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The general principle for treating diseases in winter is to use warming methods and moxibustion (Zhang Zhongjing). ○ For any disease where herbal medicine is ineffective and acupuncture cannot reach, moxibustion must be employed (Medical Entry). ○ The *Ling Shu* states: "If the pulse sinks, apply moxibustion." Dong Yuan explained: "A sinking pulse indicates that the skin and hair cannot withstand wind and cold, signifying a sinking of Yang Qi." ○ It also states: "If the pulse sinks, employ only moxibustion and no acupuncture." "Only moxibustion" refers to not using needles, but solely applying moxibustion (Compendium). The classic text says "If the pulse sinks, apply moxibustion." In the world between heaven and earth, there are only two qi: Yin and Yang. Yang is external and superior; Yin is internal and inferior. What is meant by "sinking" here is that Yang Qi sinks into the Yin blood, causing Yin to occupy the upper position and cover Yang. If the pulse and symptoms both manifest cold on the exterior, then moxibustion should be applied. The *Nei Jing* states that people in the north are suitable for moxibustion because winter cold is too vigorous, with latent Yang inside; all such cases are suitable for moxibustion (Dong Yuan). ○ For deficiency patterns, moxibustion is used to assist Yuan Yang with the fire qi; for excess patterns, moxibustion is used to disperse excess pathogens along with the fire qi; for cold patterns, moxibustion is used to restore warmth to the qi; for heat patterns, moxibustion is used to guide stagnant heat outward, following the principle that "fire follows dryness" (Medical Entry). ○ The head and face are the confluence of all Yang meridians, and the chest and diaphragm are areas of fire; these should not be heavily moxaed. Although the back and abdomen can generally be heavily moxaed, those with Yin deficiency and fire should not be. Only the acupoints on the four limbs are most excellent (Medical Entry). ○ Generally, when performing moxibustion, one should first treat Yang meridities and then Yin meridities. This means starting from the head, moving leftward and gradually downward, then starting from the head again, moving rightward and gradually downward. This is the principle of treating the upper part before the lower part (Thousand Gold Formulas). Treat the upper part before the lower part, treat fewer points before more points (Ming Tang). ○ The principles of moxibustion are: first Yang then Yin, first upper then lower, first few then many (Medical Entry).

One "zhuang" (moxa cone) refers to the strength equivalent to that of an adult man, hence it is called "zhuang." ○ For acupoints on the top of the head, limit to seven zhuang, up to forty-nine zhuang at most. ○ Although Jiugwei (CV15) and Jueque (CV14) are acupoints on the chest and abdomen, do not exceed twenty-eight zhuang. If moxaed excessively, it will cause permanent loss of heart power; if head acupoints are moxaed excessively, it will cause loss of spirit; if arm and leg acupoints are moxaed excessively, it will cause depletion of blood vessels, resulting in thin and weak limbs. Losing spirit and becoming emaciated will lead to a short lifespan (Acupuncture and Moxibustion Aiding Life). ○ For four-limb acupoints, merely dispel wind pathogens; do not moxa excessively. Limit to seven zhuang up to forty-nine zhuang, and do not exceed the number corresponding to the patient's age (Acupuncture and Moxibustion Aiding Life). ○ For infants aged seven days to one year, do not exceed seven zhuang, with moxa cones sized like bird droppings (Acupuncture and Moxibustion Aiding Life).