典藏书目

The *Mingtang Xiajing* states: Since ancient times, when treating diseases with moxibustion, one must avoid the fire from eight types of wood: pine (Pinus), cypress (Cupressus), zhi (Zanthoxylum), orange (Citrus), elm (Ulmus), jujube (Ziziphus), mulberry (Morus), and bamboo (Bambusoideae). It is crucial to steer clear of these.

The best method is to use a crystal lens (huozhu) focusing sunlight onto mugwort (Artemisia argyi) to ignite it. Next best is using a bronze mirror (huojing) to focus sunlight to ignite the mugwort; both methods yield excellent fire. Various ethnic groups strike bintie (wrought iron) against stone to create sparks and ignite the mugwort. In emergencies where these are unavailable, it is better not to use wood fire at all. Instead, light a lamp with pure sesame oil (Sesami Oleum), burn the stem of the mugwort over the flame for moxibustion. This also moistens the moxa sore, preventing pain until healing is complete. Using candles is even better.

The *Qianjin Fang* states: Regarding the number of moxa cones (zhuang, each cone burned counts as one zhuang), if the patient is robust and the disease root is deep-seated, the number may be doubled compared to the standard prescription. For the elderly, children, or those who are frail and weak, the number should be halved. Bian Que’s moxibustion methods include up to three or five hundred zhuang, or even a thousand zhuang, which is excessive. Cao Shi’s methods involve one hundred or fifty zhuang. The prescriptions in the *Duanju* are similar. Only the *Mingtang Benjing* specifies: needle insertion depth of six fen, moxibustion of three zhuang, with no further discussion. Therefore, later generations had no fixed standard, adjusting the number of zhuang according to the severity of the disease.

For moxibustion on the head and neck, limit to seven zhuang, accumulating up to forty-nine zhuang (seven times seven) as the maximum.

The *Tongren* text, when treating wind disorders, recommends moxibustion on Shangxing (GV23), Qian Ding (GV21), and Baihui (GV20) up to two hundred zhuang, and on the abdomen and back up to five hundred zhuang. However, Jiawei (CV15) and Juque (CV14) should not be excessively moxibusted; too much moxibustion here leads to thin and weak limbs. The *Qianjin Fang* mentions that Zusanli (ST36) can receive up to three hundred zhuang. Xinshu (BL15) is contraindicated for moxibustion. In cases of acute stroke, emergency moxibustion up to one hundred zhuang is indicated. All applications depend on the severity of the disease; one must not rigidly adhere to a single theory but must adapt flexibly.

The *Qianjin Fang* states: Regarding moxibustion technique, if the acupoint is located while sitting, perform moxibustion while sitting; if located while lying down, perform it while lying down; if located while standing, perform it while standing. The body and limbs must be kept straight and level, avoiding any tilting or leaning. If tilted, the acupoint location will be inaccurate, resulting in unnecessary damage to healthy flesh.

The *Mingtang* states: The body must remain straight and not curled up. When locating points while sitting, avoid bending forward or backward; when locating points while standing, avoid tilting sideways.

The *Zisheng Jing* states: Moxibustion should generally follow the order of Yang before Yin, meaning starting from the head and moving downwards gradually to the left, then to the right, prioritizing the upper body before the lower body.

The *Mingtang* states: Moxabust the upper parts first, then the lower parts; apply fewer zhuang first, then more. These principles require careful consideration. Wang Jiezhai stated: The heat of moxibustion should proceed from top to bottom; do not moxabust the lower parts first and then the upper parts.