典藏书目

Whenever moxibustion is performed, the red glow at the base of the moxa cone should spread to a width of three *fen* (approximately 1 cm). If it does not reach this width, the acupoint has not been accurately located, and it does not conform to the meridians. Since the Ying-Wei (Nutritive and Defensive) meridians allow for the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, each having its specific domain, if the moxibustion point is inaccurate, the fire energy cannot reach distant areas, and the disease will not be cured.

Since ancient times, when using fire for moxibustion, eight types of wood fires have been taboo and must be avoided. These eight woods are: Fire from pine wood is difficult to heal and may aggravate the disease; fire from cypress wood damages the Shen (Spirit) and causes excessive sweating; fire from bamboo wood damages the Ying-Wei meridians. If there is a "fire pearl" shining in the sun, and moxa is used to catch the heat to ignite it, thereby obtaining fire, this type of fire is excellent for moxibustion, although it is difficult for ordinary people to prepare such materials on demand; next best is focusing sunlight using a lens or mirror to ignite the moxa, which is also good. If the weather is cloudy and dark, making it hard to obtain fire by friction or reflection, it is better not to use open wood fires at all. Instead, one should avoid the aforementioned taboos, light a lamp with refined oil, burn the stem of the moxa over the lamp flame for moxibustion. This method is also acceptable; furthermore, moistening moxibustion ensures safety until the sore heals, without pain. Using candles is even better. Various ethnic tribes, aware of the taboos regarding these eight wood fires, strike Binxian iron against Kaishi (flint) to create sparks, use moxa to catch the spark, and then perform moxibustion.

When performing moxibustion, if heavy fog rises, wind and snow suddenly fall, heavy rain occurs, or there is intense heat, thunder, lightning, or rainbows, temporarily suspend the procedure. Wait for clear and bright weather before resuming moxibustion. One must not perform moxibustion when overly full or extremely hungry, nor after drinking to intoxication, or after consuming raw and hard foods. Also, one must avoid states of mind such as excessive thinking, sorrow, anger, cursing, sighing, and any other inauspicious emotions. Observing these taboos brings great auspiciousness.

When applying moxibustion to the head and four limbs, one should not apply excessive amounts. This is because the human body has 365 collaterals, all converging at the head, which is the meeting place of all Yin meridians. Excessive moxibustion on the head can cause dizziness, vertigo, and blurred vision. Since the muscles of the head and limbs are thin, continuous or excessive moxibustion may cause stagnation or interruption of Qi and Blood beneath the moxa cone. It is advisable to pause the application of heat to allow Qi and Blood to circulate freely again, then resume the flow of fire energy. Once the prescribed number of cones is completed, the disease will naturally be eliminated. This requires careful observation.

Regarding the determination of the hairline: if the patient has a neat hairline, acupoints can be easily located according to the descriptions in the *Mingtang*. However, if the patient has lost their hairline completely due to illness, or was born without hair on the forehead and neck, making standard location methods difficult, the following standard is now established: measure three *cun* vertically upward from the midpoint between the two eyebrows to define the anterior hairline; measure three *cun* vertically upward from Dazhui (GV14) to define the posterior hairline. This serves as the standard reference.