Moxibustion Therapy is a traditional Chinese medical treatment, belonging to a type of “acupoint application therapy.” It involves applying stimulating medicinal substances to specific acupoints, leveraging the warm stimulation of the medicine and the conduction effects of meridians to achieve disease prevention and treatment. Moxibustion is typically performed during the “Dog Days” (Sanfu) or “Sanjiu Days” (Sanjiu), hence it is also known as “Sanfu Moxibustion” or “Sanjiu Moxibustion.”

Principles of Moxibustion Therapy

1. Meridian Theory: By stimulating acupoints with medicinal substances, it regulates the flow of qi and blood in the meridians, balancing yin and yang.
2. Medicinal Effects: The medicine penetrates the skin, stimulating local acupoints to achieve effects such as warming the meridians, dispelling cold, and promoting blood circulation.
3. Timing: The Dog Days and Sanjiu Days represent periods when the body’s yang energy is at its strongest or weakest, making these times ideal for treatment to either boost yang energy or expel cold pathogens.

Indications

Moxibustion is primarily used for the following conditions:

• Respiratory System Diseases: Such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and allergic rhinitis.
• Digestive System Diseases: Such as chronic gastritis and indigestion.
• Rheumatic Diseases: Such as rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic arthritis.
• Immune System Diseases: Such as low immunity and susceptibility to colds.
• Gynecological Diseases: Such as dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation.

Common Acupoints

• Feishu (BL13): Used for respiratory system diseases.
• Pishu (BL20), Weishu (BL21): Used for digestive system diseases.
• Shenshu (BL23): Used for kidney deficiency-related diseases.
• Zusanli (ST36): Enhances immunity and regulates the spleen and stomach.
• Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6): Used for gynecological diseases and general weakness.

Precautions

1. Skin Reactions: Redness, swelling, itching, or blisters may occur after application, which is normal. However, severe reactions should be addressed promptly.
2. Contraindications: Pregnant women, individuals with skin allergies, and those with severe heart conditions should avoid moxibustion.
3. Application Duration: Typically 2-4 hours, adjusted based on the medicine and individual constitution.
4. Dietary Restrictions: Avoid cold, raw, and spicy foods during treatment to ensure efficacy.

Summary

Moxibustion is an effective external treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly suitable for chronic diseases and individuals with cold or deficient constitutions. Treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a professional practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.