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The *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) states: If one intends to perform acupuncture and moxibustion, one must first know the auspicious and inauspicious days of the patient's current year, as well as the locations of the Kishen (Buttock God) and Renshen (Human God); as long as these do not conflict with taboos, it is permissible.

One must avoid the "Chu" (Removal) day; women should avoid the "Po" (Break) day, men should avoid the "Wu" day, and women should also avoid the "Ji" day. These are what is referred to as Xuezhi (Blood Branch) and Xuemi (Blood Taboo), among others. Any physician who does not understand these precautions will find treatment extremely difficult if they encounter a patient during an unfavorable astrological period, especially if the male or female patient has deficient Qi. However, would not wise and enlightened scholars disregard such rigid adherence to taboos? In cases of emergency or sudden acute illness where life hangs in the balance, immediate treatment is appropriate. To be stuck on taboos at such times is to fall into superstition, which is surely a mistake! Generally, only one two-hour period per day is taboo; methods like the Ziwu Liuzhu Eight Methods (Acupuncture Timing Method based on Zi-Wu Meridian Flow) are not bound by such taboos.

If treating a disease before symptoms manifest, even if auspicious days are chosen, taking herbal medicine and performing acupuncture/moxibustion is still appropriate. One should also select suitable timing; moxibustion should preferably be performed after noon, because Yin Qi has not yet arrived, ensuring the moxibustion takes effect. Performing it too early in the morning may cause dizziness due to deficiency of human Qi, though in emergencies, one should not be strictly bound by this. If encountering strong winds, heavy rain, or thunderstorms, one should pause and wait for clear weather to perform moxibustion.

For all moxibustion, it is necessary for the moxa sore (burn blister/ulceration) to develop; only then will the disease be cured. If the sore does not develop, the disease will not resolve. The *Jia Yi Jing* (Classic of Moxibustion and Acupoints) states: If the moxa sore does not develop, apply heat using a warm object to fumigate it, and it will develop within three days. Currently, some people use three to five stalks of red-skin scallions, remove the leaves, warm them over a mild fire, and apply them to the sore for more than ten repetitions, causing the sore to develop naturally within three days. Others use sesame oil applied topically to induce development. Still others use decoctions of toothed soap bean (Gleditsia sinensis) cooled down, applied frequently to the site to induce development. This may be due to deficient Qi and Blood, in which cases it may be appropriate to take Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) to nourish the body; thus, one cannot generalize. After moxibustion, it is essential to ensure the sore develops to eliminate the disease.

Regarding dressing the sores, ancients used willow catkins in spring, bamboo membrane in summer and autumn, and fine hair from rabbit bellies in winter; cat belly hair is also excellent. Modern people often use plasters, changing them once or twice daily, which facilitates healing. It is better to change the plaster twice daily, allowing more pus to drain and thereby removing phlegm turbidity. If one wishes to use plasters, one must use genuine sesame oil mixed with medicinal herbs for treating the condition, such as herbs that dispel wind and dissipate Qi stagnation, or nourish blood and heal injuries, added according to the specific syndrome for optimal results.