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The *Mingtang* records: The base diameter of the moxa cone should be three fen. If it is less than three fen, the fire qi will not penetrate, and the disease will not heal. Therefore, the moxa cone should be large, except for those on the head and limbs, which should be small.

It further records: The size of the moxa cone should correspond to the thickness or thinness of the patient's pulse. If the pulse is fine like a thread, one need only moxibustion directly on the pulse; even a moxa cone as small as a sparrow's droppings can cure the disease. However, for conditions such as abdominal distension, hernia, mass accumulation (Jia), fixed masses (Pi), and Fu-Liang Qi, large moxa cones are required.

The *Duanju* records: For the abdomen and back, burning until skin ulceration (suppurative moxibustion) is permissible; but for the limbs, it is only to dispel wind pathogens, and large moxa cones should not be used. For example, at Jueque (CV14) and Jiutui (CV15), moxibustion should be applied on the meridian, limited to no more than four or five moxae (Zhuang). The moxa cone should be small; if the cone is too large and the number of moxae is excessive, the person will permanently lose vitality. Excessive moxibustion on the head causes loss of spirit; excessive moxibustion on the back and feet leads to exhaustion of blood vessels, resulting in thin and weak limbs.

The *Waitai Mi Yao* records: For individuals over thirty years old, if one moxibusts the head but not Zusanli (ST36), it causes Qi to rush upward to the eyes.

The *Mingtang* records: One should moxibust the upper part first, then the lower part; moxibust fewer points first, then more points. All these require careful consideration.

The *Zisheng Jing* records: Generally, moxibustion should follow the Yang meridians first and Yin meridians second. That is, start from the head and gradually move downward to the left, then from the head and gradually move downward to the right.

The *Qianjin Fang* records: Regarding the number of moxae (Zhuang): for robust individuals with deep-rooted diseases, the number may be doubled compared to the prescription; for the elderly, children, or frail individuals, the number should be halved.

The *Bian Que Jiu Fa* mentions moxibustion up to three or five hundred Zhuang, or even a thousand Zhuang, which is excessive. Cao Shi's method involves one hundred or fifty Zhuang, similar to methods in *Duanju*. Only the *Mingtang* specifies inserting the needle six fen and applying three Zhuang, lacking other treatments, leaving later generations without a standard. Thus, one must increase or decrease the Zhuang count based on the severity of the disease. Moxibustion on the head and neck should stop at seven Zhuang, accumulating up to forty-nine Zhuang (seven times seven).

When performing moxibustion, if the acupoint is located while sitting, perform moxibustion while sitting; if lying down, perform while lying; if standing, perform while standing. The body must remain straight and not tilted. If tilted, the acupoint position will be inaccurate, merely damaging healthy flesh in vain.

The *Tu Yi* records: Moxibustion methods include "two reports" (secondary applications) and "three reports," continuing year after year, where successive applications accelerate efficacy. Others gradually increase from three or five Zhuang to hundreds or thousands, increasing step by step.

For fire tonification (Bu), do not blow on the fire; wait for it to burn out naturally and completely. After moxibustion, apply a plaster immediately to nourish the fire qi. If secondary moxibustion ("report") is desired, apply the plaster only after the secondary session is complete.

For fire sedation (Xie), one may blow on the fire to hasten the burning of the moxa. This requires speed. Apply the plaster only after the moxibustion sore has ulcerated and discharged. This constitutes the method of tonification and sedation. However, fire therapy is suitable only for cases of Yang deficiency with cold, and stagnation of the collaterals. If the pulse is rapid, accompanied by dry mouth, sore throat, red face, and internal heat, moxibustion is contraindicated.