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Qianjin Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) states: Regarding the number of moxa cones (Zhuang, a unit of measure for moxibustion quantity), if the patient is robust and the disease root is deep and severe, the number can be doubled compared to the standard prescription. For the elderly, children, or those who are frail and weak, the number should be halved. (It also states: For infants older than seven days but less than one year old, do not exceed seven Zhuang; the moxa cone should be as small as a sparrow's droppings.) The Bianque Moxibustion Method records cases of up to five hundred or one thousand Zhuang. The Cao Shi Moxibustion Method records one hundred or fifty Zhuang. Formulas in the Duanju text are similar. However, the Mingtang Benjing (Classic of the Acupuncture Points) mostly specifies needle insertion depth of six fen and three Zhuang of moxibustion, with no further discussion. Consequently, later practitioners lacked a uniform standard, adjusting the number based on the severity of the illness.

When moxibusting the top of the head, limit it to seven Zhuang, accumulating up to forty-nine Zhuang (seven times seven). (From Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing [Illustrated Manual of Acupoints of the Copper Man]). If treating wind diseases, moxa points Shangxing (Yintang + 1 cun), Qianding (Baihui - 2 cun), and Baihui (GV20) should all be treated with two hundred Zhuang. The abdomen and back are suitable for five hundred Zhuang. However, Jiuwei (CV15) and Juque (CV14) should not be over-moxa'd. For the limbs, merely dispelling wind pathogens is sufficient; excessive moxibustion is inadvisable. Too much moxibustion on the limbs causes them to become thin and weak. (From Mingtang Shangjing [Upper Classic of Acupoints]). Conversely, Qianjin Fang suggests that for Zusanli (ST36), one may moxa up to two or three hundred Zhuang. Xinshu (BL15) is contraindicated for moxibustion. In cases of stroke (Zhongfeng), urgent moxibustion up to 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, nor should other perspectives be ignored. Xiajing (Lower Classic) only states that for contraindicated points, Mingtang allows one to three Zhuang, which may be insufficient.

Qianjin Fang states: For those traveling through Wu and Shu regions, it is necessary to perform moxibustion on two or three locations on the body, ensuring the sores do not heal temporarily. This prevents miasma, pestilence, warm malaria, and toxic vapors from afflicting the person. Thus, moxibustion is commonly practiced in Wu and Shu. There is a method called "Ashi" (Ah-Shi). It means when a person has an ailment, they press on their body; if the pressure corresponds to the internal pathology, regardless of whether it is a specific acupoint, relief or pain indicates the spot. This spot is called "Ashi," and both moxibustion and acupuncture at this point are effective, hence the name Ashi Point.

Qian Jin Fang states: Huangdi said: "If moxibustion does not reach a depth of three fen, it is considered a futile suffering." The moxa cone must be large. If it is small or weak, make it smaller. (It also states: For infants older than seven days but less than one year old, do not exceed seven Zhuang; the cone size like sparrow feces.) Mingtang Xiajing states: "For all moxibustion, the base of the moxa cone should be wide by three fen. If not three fen, the fire qi cannot reach far, and the disease will not heal." This implies moxa cones should generally be large, except for the head and limbs where they should be small. However, Mingtang Shangjing states: "Make the moxa cone the size of the head of a small bamboo chopstick." If the patient's pulse is thin like a fine thread, simply align the moxa cone with the meridian; even a sparrow-dropping-sized cone can cure the disease. Another scenario involves abdominal conditions such as hernia (Shan), masses (Jia), accumulations (Pi), and Fu Liang Qi; these require large moxa cones. Thus, Duanju states: "The abdomen and back can be cauterized until ulceration occurs, while the limbs are merely for dispelling wind pathogens." Although Juque (CV14) and Jiuwei (CV15) are chest and abdominal points, moxibustion there should not exceed twenty-eight cones (four times seven), sized like a bamboo chopstick head, aligned with the meridian. If the cones are too large and the quantity excessive, the person will permanently lack mental and physical strength. Excessive moxibustion on the head causes loss of spirit. Excessive moxibustion on arms and legs causes blood vessels to dry up, leading to thin, weak limbs. Loss of spirit combined with limb weakness leads to a shortened lifespan. (See Chengjiang point entry). This argument is very appropriate, so it is recorded in detail.