Moxibustion is a wonderful technique, but even the best methods can go astray if used incorrectly.
The worst result of moxibustion is injuring Yin. This is because the moxa fire is a pure Yang fire, specifically meant to tonify Yang Qi.
If you perform moxibustion at night for a long time, or use too much moxa, or focus on the upper body for extended periods, it can lead to an excess of Yang Qi and ultimately injure Yin.
How many of these Yin-injuring pitfalls have you encountered?
01 Large Moxa Fire
The strength of the moxa fire also affects the efficacy of moxibustion.
If the moxa fire is too strong, it can excessively stimulate Yang Qi.
02 Excessive Moxibustion
For example, moxibustion for at least 2 hours every day without breaks.
Moxibustion can nourish and tonify Yang, and those with cold and Yang deficiency often feel comfortable after moxibustion. However, Yin and Yang have a mutually restraining nature; excessive moxibustion can lead to an overabundance of Yang, suppressing Yin, causing disharmony between Yin and Yang, and even transforming Yang Qi into fire, burning Yin fluids, ultimately injuring Yin.
03 Excessive Temperature
Moxibustion can both tonify and drain; while it is generally tonifying, there are also draining aspects. For instance, if the temperature is too high during moxibustion, causing a burning sensation, it may not tonify but rather drain, which can affect both Yin and Yang over time.
Some people develop blisters after moxibustion, partly due to improper temperature control during the process, which requires attention from practitioners.
Moxibustion is not like grilling meat; higher temperatures are not always better. The ideal state is for the area being treated to feel warm inside while not feeling hot on the surface.
How to Treat Yin Injury from Moxibustion?
Injuries to Yin from moxibustion are rare; it usually starts with excess heat, followed by injury to fluids and Yin.
Consume Yin-nourishing Foods
Foods such as honey, pears, pomelos, white fungus, black fungus, lotus seeds, and lilies are all Yin-nourishing. Cooking a bowl of millet and yam porridge in the morning is both Yin-nourishing and beneficial for the spleen and stomach! Additionally, drink more warm honey water.
Take Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
If you have a Yin-deficient constitution and are interested in moxibustion, you can take Liu Wei Di Huang Wan to quickly nourish Yin before performing moxibustion.
Note: Those with poor heart and lung function may experience chest tightness and shortness of breath during initial moxibustion; they should reduce the duration of moxibustion and regularly massage the lung and heart meridians.
Additionally, some individuals may exhibit different symptoms of excess heat due to their unique constitutions; the following are specific treatment methods.
1. Dry throat and swollen throat
For this condition, moxibustion on the Tai Xi (Tai Xi) or Yong Quan (Yong Quan) points is recommended. This type of person generally exhibits symptoms of liver and kidney Yin deficiency, commonly seen in menopausal women. Consuming about 10g of goji berries daily, combined with moxibustion, will help restore excess heat once Qi and blood are sufficient.
2. Chest irritability
This is a manifestation of the struggle between Zheng (correct) and Xie (evil) Qi. After moxibustion, the Yang Qi in the body increases, and if there is stagnant Qi in the chest, symptoms of irritability and excess heat may occur. It is advisable to moxibust on the Yong Quan (Yong Quan) point while performing guasha on the Dan Zhong (Dan Zhong) point, and to increase the intake of warm white water.
3. Five hearts heat
This condition generally indicates Yin deficiency with excessive Yang. Since Yang Qi is already abundant, it may be wise to temporarily stop moxibustion and consider some Yin-nourishing Chinese patent medicines, such as taking one pill of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan in the morning and evening, ensuring adequate sleep, and consuming more vegetables and fruits to nourish Yin blood. Afterward, you can choose to moxibust the lower Jiao (lower abdomen) to nourish Yin and blood at points like Tai Xi (Tai Xi) and Yong Quan (Yong Quan), but keep the moxibustion time short.
4. Dry eyes and excessive eye discharge
This is generally seen in liver Yin deficiency, as the liver opens to the eyes. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to emotional regulation, moxibust on the Tai Chong (Tai Chong) and Tai Xi (Tai Xi) points to guide fire downward, and use a guasha board on the Gan Shu (Gan Shu) and Dan Shu (Dan Shu) points.
5. Dry mouth, dry tongue, and oral ulcers
After moxibustion, the struggle between Yin and Yang can lead to significant consumption of Yin fluids, resulting in dry mouth. It is essential to drink an adequate amount of boiled water before and after moxibustion. You can also moxibust on the Tai Xi (Tai Xi) and Yong Quan (Yong Quan) points to guide fire downward.
6. Ear pain
Whenever there is a disease in the organs, the corresponding orifices will show a positive response. The kidneys open to the ears, so if there is ear pain after moxibustion, it indicates kidney deficiency or obstruction in the upper Jiao meridians. Consuming some goji berries and black foods that nourish the kidneys, while performing guasha on the Da Zhui (Da Zhui) point and moxibusting on the Shen Shu (Shen Shu) and Tai Xi (Tai Xi) points can help nourish the original Yang.
7. Abdominal distension
This is a symptom of excess heat in the middle Jiao, generally caused by obstruction in the middle Jiao. In this case, guasha on the Gan Shu (Gan Shu) and Pi Wei Shu (Pi Wei Shu) points can be beneficial.
How to Moxibust Without Injuring Yin
01 Avoid Nighttime Moxibustion
Occasional nighttime moxibustion is acceptable, but doing so long-term can injure Yin. It is best to complete moxibustion by 10 PM at the latest, as the period from 11 PM to 1 AM is when Yin Qi is at its peak in nature and the human body, and it is the time when the body’s meridians converge with Yin. Sleeping during this time is most beneficial for nourishing Yin. Moxibustion generates Yang Qi, which can disrupt sleep and hinder Yin nourishment.
02 Pay Attention to Moxibustion Quantity
For children, the weak, and those with diminished function, the amount of moxibustion must be small, gradually increasing the duration. Areas with thick skin and muscle, such as the lower back and shoulders, can tolerate more moxibustion; however, for the head, face, chest, and extremities, which have thinner skin and more tendons, especially in cases of wind-cold, colds, or painful conditions, the moxibustion quantity should be small.
03 Observe Moxibustion Intervals
If treating acute or sudden illnesses, continuous moxibustion is acceptable; however, for conditioning the body or treating chronic diseases, daily moxibustion is not necessary. Moxibust once every other day or moxibust for two days and rest for one day.
04 Choose Aged Moxa
Especially for children, facial moxibustion, and direct moxibustion, it is essential to use high-quality moxa wool.
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