1. What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion, this ancient term, has existed since the Spring and Autumn period over two thousand years ago, and there are numerous historical records about it.
Confucius once said: “Self-moxibustion for those without illness.”
The Mengzi records: “For a seven-year illness, seek moxa from three years ago.”
Introduction to Medicine: “For diseases that cannot be treated with medicine or acupuncture, moxibustion must be used.”
Bian Que’s Heart Book: “The best method for preserving life is moxibustion, followed by elixirs, and then Fuzi (Aconite).”
The term moxibustion carries significant weight and profound meaning; we might as well break it down for better understanding.
First, let’s talk about “Moxa”. Why is it moxibustion? Why not use wood or other materials? It’s simple: moxa is the most effective!
Ancient people also tried using other herbs for moxibustion but ultimately found that moxa is the most compatible with the human body, yielding the best results with the least negative effects.
In the Compendium of Materia Medica, it is recorded: “Mugwort leaves are bitter and pungent, warm when raw, hot when cooked, with pure Yang properties, capable of reviving the Yang that has fallen, penetrating the twelve meridians, traversing the three Yin, regulating Qi and blood, expelling cold and damp… Using it for moxibustion can penetrate the meridians and eliminate hundreds of diseases.”
Mugwort is not like other Chinese herbs that are meant to be ingested; moxa is used for moxibustion, which allows it to exert its full power.
Modern research also shows that the infrared energy produced by burning moxa can stimulate the body’s meridians, promote the flow of Qi, deliver energy to normal cells, immune-active cells, and energy-deficient pathological cells, while also regulating abnormalities and disorders in the body, inhibiting cellular aging!
Next, let’s discuss the character “灸” (jiu). The character consists of “fire” and “long-lasting,” meaning to use flames to roast the body for an extended period, allowing heat to enter the meridians through acupoints and return to the organs, providing beneficial stimulation to the body. When roasting by the fire, one feels warmth and comfort, which is the same principle.
Moxibustion perfectly combines “Moxa” and “Moxibustion”, using burning moxa to stimulate the body’s meridians and acupoints, achieving the effects of unblocking meridians, expelling pathogenic factors, and preventing and treating diseases!
2. Who Needs Moxibustion?
In contemporary society, many people have imbalanced Yin and Yang, chaotic schedules, and cannot distinguish between day and night or seasons, leading to a state of disorder and sub-health. Honestly, there are too many people who need moxibustion.
If you identify with two or more of the following nine conditions, you really need moxibustion:
1. People with high labor intensity.
2. Those who feel they are aging.
3. People with poor appetite and unable to eat.
4. Individuals with weak constitutions who often fall ill.
5. Those who often stay up late and have irregular eating and sleeping habits.
6. People who dislike exercise or have no time to exercise.
7. Individuals under significant mental stress, often feeling irritable or depressed.
8. Those with cold bodies, prefer cold foods, and are sensitive to temperature changes.
9. Individuals with chronic diseases, such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, rheumatism, asthma, and gynecological inflammation.
Of course, these nine conditions do not encompass everything; even if one is healthy, moxibustion can still be beneficial!
3. What Are the Benefits of Moxibustion for Women?
Moxibustion is not limited by gender or age; however, compared to men, women with a cold and Yin constitution may need moxibustion more. Moxibustion can effectively replenish Yang energy in women, expel cold pathogens, and ensure sufficient Qi and blood, radiating vitality and charm from within. The unexpected benefits of moxibustion for women include:
1. Harmonizing Yin and Yang: Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that a person’s vitality is closely related to blood and Qi; Qi carries blood, and blood nourishes Qi. Only with balanced Yin and Yang can one be healthy and free from disease.
2. Improving Constitution: Many women experience symptoms such as cold uterus, cold hands and feet, dysmenorrhea, stomach cold and bloating, and sensitivity to cold, which are manifestations of a cold constitution. In severe cases, this can even lead to infertility. Moxa is a pure Yang plant, and the warm energy released during burning is particularly suitable for modern women to improve their constitution and expel cold pathogens.
3. Enhancing Immunity: Most women have relatively weak constitutions, and moxibustion can help improve their immune capabilities. Moxibustion not only treats diseases but also strengthens the body, making it one of the most applicable healthcare methods.
Focus on moxibustion at Zusanli (足三里) and the stomach meridian along the calf area, which can strengthen spleen and stomach functions and enhance overall disease resistance.
4. Regulating Women’s Issues: Common female diseases such as gynecological inflammation, premature aging, endocrine disorders, dark circles, and skin diseases can all be regulated through moxibustion, warming the uterus, regulating the ovaries, and balancing hormones, fundamentally addressing these issues and reducing recurrence.
4. Moxibustion = Health + Longevity!
Rugao City in Jiangsu Province is known as a longevity town in China, and there is a local saying: “You won’t know your age until you visit Rugao.”
The secret to their longevity is one: they love to sunbathe their backs to prevent diseases, allowing ample Yang energy to drive away the Yin energy that lingers on their backs, keeping their bodies warm throughout the year.
This aligns perfectly with moxibustion; Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the back is where Yang energy is most concentrated in the body. Moxibustion on the back or other areas is akin to sunbathing the body at close range, providing stronger heat without the concern of UV rays, and the benefits are evident.
Fortunately, moxibustion is gradually gaining recognition, and more people are beginning to engage with it, reaping health benefits and extending their lifespan through a higher quality method.
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