Library

Li Chan recorded in *Yixue Rumen* (Introduction to Medicine): Whenever moxibustion is applied, it is essential for the site to blister and suppurate (fa chuang), so that the disease may be cured. If no blister forms, the disease will not heal. The *Jia Yi Jing* states: For moxa blisters that do not develop, one may roast a shoe sole until hot and apply it as a warm compress to the affected area; the blister will appear within three days. Currently, people use three or five stalks of red-skin scallions, removing the green parts, warming them in ash, crushing them, and applying the heat to the moxa site for more than ten times, causing the blister to emerge after three months. Alternatively, soaking the site with raw sesame oil can induce blistering. Some also use decoctions of Gleditsiae Fructus (Zaojiao, 皂角) cooled and frequently applied. Furthermore, some fear that declining Qi and Blood prevent blistering and administer Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) to nourish Qi and Blood; such cases cannot be generalized. In some instances, adding one or two moxa cones induces blistering; in others, consuming hot roasted foods like grilled fish, fried tofu, or mutton promotes it. One must flexibly assist according to circumstances, rather than leaving things to chance.

Wang Kentang recorded in *Zhengzhi Zhunsheng* (Standardized Treatments for Diagnoses): After moxibustion, one should not drink tea immediately, lest it dissipate the fire energy of the moxa; eating may also obstruct the flow of Jing Qi (Meridian Qi). It is advisable to wait one or two shichen (two to four hours), rest in a quiet room, calm the mind and regulate the breath, and abstain from sexual desire, overexertion, and anger. Diet should avoid raw, cold fruits and vegetables; only light and bland foods that nourish the Stomach should be consumed, ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood so that the moxa fire expels pathogenic factors. Consuming rich flavors and strong wine generates Phlegm-Fluids, which block the expulsion of pathogens. While fresh fish, chicken, and mutton can stimulate fire, they are applicable only within the first ten days of initial moxibustion and should not be added after half a month. Today’s people fail to practice tranquil cultivation; thus, even if they undergo moxibustion, what benefit is there? Consequently, harm resulting from moxibustion does occur.

In ancient times, when large moxa cones were used, a washing method was employed. A decoction of red-skin scallions and Menthae Haplocalycis Herba (Bohe, 薄荷) was used to wash around the wound while warm for about an hour, driving Wind pathogens out through the wound opening, thereby ensuring unobstructed circulation in the meridians and natural recovery. After the moxa burn scabs fall off, washing with a decoction of the tender green bark of peach branches from the southeast protects the wound from various Wind pathogens. If the wound becomes black and ulcerated, add Coriandri Fructus (Husui, 胡荽) to the decoction for washing. If pain is unbearable, add Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian, 黄连) to the decoction for miraculous effect. ○ If moxibustion is mistakenly applied where it is contraindicated, causing unbearable pain and tissue necrosis resembling flying butterflies (Feidie, 飞蝶), a concentrated decoction of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Dahuang, 大黄) and Natrii Sulfas (Mangxiao, 芒硝) should be used to frequently wash the moxa site. If pain persists, drinking one or two cups of this medicine will eliminate it.