典藏书目

Moxibustion, being warm in nature, is suitable for the Wu hour (noon). The sequence of application should be distinguished according to the upper/lower and yin/yang meridians. Moxibustion is not suitable for those with a rapid pulse or those who have just recovered from illness. If one wishes to apply moxibustion to Zusanli (ST36), it must be performed only after the age of thirty.

[Note] Generally, moxibustion for various diseases aims to warm the meridians. It is best performed during the Wu hour when yang qi is abundant, facilitating the flow of fire qi. The sequence of application must be observed: if both upper and lower meridians are treated, treat the upper part first, then the lower; if both yin and yang meridians are treated, treat the yang meridians first, then the yin. If there is a rapid pulse with heat, or if the patient has recently recovered and suffers from qi deficiency, moxibustion is contraindicated as it may damage qi and blood. However, for patients requiring moxibustion on Zusanli (ST36), they must be over thirty years old to proceed, to avoid damaging the eyes due to excessive fire qi in youth. Therefore, whenever moxibustion is applied to the head, Zusanli (ST36) must also be treated, as Zusanli can guide fire qi downward.

The skull and extremities have thin and emaciated skin and flesh; for Jueque (CV14) and Jiutui (CV15), small amounts and few moxa cones are appropriate. The back, abdomen, and area below the navel have thick and dense skin and flesh, making them suitable for treating chronic diseases with larger applications.

[Note] For moxibustion on various diseases, sufficient fire power and arrival of qi at the disease site are required for recovery. However, since the skin and flesh of the head and four limbs are shallow and thin, simultaneous moxibustion may overwhelm the muscles, bones, qi, and blood. Therefore, it should be performed on separate days or every other day. The moxa cones should be small, and the number of moxibustions (zhuang) should be few. If moxibustion is necessary on Jueque (CV14) and Jiutui (CV15), it must not exceed three zhuang, with moxa cones the size of wheat grains, to prevent fire qi from damaging the heart. In contrast, the skin and flesh of the back and lower abdomen are deep and thick; larger moxa cones and more zhuang are appropriate to ensure fire qi penetrates deeply, thereby dispelling chronic cold conditions.

After moxibustion, one must carefully avoid wind and cold, regulate daily activities, and nourish qi and blood. One must guard against extremes in the seven emotions (joy, anger, worry, thought, sadness, fear, fright) to harmonize emotional states. Dietary restrictions include avoiding raw, cold, strong alcoholic beverages, and rich flavors. A diet of vegetables and light foods is appropriate, but moderation is key to nourishing the spleen and stomach.

If the moxibustion sore does not erupt, it indicates exhaustion of qi and blood; if pus develops after seven days, the disease will likely be cured. After eruption, apply plasters to prevent external pathogenic invasion, and use peppermint, scallion, and coriander to cleanse the wound.

[Note] When moxibustion sores fail to erupt despite treatment, it signifies severe depletion of qi and blood. Further moxibustion is unnecessary and unlikely to be effective. After seven days, if the moxa scar erupts with thick and abundant pus, the disease is prone to cure, indicating that qi and blood are abundant and meridians are unobstructed. Applying plasters after eruption prevents invasion by the six excesses (wind, cold, summer-heat, dampness, dryness, fire). If the moxibustion sore appears black and painful with foul-smelling pus, it indicates intense toxicity from the moxa fire. It must be washed with a decoction of Peppermint Herb (Bohe), Coptis Rhizome (Huanglian), Scallion Skin (Congpi), and Coriander Fruit (Yansui) to heal naturally.