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The *Qianjin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) states: Regarding the number of moxa cones (Zhuang, a unit of measurement for moxibustion), if the patient is robust and the disease root is deep-seated, the number may be doubled compared to standard amounts; for the elderly, children, or those who are emaciated and weak, the number should be halved. (It further states: For infants older than seven days but less than one year old, moxibustion shall not exceed seven Zhuang, with cone sizes no larger than a sparrow's droppings.) The moxibustion methods of Bian Que include up to five hundred or one thousand Zhuang. Cao's moxibustion methods include one hundred or fifty Zhuang. Formulas in the *Duanju* (Short Treatise) and other texts follow similar patterns. However, the *Mingtang Benjing* (Classic of the Acupoints) mostly records that needle insertion depth is six fen, and moxibustion consists of three Zhuang, with no further elaboration. Consequently, later practitioners' methods were inconsistent, adjusting the number of Zhuang solely based on the severity of the illness.

For moxibustion on the head, it should stop at seven Zhuang, accumulating up to forty-nine Zhuang (seven times seven). If treating wind-pathogens, moxibustion on acupoints such as Shangxing, Qianding, and Baihui can reach two hundred Zhuang. The abdomen and back are suitable for five hundred Zhuang. However, for acupoints such as Jiawei and Jueque, excessive moxibustion is inadvisable. For the limbs, if the goal is merely to dispel wind-pathogens, excessive moxibustion is contraindicated, as it may lead to thinness and weakness of the limbs. The *Mingtang Shangjing* (Upper Classic of the Acupoints) and the *Qianjin Fang* state regarding Zusanli (ST36): moxibustion can extend to two or three hundred Zhuang. Xinshu (BL15) is contraindicated for moxibustion; however, in cases of stroke (Zhongfeng), emergency moxibustion up to one hundred Zhuang is indicated. These applications depend on the severity of the condition; one must not rigidly adhere to one rule while ignoring another. The *Xiajing* (Lower Classic) only states that for contraindicated acupoints, the *Mingtang* permits one to three Zhuang, which may be insufficient.

Furthermore, it is stated that individuals traveling or residing in the Wu and Shu regions should undergo moxibustion on two or three areas of the body regularly. It is crucial to allow the moxibustion blisters to heal gradually, thereby preventing miasma, pestilence, epidemic fevers, and malaria toxins from affecting the person. Hence, moxibustion is commonly practiced in the Wu and Shu regions. There is also the method of "A-Shi" (Ah-Shi) points. This refers to pressing on a painful area; if tenderness corresponds to the internal pathology, regardless of whether it is a specific named acupoint, relief or sensation indicates the correct spot. Moxibustion or acupuncture applied here yields effective results, hence the term "A-Shi point."

Exhalation should not exceed three cycles, and inhalation should not exceed five cycles. During exhalation, twirl the needle outward to guide the Jing-Qi (Meridian Qi) outwards; during inhalation, twirl the needle inward to promote the circulation of Jing-Qi.

The *Qianjin Fang* states: For conditions requiring acupuncture, use needles for tonification or sedation; for conditions unsuitable for needling, apply moxibustion directly. In principle, there are no contraindications for acupoints used in moxibustion compared to acupuncture. After performing white needle (unheated needle) or wet needle techniques, applying moxibustation is the practice of a skilled physician. For the disease known as Hongjiao (Hongjiao disease, often corresponding to Beriberi or gouty arthritis), acupuncture is most suitable. A physician who uses only acupuncture without moxibustion, or only moxibustion without acupuncture, is not a skilled doctor. Similarly, one who relies solely on acupuncture and herbs but neglects the integration, or uses only herbs without understanding acupuncture and moxibustion, is also not a skilled doctor. Regrettably, few laypeople understand acupuncture; therefore, students must master needle manipulation. Both burning needles (Fan Zhen) and white needles require profound understanding to become a skilled physician. This emphasizes the mutual reliance of acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medicine. Currently, some practitioners use only acupuncture without moxibustion, or vice versa, or rely solely on herbs while ignoring acupuncture and moxibustion, all of which violate the warnings of Sun Simiao. Yet, physicians in society often know only of herbs, never inquiring about acupuncture and moxibustion. When questioned, they excuse themselves by saying, "This belongs to surgery," or "Professionals should specialize, not dabble in杂 (miscellaneous) fields," or "Wealthy families may not consent to acupuncture and moxibustion." These are merely excuses to cover their deficiencies. Therefore, I have detailed the statements from the *Qianjin Fang* to instruct others.