustion Tips:Preventing Dizziness from Moxibustion
Dizziness from moxibustion is rare, but when it occurs, symptoms may include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, pale complexion, palpitations, and sweating, and may even lead to fainting.If dizziness occurs, stop moxibustion immediately, lie down, and apply moxibustion to the Zusanli (足三里) point gently for about 10 minutes.
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Reminder: The methods shared on this platform are for reference only and may not be suitable for everyone. It is recommended to regulate under the guidance of a physician.
