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First, determine the measurement standard. Take the middle finger of the patient (left hand for males, right hand for females), bend it into a ring shape. Use the center of a rod to measure the distance between the two transverse creases at the sides of the middle phalanx. Cut this segment as one "cun" (inch). Using this method ensures accuracy and is most appropriate.

Second, the method for marking acupoints. The limbs and body must be kept level and upright, avoiding any tilting. During moxibustion, there is a risk that inaccurate points will merely damage healthy tissue. Whether sitting, lying down, or standing, one should not curl up fists or limbs. If marking the point while sitting, perform moxibustion in a sitting position; if lying down, perform it lying down; if standing, perform it standing. Reversing these postures results in failing to locate the true acupoint. However, when applying the moxa cone, follow the sequence: Yang before Yin, upper before lower, more before less, left before right. This should be carefully considered and applied.

Third, regarding the size of the moxa cone. The classics state: For all moxibustion, the base of the moxa cone should have a diameter of three fen. If it is less than three fen, the fire qi cannot reach the target, and the disease will not be cured. Therefore, the moxa cone should generally be large, except for the head and four limbs where smaller cones are used, as they only require dispelling wind pathogenic factors. For children and those with weak constitutions, a cone the size of a wheat grain is sufficient.

Fourth, igniting the moxa. Ancient texts taboos the use of fire from eight types of wood: pine, cypress, zhi (bitter orange), orange, elm, mulberry, jujube, and bamboo. These must be avoided. Currently, clear sesame oil is used to light a lamp, transferring the flame to the moxa stem to ignite it. This also helps moisturize the moxibustion sore until healing, remaining painless. Using candles is particularly good.

Fifth, timing of application. It is suitable to apply moxa during the Si (9-11 AM) or Wu (11 AM-1 PM) hours. If it is after noon during the Wei (1-3 PM) hour, the yang qi is too abundant, and moxibustion should not be performed. Additionally, conditions such as hunger or overeating, sorrow, fear, anger, cursing, laughing, cloudy weather, rain, wind, thunder, and lightning are all taboo for moxibustion.

Sixth, placing the moxa cone. One must first rub the acupoint with a slice of garlic before placing the moxa cone; otherwise, the cone will likely fall off during movement.

Seventh, if the pain is unbearable during moxibustion. Press the acupoint firmly with fingers beforehand, and press down with an iron object to stop the pain immediately.

Eighth, dizziness during moxibustion indicates deficiency of shen qi (spiritual energy). Apply cold objects to the moxibustion site to resolve the dizziness. After resting for a long time, administer thin rice gruel or ginger soup to strengthen the shen qi, then resume the previous method to complete the treatment.

Ninth, after moxibustion, the formation of a moxa sore (moxibustion blister/ulcer) is necessary for the disease to heal. Without the sore, the disease will not cure. If the moxa sore does not appear, heat an old shoe sole and apply it as a hot compress to the area; the sore will appear within three days. Concurrently, feed the patient hot-natured foods such as young chicken, silver carp, and tofu, employing the principle of "treating toxicity with toxicity," which ensures the sore appears. For patients with qi and blood deficiency, regulate them with herbal medicine.

Tenth, if the moxa sore has not appeared after treatment, apply leaves of Platycladus orientalis (Bi Ye).

Eleventh, after moxibustion, strictly avoid wind and cold, moderate alcohol intake, abstain from sexual activity, and distance oneself from the seven emotions (joy, anger, worry, thought, sadness, fear, fright). Choose a quiet place for recuperation, which is beneficial.

Twelfth, for persistent pain in the moxa sore. Collect leaves of Platycladus orientalis and Hibiscus mutabilis on the Noon of the Dragon Boat Festival, dry them in the shade, and grind into fine powder. Whenever the black scab of the moxa sore falls off, mix a small amount of powder with water to form a paste, apply it to paper, and stick it to the affected area for immediate healing.

Thirteenth, washing the moxa sore. Decoct ingredients such as scallion, mugwort, and mint, and wash the area with warm water to expel wind pathogens.

Fourteenth, if the moxa sore has appeared, becomes black, rotten, and painful. Decoct branches of peach tree, willow, coriander, and Coptis chinensis (Huang Lian), and wash the area with warm water.

Fifteenth, if the moxa sore bleeds. Use soot from hundred herbs (Bai Cao Shuang) ground into powder, sprinkle it on the wound to stop bleeding immediately.

Sixteenth, once the moxa sore has appeared, medicinal plasters can be applied. Change the plaster every one or two days to promote drainage of pus and rapid elimination of the disease. The plaster must be made with genuine sesame oil and medicaments for treating diseases, such as those that dispel wind and dampness, nourish qi and blood. These are indeed remedies for repairing damage and tonifying deficiency. Adding medicaments according to specific symptoms is optimal.