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The *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) states: Whenever the number of moxa cones (Zhuang, 壮) is mentioned, if the patient is robust with a deep-seated disease, the dosage may be doubled compared to the standard prescription. For the elderly, children, or those who are frail and weak, the dosage may be halved. It further states that for a seven-year-old child, seven Zhuang should be applied; other texts such as *Duanju Zhufang* (Various Formulas from Short Dramas) adhere to this principle. Only the *Mingtang Benjing* (Classic of the Bright Hall) records: "Needle insertion depth of six fen, moxibustion of three Zhuang," with no other treatments mentioned. Consequently, later practitioners lacked a uniform standard, adjusting the moxibustion dosage up or down based on the severity of the illness.

For moxibustion on the head and neck, limit it to seven Zhuang, accumulating up to forty-nine Zhuang (7 x 7) at most (according to the *Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing* [Illustrated Manual of Acupoints for Moxibustion and Acupuncture]). If treating wind disorders, moxibustion on Shangxing (GV23), Qian Ding (GV21), and Baihui (GV20) can reach two hundred Zhuang. The abdomen and back are suitable for five hundred Zhuang. However, moxibustion on Jiwei (CV15) and Jueque (CV14) should not be excessive; one need only dispel wind pathogens, avoiding excessive application. Excessive moxibustion may result in thin and weak limbs (according to the *Mingtang*). The *Qianjin Fang* notes regarding Zusanli (ST36) that one may apply up to two or three hundred Zhuang. Xinshu (BL15) is contraindicated for moxibustion; however, in cases of stroke (Zhongfeng, 中风), emergency moxibustion of one hundred Zhuang is indicated. These applications depend on the severity of the condition and should not be rigidly adhered to as a single rule, ignoring alternative perspectives. The *Xiajing* (Lower Classic) merely states that for contraindicated acupoints, the *Mingtang* permits one to three Zhuang, which seems incomplete.

The *Qianjin Fang* states: For those traveling through the regions of Wu and Shu, it is necessary to apply moxibustion to two or three locations on the body and prevent the moxa sores from healing temporarily. This ensures that miasma, pestilence, warm malaria, and toxic vapors cannot afflict the person. Therefore, when pain is felt, one says "A-shi" (Ah-Yes), indicating that both moxibustion and acupuncture are effective at that spot, hence the term "Ashi Acupoint."

The *Zisheng Jing* (Scripture of Nourishing Life) states: If moxibustion induces a sore (Chuangfa, 疮发), the disease will heal; if no sore develops, the disease will not resolve. The *Jiayi Jing* (Classics of Systematic Classification) states: To induce a non-developing moxa sore, apply an old shoe sole to the sore; it will naturally develop within three days. I have observed cases where moxa sores did not develop; frequent application of raw sesame oil (Sheng Mayou, 生麻油) to the area induced development. Others used decoctions of Gleditsia sinensis (Zaojiao, 皂角), cooling the liquid and applying it frequently to induce development. Some feared Qi and Blood deficiency prevented development, so they administered Sigewu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) before and after moxibustion to nourish Qi and Blood. These methods cannot be generalized. I once applied seven Zhuang to both Zusanli (ST36) points. After several days, neither developed. I added two Zhuang to each; the right foot developed, but the left did not. I then added one Zhuang to the left foot, which finally developed. This depends on the practitioner's discernment. If one leaves it to nature, it may never develop. This represents the extent of human effort required. According to the *Baojian*, if Qi does not arrive, there is no effect, and moxibustion will not induce a sore. The twelve meridians correspond to the twelve double-hours (Shichen, 时辰); Qi arrives at specific times. Therefore, those who do not understand the volume of Qi and Blood in the meridians and fail to moxibustate when the Qi is due will find that sores do not develop. Most contemporary physicians are unaware of this, which is regrettable. However, for robust individuals, moxibustion without waiting for the appropriate time may still induce a sore.