Firstly, moxibustion on the umbilicus: Use one piece of longan flesh and six or seven pieces of Sichuan pepper, mix them with mugwort (ai rong) and crush them. Before going to bed, take a small amount, about the size of a fingernail, and place it in the umbilicus, then secure it with medical tape. Generally, those with weak spleen and stomach have impaired dampness-transforming functions. My personal experience is that if the spleen and stomach are only mildly deficient, one can use foods like winter melon and coix seed to eliminate dampness. However, for those with severe cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach, the best method is not to eliminate dampness but to use aromatic substances like huo xiang (agastache) to dry dampness.
The umbilicus, also known as the Shen Que (Spirit Gate) point, is the connection point of the umbilical cord and a key point on the Ren Meridian. The fetus relies on the umbilical cord for nutrition, similar to how a stem provides nourishment, being the only pathway for nutrient absorption. We can also understand it as a crucial point connecting the innate and acquired aspects of the human body.
The so-called Shen Que refers to the place where the original spirit enters and resides, holding a very esteemed position. In fact, within the human body, the Shen Que point is also the gateway for the heart and kidney communication. The heart houses the spirit, while the kidney stores will, both being significant aspects of the five organs. The heart belongs to fire, and the kidney belongs to water; if water and fire cannot communicate and harmonize, it will lead to an imbalance of Yin and Yang, resulting in various diseases. The Shen Que point at the umbilicus is the core of the abdomen, providing excellent regulation for abdominal diseases, such as Wu Geng Xie (early morning diarrhea), chronic diarrhea, and post-urinary retention, among others.
Secondly, directly moxibustion on the umbilicus (Shen Que point). Use aged moxa that is over three years old; ideally, use our homemade moxa sticks for suspended moxibustion above the umbilicus.
Our moxa sticks, based on three-year aged moxa, include ingredients like pangolin (shan jia), Angelica sinensis (dang gui), Chuanxiong (chuan qiong), Salvia miltiorrhiza (dan shen), motherwort (yi mu cao), frankincense (ru xiang), Achyranthes bidentata (niu xi), safflower (hong hua), and twenty other herbs. The moxa sticks are potent and effective, providing sufficient heat and strong penetration. For cold symptoms, moxibustion should be applied to the umbilicus and Shen Shu (Kidney Back) point.
For purchasing, it is convenient to click on “Read the original article” below. Currently, we have two diameters available: 2 cm and 3 cm (both 20 cm in length).
The benefit is that it provides ample heat, allowing the moxa’s effects to be fully realized. However, the downside is that it can easily leave many scars around the umbilicus, which may be unacceptable for some. This is a matter of personal choice.
Thirdly, as a secondary option, one can use the method of ginger or salt moxibustion. Place a small handful of coarse salt in the umbilicus, then place a thin slice of ginger on top, and moxibustion with the moxa stick. Alternatively, you can use just a slice of ginger with one or two small holes poked with a toothpick, place it on the umbilicus, and then moxibustion.
Fourthly, there is no fixed method; to put it simply, there are various approaches. If you find moxibustion inconvenient, I can tell you that there is another method: during leisure time or while bored on a bus, try pressing the Shen Que point with your fingers. The effect may not be as good as moxibustion, but with long-term persistence, it will also yield good results.
Fifthly, moxibustion on Zu San Li (Stomach 36). Zu San Li is a major point on the stomach meridian; moxibustion for ten minutes daily will surely promote longevity. If you don’t believe me, I’ll bet you one yuan. Of course, you can also use acupuncture instead of moxibustion.