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In ancient times, when treating moxibustion sores (moxibustion-induced ulcers), ointments were not used; the goal was to allow abundant pus discharge for rapid disease resolution. *Zisheng* records: In spring, willow catkins are used; in summer, bamboo membrane; in autumn, new cotton wadding; and in winter, fine white hair from under a rabbit's belly or cat fur. Modern practice involves applying medicinal plasters frequently, changing them two or three times daily, seeking rapid healing, which contradicts the fundamental intent of treating disease. However, contemporary use of plasters is for convenience and should not be changed too often. If the plaster remains intact, it can be left on for an extended period. Rapid changes may lead to superficial healing, but the root cause of the disease might remain uncleared.

After moxibustion with moxa cones, ancient practitioners employed a washing method for defecation. This involved decocting red-skin scallions and mint, then using the warm liquid to wash around the sore for approximately one shi (two hours). This aimed to expel wind pathogens from the wound site and ensure unobstructed meridian circulation, leading to natural recovery. After the moxibustion fire subsides and scabs form, washing with warm decoction of tender green bark from peach branches growing in the southeast protects the wound from various wind pathogens. If the wound interior becomes black and putrid, adding coriander (*Coriandrum sativum*) to the decoction aids cleansing. For unbearable pain, adding Coptidis Rhizoma (*Huanglian*, 黄连) yields miraculous effects.

After moxibustion, patients should retreat to a quiet room, rest from duties, and maintain appropriate dietary temperatures and qualities. When righteous qi (vital energy) recovers fully, evil qi (pathogenic factors) naturally recedes, and the disease root is eliminated. Today, many fail to practice tranquil nourishment; thus, even if moxibustion is performed, what benefit does it bring? Often, engaging in sexual activity and craving rich flavors only adds to one's own fault. Hence, harm caused by moxibustion stems from this negligence. Why blame moxibustion for ineffectiveness?

*Zisheng* states: After moxibustion, one must avoid eating raw fish, lard, hot noodles, cold/raw foods, raw wine, and wind-aggravating substances. Great anger, excessive labor, sexual intercourse, fasting, overeating, exposure to heat, and chilling are especially taboo. These practices are not only useless but harmful and require caution.

*Qianjin Fang* states: Before performing acupuncture and moxibustion, one must know the auspicious and inauspicious days of the current year and the location of Ren Shen (Human Spirit). Avoidance of taboos ensures safety. Men avoid "Chu" (Destruction) days; women avoid "Po" (Breakthrough) days. Men avoid Xu days; women avoid Si days. There are taboos related to Day Spirits, monthly taboos, and twelve-hourly taboos. There are also Seasonal Ren Shen, Twelve-Part Ren Shen, Yearly Twelve-Part Ren Shen, Nine-Part Supplementary Ren Shen, Miscellaneous Supplementary Ren Shen, and types like Blood Branch and Blood Taboo. Physicians who do not understand these avoidances may find treatment difficult when encountering patient misfortune or periods of weak male/female qi. Enlightened scholars do not rigidly adhere to these rules. In cases of sudden acute emergencies, all taboos are disregarded. Xu Xi stated: Sudden acute diseases require immediate moxibustion treatment; within a day, only one specific hour is taboo. *Qianjin Fang* further notes: For urgent conditions such as carbuncles, sores, boils, throat obstruction, and external shock, speed in preparing herbal decoctions is essential; one should not delay due to inauspicious days. It also states: For sudden acute syndromes, stroke with collapse, phlegm syncope, etc., acupuncture and moxibustion should be applied immediately. Delaying due to spirit taboos could render rescue impossible. This illustrates why rigidity is inadvisable. However, in calm, non-emergency situations, preventing disease before it manifests, selecting auspicious days and avoiding Ren Shen locations is acceptable.