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Generally, Hong Kong Jiao (Gouty Arthritis / Podagra) presents with Yin and Yang, Exterior and Interior patterns. Treatment must follow the specific manifestations. One must not blindly rely on ancient prescriptions; treating a Yin pattern as Yang, or an Exterior disease by addressing the Interior, will lead to severe misjudgment of Deficiency and Excess, resulting in extreme danger. If the disease originates from the Yin channels, starting from the inner side of the two big toes, ascending along the inner tibia to the popliteal fossa, presenting with stubborn numbness and insensitivity, or swelling beginning here, one must moxa points such as Fuliu (KI7), Zhongdu (LR6), and Yinlingquan (SP9) according to the condition. During moxibustion, qi should be guided downward from top to bottom first. Each point is moxaed for twenty cones. Thereafter, every seven days, moxa seven more cones until recovery. The moxibustion for other points follows this principle. If the disease originates from the Yang channels, starting from the outer side of the two little toes, ascending along the outer tibia fibula to Fengshi (GB31), presenting with stubborn numbness and insensitivity, or swelling occurring here, one must moxa points such as Yangjuegu (GB39), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Fengshi (GB31). The dosage and method of moxibustion are also from top to bottom, following the previous methods. If Qi toxin acts simultaneously in the Exterior and Interior, one may measure the severity and apply moxa paste, rubbing it up and down over the Exterior and Interior, moxaing one or two areas each, to unblock and drain the pathogen. Internal medication should be administered according to the disease. Regardless of where the lesion is biased, it is best to keep the moxa sores open until all wind pathogens are eliminated, after which the sores can heal. After healing, if the scar color is red, the wind toxin is exhausted; if greenish-black, toxic vapors remain, so continue moxibustion without stopping until the body feels light and agile, then rest.

Another version states: One should frequently moxa Zusanli (ST36) and Yangjuegu (GB39), preventing the sores from healing, which is beneficial.

When Hong Kong Jiao initially presents with muscle spasms (Zhuanjin), moxa Chengshan (BL57) and Chengjin (BL56). For hiccups (Yue Ni), moxa Yongquan (KI1). For headache radiating to the arm, chills and fever resembling malaria, and lower back pain, moxa Weizhong (BL40). For head, neck, back, and generalized body pain, moxa Ashi points (painful spots not on standard acupoints). It is also said that when Hong Kong Jiao flares severely, no acupuncture or moxibustion should be performed above the waist, as drawing wind qi upward can be fatal. After the acute phase subsides, if residual symptoms remain, moxibustion is permissible. Moxibustion is suitable in winter but contraindicated in spring and summer. From Fengshi (GB31) downward, moxibustion is appropriate. It is also said that if Qi rushes to the heart and does not recede, urgently moxa the center of the palm for three-seven cones; the Qi will subside. If the Qi does not recede and chest oppression occurs, drink hot fermented soybean wine; recovery follows immediately. If ineffective, take one Sheng (approx. 2 liters) of black ox urine, warm and ingest, stopping when diarrhea occurs; taking three to five doses is better. If the feet have been moxaed but chest Qi remains stagnant and oppressive, moxa Jianshi (PC5) fifty cones; this point is located three Cun posterior to the wrist crease between the two tendons. If chest Qi disperses but there is a pulse under the heart that is surging and beating rapidly, descending into the thighs causing anxiety and palpitations, press the lower abdomen sides along the oblique lines of the spleen/stomach area where the pulse beats. Moxa on the pulse wave; moxa three-seven cones at the beating spot to stabilize. Afterward, always moxa Zusanli (ST36) twenty cones to guide Qi downward. If Heart and Abdominal Qi is stabilized but the outer thighs and abdomen feel oppressed, moxa the abdomen seven cones; this point is below the skull at the junction, in the depression outside the tendon. If it recurs later, moxa five more cones. Even people not suffering from Hong Kong Jiao, if experiencing thigh pain and oppression, moxaing this point brings immediate cure; it is a crucial point. However, do not neglect moxibustion, nor use excessive needles; only moxa seven cones or less. If ten toes ache and feel oppressed, gradually spreading to the dorsum of the foot, moxa the center of the toe tip, at the junction of nail and flesh, three cones for cure. If the big toe or little toe side aches and feels oppressed, sensing a pulse like flowing water ascending to the thigh and abdomen, moxa three cones at the adjacent side of the toe for cure.

Hong Kong Jiao typically flares in spring, worsens in summer, lightens in autumn, and rests in winter. The general rule is: moxibustion is suitable in spring and autumn, acceptable in winter, and completely contraindicated in summer. Since sores are broken and cannot be covered, wind-cold enters easily, worsening the condition. In winter, blood coagulates, violating natural laws; thus, moxibustion is a last resort. In places without medicine, moxa one or two key points, not the whole body. Regarding the major theory of Hong Kong Jiao, toxins attack upward from below, or sometimes downward. Some say moxaing the upper body causes toxins to ascend, which is wrong. This refers to the site attacked by toxins, painful as if pierced; moxa according to the disease, and once heat penetrates, recovery ensues, regardless of upper or lower. Wherever toxins strike, like a thief trying to escape, encountering an acupoint allows exit; it is not confined to doors. Wind-toxin attacks similarly. These are clinically verified, infallible, and never erroneous. (Note by Su Tong) If pain starts between the proximal phalanges of fingers and slightly enters the arm, moxa the painful spot between fingers seven cones to stabilize. If chest and heart Qi is full, and after moxaing various blood sea points on legs/shins and taking decoctions, Qi still persists causing severe irritability and despair, moxa the central depression below both sole centers, seven cones each; Qi descends. This point is extremely important but rarely used, only in emergencies for seven cones. All previous moxibustion methods have been tested and proven effective, curing instantly upon completion; thus recorded in detail. Moxibustion should not replace herbal medicine; herbs treat internally, moxa drains externally, like opening a door to drive out thieves; closing the door traps them, harming the host. Scholars working hard, sitting/standing long in dampness, moving infrequently, allow cold wind to invade meridians unknowingly, causing wind-toxin invasion. Sometimes invading ten fingers first due to open pores and loose interstices, wind strikes like arrows; or invading sole, dorsum, or below knee/tibia interior/exterior. To prevent disease, moxa the perceived area thirty-twenty cones immediately, ensuring cure and prevention of onset.

Treatment Methods
For treating Hong Kong Jiao via moxibustion: Upon initial onset with weak legs, moxa quickly and take Zhu Li Tang (Bamboo Juice Decoction). After moxa, take Ba Feng San (Eight Winds Powder); no case fails if treated swiftly. If one moxaes but does not take powder, or takes powder but does not moxa, results are half-recovery, half-death. Even if recovered, relapse may occur in one to two years. Upon sensation, moxa quickly per this method and take powder; eleven cases yield ten cures. Mild cases, though not instantly cured, are easy to treat. If root cause is not removed, death follows eventually; do not ignore this. (Note from Zisheng Jing)

First moxa Fengshi (GB31), then Futu (ST32), then Dubi (ST35), then two Xiyan (Knee Eyes) points (one opinion forbids moxa), then Zusanli (ST36), then Shanglian (ST34), then Xialian (ST37), then Yangjuegu (GB39).
Moxa these eight sites. First, Fengshi (GB31): Have patient stand upright, arms hanging straight, fingers covering thighs. Mark the point on the large tendon of the thigh aligned with the middle finger tip. Moxa hundred cones; more is good. Mild cases no less than hundred cones; severe cases up to five-six hundred cones per site. Do not moxa all at once; divide into three sessions. Second, Futu (ST32): Patient sits with legs bent. Place hand across knee on upper thigh beside the bent knee head. Mark the center of the thigh gap. Moxa hundred cones, or fifty. Third, Dubi (ST35): On the lateral border of the patella, level with the suprapatellar fat pad. Press to feel joint gap. Or below knee, near three bones, pressing feels hollow. Moxa fifty cones, up to hundred. Fourth, Xiyan (Knee Eye): In depressions on both sides below the patellar ligament. Fifth, Zusanli (ST36): One Fu distance below the knee joint, lateral to tibia. Or three Cun below knee joint. Measure using patient's hand width (Fu). Moxa hundred cones. Sixth, Shanglian (ST34): One Fu below Zusanli, lateral to tibia. Moxa hundred cones. Seventh, Xialian (ST37): One Fu below Shanglian, lateral to tibia. Moxa hundred cones. Eighth, Yangjuegu (GB39): One Fu above lateral malleolus, or four Cun. Do not moxa all cones at once; spread over three days. Treat one leg for one leg disease, both legs for both legs disease. Alternative prescription: If feet feel bad, moxa Zusanli and Yangjuegu on each side (four sites total). Dosage depends on severity, minimum hundred cones. If no cure, proceed sequentially; more is better. One opinion says Yangjuegu is most critical. Untreated leg weakness leading to abdominal distension and Qi rushing up requires comprehensive moxaing of joints, abdomen, back, plus Ba Feng San. If patient cannot tolerate heavy moxa, moxa chest, heart, abdomen, and leg points; often effective. Definition of "Fu": Four fingers spread horizontally across middle phalanx equals one Fu. For leg weakness, use four-finger Fu. Points include Liangqiu (ST34), Dubi (ST35), Zusanli (ST36), Shanglian (ST34), Xialian (ST37), Jiexi (ST41), Taichong (LR3), Yanglingquan (GB34), Yangjuegu (GB39), Kunlun (BL60), Yinlingquan (SP9), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Fuliu (KI7), RanGu (KI2), Yongquan (KI1), Chengshan (BL57), Shugu (BL65), totaling eighteen points. Old methods moxa Baihui (GV20), Fengfu (GV16), Back-Shu and Front-Mu points; recent practice finds this draws Qi downward, so avoided unless Qi stagnation persists. For critical cases, moxa all. Eight points at toe tips, one Fen away, named Bachong by Cao family, effective for descending Qi. Ten toe tips named Qiduan, moxa three cones daily, or Bachong seven cones daily until Qi descends. Use small cones for Bachong; only perform if deeply committed.

Treating Hong Kong Jiao, points: Yanglingquan (GB34), Yangjuegu (GB39), Fengshi (GB31), Kunlun (BL60), Yangfu (GB38), Shanglian (ST34), Tiaokou (ST38), Xialian (ST37), Taichong (LR3), Dubi (ST35), Xiyan (Knee Eye), Ququan (LR8), Yinlingquan (SP9), Zhongdu (LR6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Fuliu (KI7), Yangwei (GB59 - likely typo for Yangjuegu or similar), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Weizhong (BL40), Chengjin (BL56), Chengshan (BL57), Yongquan (KI1), Taiyin (SP6 - likely Sanyinjiao or similar). All are key points; do not moxa all indiscriminately. Most important: Zusanli (ST36), Yangjuegu (GB39), Chengjin (BL56), Taichong (LR3), Kunlun (BL60), Yongquan (KI1). Moxa if indicated.

According to Mingtang, standing is the correct posture for locating points; sitting/moving shifts patella, making measurement unstable. Measure one Cun using the middle finger proximal interphalangeal joint width. If measurements vary, accuracy suffers. Feng Chengzu and Hua Tuo state using three or four fingers as standard; four fingers span approx. 2.4 Cun. Huangdi's theories are trustworthy. Xu Tong moxaed Fengshi, Zusanli, Yangjuegu without effect; moxaed Dubi, Jianyu (LI15), Xiguan (EX-LE5) three cones daily; needling deep pain spots was also effective.

Four points for post-acupuncture ambulation: Huantiao (GB30), Yanglingquan (GB34), Xiajuxu (ST39), Yangfu (GB38).
Many moxa points exist; listing only essential ones. Must start from top; direct moxaing of Hong Kong Jiao without draining upward leads to danger. First moxa Dazhui (GV14), prominent vertebra at neck base, upper point. For Hong Kong Jiao, first moxa Baihui (GV20) fifty cones, in vertex depression. Jianjing (GB21) one hundred cones each, in depression near shoulder/head junction, centered by finger. Tanzhong (CV17) fifty cones, between breasts at sternum. Juque (CV14) one Cun below heart apex depression. Moxaing these five upper points suffices for Hong Kong Jiao. Adding Baihui, Fengfu, Weiwuan, and Zang-Fu Shu points is better, depending on urgency. Points cited from Moxa Classics.

Next, moxa Shanglian one hundred cones, one Fu below Zusanli. Next, moxa Xialian one hundred cones, one Fu below Shanglian. Next, moxa Yangjuegu two hundred cones, approx. three Cun above lateral malleolus, measured from ankle bone edge, four Cun flexed. Opposite Xialian. These eighteen points are key. Remaining Futu, Dubi: Do not moxa all cones at once; complete within three days.

Moxibustion for Hong Kong Jiao: On ten toes of both feet, use wheat-grain-sized moxa cones, moxa seven or ten cones each; efficacy is miraculous. Point is between flesh and nail.

Moxibustion method as above. Post-moxa, red-white scars indicate toxin exhausted; green-black indicates remaining toxin, continue moxaing until limbs feel clear and agile. People often suffer this via acupuncture/moxa; strictly avoid hot steam baths. Monk Puqing suffered twenty years; moxaed Fengshi, Jianyu, Quchi (LI11) twenty cones each, instant relief. Also, keep Zusanli moist (sores open); wind patients should frequently moxa. Zusanli is the ditch for Zang-Fu organs.

If Hong Kong Jiao is sensed early, quickly moxa Fengshi and Zusanli one-two hundred cones each to drain wind-damp toxin. If feeling hot/oppressive, do not moxa; adding heat to existing heat aids wind. Dietary taboos: spicy food, alcohol, noodles, seafood, sexual excess. Without these, medicine is useless. Wang Shi stated: Shi Zaizhi distinguished wind-damp types, advocating draining not tonifying, using Chenxiang Tang, forbidding moxa. Qian Jin Fang details moxa methods extensively. Is moxa only for deficient persons? Zhi Mi Fang says if hot/oppressive, do not moxa, showing insight. Key points for Hong Kong Jiao moxa are Zusanli and Yangjuegu; protection is primary. I had this disease; avoiding dampness prevented recurrence for years; stepping in wetness caused frequent attacks. Avoid shoes in wetness, standing in dampness briefly, shifting feet frequently. This is secondary protection. An official cured chronic Hong Kong Jiao by taking Bawei Wan (Eight Flavor Pill), as it treats Hong Kong Jiao attacking the heart.

Treating Hong Kong Jiao attacking upward, point: Jianjing (GB21).
Qian Jin Fang states: Acupuncture is preferred over moxa for Hong Kong Jiao; moxa without acupuncture is not skilled. Acupuncture/moxa without medicine, or medicine without acupuncture/moxa, is not skilled. This view is sound.

Treating Hong Kong Jiao with hemiplegic leg, heaviness, inability to walk, piercing pain, cold feet, point: Shanglian (ST34).
Dan Liao Fang states: Cai Yuanzhang, Prefect of Kaifeng, felt a sensation like a bug rising from sole to waist, fainted. Yu Shanshan diagnosed Hong Kong Jiao, moxaed Fengshi one cone, recovered next day. Relapsed next day. Yu said removing root required thousand cones. Moaxed five hundred cones, cured permanently. Wen An Gong, Governor of Gusu, lived in damp quarters, developed foot numbness/pain, drugs failed. Moxaed Fengshi, Jianyu, Quchi three points, cured lifelong. Monk Puqing, suffered twenty years, attacks every two months, moxaed twenty-one cones, pain stopped instantly. Many benefited.

Treating Hong Kong Jiao Kidney Qi, point: Yangqiao (BL59).