典藏书目

I have examined the ancient times, where people were treated for diseases with medicine and herbs but without prescription books. The *Suwen* (Basic Questions) analyzes symptoms and discusses treatments, detailing the meridians clearly; the *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot) frequently discusses acupuncture and moxibustion, as well as methods of warming, cooling, tonifying, and reducing, which are subtle and divinely effective in use.

Since the Qin and Han dynasties, prescription books emerged, and the treatment techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion were rarely passed down. The original "Nine Needles" were used according to the severity and deficiency or excess of the disease, employing manual techniques during the intervals of shallow insertion and deep breathing movements. It was essential for the physician and the patient to be connected breath-by-breath to cure the disease; only those who are spiritually enlightened could fathom its profound principles.

The key to moxibustion lies in clearly identifying the syndrome and carefully selecting the acupoints. If the syndrome is not clear, one cannot know whether the disease is in the Yang or Yin meridians; if the acupoints are not carefully selected, there is a risk of mistakenly damaging Qi and Blood. Only through careful contemplation and investigation can the full efficacy of moxibustion be achieved, demonstrating the miraculous speed of curing diseases.

The blood, Qi, and spirit of humans are what sustain life and circulate through existence. If Qi encounters obstruction and rebellion, the Yang meridians become disharmonious, and the Spirit has no abode; if Blood becomes stagnant, the Yin meridians become disharmonious, and Essence diminishes daily. Internal injury from the Seven Emotions (Joy, Anger, Worry, Thought, Sorrow, Fear, Fright) and external contraction of the Six Qi (Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire) are sufficient to cause disorders of Qi and Blood. Moxibustion warms the meridians and promotes the free flow of Qi and Blood, allowing rebellious Qi to become smooth and stagnant Blood to move. This is indeed the wonderful application of former sages, benefiting humanity infinitely.

Moreover, in critical cases of sudden attack by Wind-Cold, where death may occur in an instant, medicinal prescriptions may be too slow to take effect. If moxibustion is applied correctly, life can be restored immediately. There is nothing more effective for physicians than this. Later generations, finding the selection of acupoints difficult, abandoned both acupuncture and moxibustion without further study. Consequently, there were conditions that could have been cured but lacked the method, leading patients to die in vain, which is truly lamentable.

Moxibustion utilizes fire. The nature of fire is hot and rapid, its body is soft yet its function is firm; it eliminates Yin shadows and moves freely without staying fixed. Skillful use can regulate the Zang-Fu organs. By using the pungent and aromatic properties of Mugwort (*Artemisia argyi*) to make moxa cones, it can penetrate the Twelve Primary Meridians and enter the Three Yin meridians, regulating Qi and Blood to treat hundreds of diseases with ease like turning a hand. Scholars must not ignore this knowledge.

Generally, most things prefer freshness, but Moxa is best when aged. This is because Moxa is purely Yang in nature; fresh Moxa has a pungent and fierce odor, and using it for moxibustion may damage the vessels and blood. Therefore, it must be collected at any time, air-dried, cleaned of dust and impurities, and pounded into ripe moxa. After three years, when the dryness dissipates and the nature becomes mild, it can be used. When in use, it should be finely rubbed by hand into firm balls to form moxa cones, varying in size according to the specific condition, so as to avoid errors.