典藏书目

All acupoints correspond to specific locations on the body. The Zang-Fu organs, Ying (Nutritive) Qi, Wei (Defensive) Qi, and blood vessels flow smoothly throughout the body. Exterior and Interior interact with each other, each having its specific functions. When treating patients in emergencies, one must carefully examine and analyze the situation.

People vary in age (young and old), stature (tall and short), and physique (fat and thin). These factors require careful consideration, discussion, measurement, and accurate analysis. One must not apply a uniform standard to all cases, which would lead to errors. Regarding the method of measuring dimensions: In ancient times, eight cun were considered one chi. Currently, one cun is measured by the transverse width of the first interphalangeal joint of the middle finger of the patient (left hand for males, right hand for females). If the fingers are of varying lengths, the transverse width of the first interphalangeal joint of the thumb may be used as one cun. This requires mental deliberation; skill or clumsiness depends on the practitioner. The term "one fu" refers to the width of four fingers placed together (three cun). Additionally, at the junctions of muscle fibers, joints, seams, and depressions, where pressing with the hand brings comfort to the patient, one can find the correct point only through such careful, calm, and attentive effort. The Classics state: "Transverse intervals of three cun imply three moxibustion applications; two intervals of one cun imply three moxibustion applications." Each application is three fen thick, so three applications constitute one cun. The Yellow Emperor said: "If moxibustion does not reach a thickness of three fen, it is called 'in vain suffering'; the moxa cone should be made large." For those who are weak or frail, the moxa cone may be made smaller, requiring mental deliberation. Whenever using the marking method for moxibustion, the limbs must be kept flat and straight, avoiding any tilting. If the acupoint is not positioned correctly during moxibustion, it is of no benefit and merely damages healthy flesh. If positioning is done while sitting, moxibustion should be performed while sitting; if lying down, then while lying; if standing, then while standing. Doing otherwise will result in missing the correct acupoint.

Regarding the number of moxibustion applications (Zhuang): For robust individuals with deep-rooted diseases, the number of Zhuang can be several times the standard amount. For the elderly or children with weak constitutions, the number may be halved again. According to Bian Que's moxibustion methods, some cases involve up to five hundred or even one thousand Zhuang, all determined flexibly according to the circumstances. The *Mingtang* and *Benjing* mostly record: "Needle insertion depth six fen, moxibustion three Zhuang," with no further elaboration. Cao's moxibustion methods include one hundred Zhuang or fifty Zhuang, also found in texts like *Duanju*. However, these must be applied according to the severity of the disease, without rigid adherence. For newborns from seven days old to one year old, moxibustion should not exceed seven Zhuang, with the moxa cone size resembling a sparrow's droppings.

Generally, moxibustion should follow the principle of treating Yang before Yin. This means starting from the head and moving downwards gradually to the left, then to the right, prioritizing upper parts over lower parts. Moxibustion should ideally be performed after noon, when it is said that Yin Qi has not yet fully risen, ensuring effective results. Before noon, during the early morning hours, when Gu Qi (Grain Qi) is deficient and cold, causing dizziness, moxibustion should be avoided. Caution is advised. This is the general rule, but it does not apply to emergency situations.

Regarding the "raw" (light) and "cooked" (intense) methods of moxibustion: The area above the waist is the Upper Part, and below the waist is the Lower Part. The exterior is Yang and belongs to Ying Qi, while the interior is Yin and belongs to Wei Qi. Thus, the continuous circulation of Zang-Fu organs is called the Meridians. Men over forty years old have their vital energy concentrated in the waist; women over forty have theirs in the breast area. This is because men tend to decline first in the lower body, while women decline first in the upper body. The intensity of moxibustion should therefore be regulated accordingly. The principle is to adapt to changes in the disease. Generally, for external conditions, light moxibustion is preferred; for internal conditions, intense moxibustion is preferred; other cases may vary.

The head is the chief of the body, where the Spirit resides. The Qikou (pulse points) are bright and clear, and the 365 collaterals all converge at the head. The head is the gathering place of Yang Qi. Therefore, diseases of the head must be treated with caution. Acupoints should be moxibusted precisely; random or excessive moxibustion can damage the Spirit. Excessive Yang heat may cause Yin Essence to become insufficient. Hence, moxibustion on the head should not exceed one hundred Zhuang. The back and spine are the beams of the body, where the Five Zang organs attach and where the Taiyang Meridian converges. Imbalances of Yin and Yang, and cold/heat pathogens, can cause illness. Excessive heat from moxibustion on the Taiyang meridian can harm the person. The legs, arms, hands, and feet are the branches of the body. Their spirit is connected to the Zang-Fu organs and flows with the blood vessels, enabling movement and interaction with the environment. These areas are narrow and shallow, nourished by various meridians. Therefore, moxibustion here should be minimal. Excessive moxibustion can prevent internal Spirit from entering, leading to spiritual blockage, numbness, and inability to raise the arm. Thus, moxibustion on the four limbs should not be too intense. However, for internal abdominal organ diseases caused by indulgence in flavors, wind-cold stagnation, or indigestion, intense moxibustion is appropriate. Specifically, Dazhu (BL11), Jizhong (GV9), Shenshu (BL23), and Pangguangshu (BL28) can receive up to two hundred Zhuang. Pericardium and Hand/Foot Taiyin meridians can receive sixty to seventy Zhuang. Zusanli (ST36), Taixi (KI3), Taichong (LR3), Yinlingquan (SP9), Yanglingquan (GB34), Shanglianquan, and Xialianquan can receive up to one hundred Zhuang. For diseases of the abdomen such as Shangwan (CV13) and Zhongwan (CV12), moxibustion should be intense. For treating various Yin-Yang wind-heat conditions with large pulses, use a sharp needle for pricking, repeating every other day. For pain caused by evil winds or "ghost injection" accompanied by shortness of breath, use fine needles to remove the pathogen. Apply based on disease severity. Use needling for exterior syndromes and herbal medicine for interior syndromes, adapting to the timing and circumstances. By aligning with Heaven, one can enjoy a century of peace without sudden illness. This is a brief summary; do not transmit it to the unwise. Keep it secret.

For those with a fine, rapid pulse, moxibustion must be strictly avoided, as it damages blood vessels and scorches bones and sinews. Do not perform moxibustion after sweating, as this is a major contraindication. For floating pulses with severe heat, do not perform moxibustion. Moxibustion on the head, face, eyes, ears, mouth, and throat should be light and minimal. Moxibustion on arms and limbs should be slightly intense but not excessive. Moxibustion on the chest, back, and abdomen should be very intense. Moxibustion on the waist and spine should be relatively light. All decisions require mental deliberation and adaptation to changing conditions, as they are complex and cannot be rigidly standardized. For warm diseases, moxibustion should be applied to the affected areas, ranging from ninety to over one hundred Zhuang. Dazhu (BL11) and Weiwuan (CV12) can receive fifty Zhuang. Hand Jueyin Pericardium and Hand/Foot Taiyang meridians can receive fifty Zhuang. Zusanli (ST36), Quchi (LI11), and Taichong (LR3) can receive one hundred Zhuang, repeated three times until recovery. For severe wind-labor fatigue affecting all nine regions, or diseases caused by toxic vapors, moxibustion should not exceed fifty Zhuang, also repeated three times. For attacks on Zang-Fu organs or heart/abdominal pain, one hundred Zhuang is appropriate. For sudden onset of various illnesses or possession-like symptoms, moxibustion on the head, face, and limbs should be abundant, while on the abdomen and back, it should be sparse. Abundant moxibustion should not exceed fifty Zhuang; sparse moxibustion should not be less than three, five, seven, or nine Zhuang. For Yin-Yang damp-wind or facial paralysis, moxibustion should not exceed thirty Zhuang, administered once every three days. Mild cases require three sessions; severe cases require nine sessions. Since damp-wind invades subtly, slow fire and warm Qi should be used to gradually expel the pathogen. Sudden heavy moxibustion may drive the subtle pathogen deeper, causing chronic illness that is hard to cure. Hence, slow fire is essential. For various deficiency diseases involving stagnant water and grain, moxibustion on the abdomen and back should be abundant but not exceed one hundred Zhuang. Generally, for sudden wind strike or seasonal qi invasion causing various sufferings, urgent moxibustion is required. Do not allow stagnation. If the righteous Qi is strong, there may be no further issues; otherwise, prolonged delay makes treatment difficult. Understanding this principle is crucial.