Library

Mr. Lei Shaoyi was a renowned physician in Quzhou. While I served as the magistrate of this prefecture, I invited him to treat my illness, and thus we became friends. He possessed an innate goodness, read extensively, and practiced medicine to benefit the world; his family possessed a rich collection of writings. I once wrote a preface for his book *Shi Bing Lun* (Treatise on Seasonal Diseases) and had it published. One day, he showed me the *Jiu Fa Mi Chuan* (Secret Transmission of Moxibustion Methods) collected by his relative, Mr. Jin Yetian. It was said that the text was obtained from a monk in Sichuan, and its therapeutic effects were quite verified. The original manuscript was crude and unrefined. After Mr. Lei categorized the various syndromes listed and provided explanations for each, the language became concise and the meaning profound, truly capturing the essence of the classics. It is indeed an excellent technique for saving lives. Upon consulting medical texts, I found that its discussion on treating diseases via acupoints originates from Taiyi Shenzhen (Great One Divine Needle) and Shenming (Divine Enlightenment), making it a rare edition in recent times. Fearing that this secret text would not be transmitted, I entrusted it to the printers to make it public, and appended the formulas of Taiyi Shenzhen at the end, so that readers could cross-reference and verify them, thereby gaining trust. Upon completion of the printing, I added a few words at the beginning to show that what is worth transmitting cannot remain secret forever, and also to commend Mr. Lei and Mr. Jin for their eagerness to disseminate it. This is the preface.
Written by Liu Guoguang (Courtesy Name: Bichen), a Dao-level official pending appointment and Magistrate of Quzhou Prefecture from Chu-Bei, on the 15th day of the 11th month in the 9th year of Guangxu.

Rule 1: When using moxibustion, first examine the specific disease syndrome and select the appropriate acupoints. Then, use the middle segment of the patient's middle finger as a standard of one cun (Chinese inch). Measure accurately, mark the acupoint with ink, and wait for the moxibustion.
Rule 2: For the moxibustion method, take a large slice of fresh ginger, approximately two fen thick. Fix the foot of the moxa cup onto the ginger slice. Aligning with the hole of the moxa cup, pierce the ginger slice with a silver needle, and place it flat on the target acupoint. Next, mold a ball of moxa wool and place it inside the cup, then add the medicinal materials on top. Ignite the moxa. After a short while, the medicinal qi will penetrate into the body. If the heat becomes unbearable, lift the silver cup for a moment and then replace it. When the medicinal material in the cup is nearly consumed, remove it and replace it with a new one. Each session requires changing the medication three or four times before stopping. Moxibustion can be performed once or twice daily, whichever is appropriate.
Rule 3: When performing moxibustion, choose a time with mild weather and a location in a sealed room without drafts. Burn a stick of incense and follow the prescribed method. Avoid areas where "Ren Shen" (the Body God, a concept in acupuncture regarding auspicious/inauspicious points based on time) resides; strict avoidance is necessary. Pregnant women should also avoid this treatment.
Rule 4: After moxibustion, lie quietly for a period to allow the medicinal qi to circulate through the zang-fu organs and meridians. Naturally, one will feel refreshed as the pathogenic factors are expelled. It is crucial to avoid wind, regulate diet, and preserve essence and spirit; this is the primary concern.
Rule 5: When selecting acupoints for moxibustion, assess the severity and location carefully. On the upper body and bony prominences, moxibustion should be minimal. On the lower body and fleshy areas, heavier moxibustion is harmless.