- Common Moxibustion Methods
- Selection Methods and Contraindications
- Mechanism of Moxibustion for Health Preservation
1. Common Moxibustion Methods
(1) Moxa Cone Moxibustion. This involves shaping pure mugwort wool into a conical moxa cone on a flat surface. The common size ranges from that of a wheat grain to a cocklebur or lotus seed. Each time a moxa cone is burned completely, it is called one "zhuang." Moxa cone moxibustion is divided into direct and indirect types.
Direct moxibustion means placing the moxa cone directly on the acupoint. Depending on whether it causes scarring and pus formation, it is further classified into scar moxibustion and non-scar moxibustion:
① Non-scar moxibustion: Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or warm water to the site to enhance adhesion, then place the moxa cone and ignite it. When the patient feels pain, replace the moxa cone. Typically, 3–5 applications are done until the local skin becomes red and flushed. This method does not cause scarring or pus, making it more acceptable to patients and widely used.
② Scar moxibustion: Apply garlic juice to the site to enhance adhesion and irritation, then place the moxa cone and burn it. Each moxa cone must burn out completely before removing the ash and replacing it. Usually, 5–10 applications are done. During the process, gently tap around the site to relieve pain. About one week after treatment, the site forms a boil, which heals and scabs over in 5–6 weeks, leaving a scar. As stated in "Questions and Answers on Acupuncture and Moxibustion": "If you want to stay healthy, never let the Gao Huang and Zusanli points dry," referring to this type of scar moxibustion.
Indirect moxibustion means the moxa cone is not placed directly on the skin but separated by different substances. The name varies depending on the substance used. For example, using a ginger slice is called ginger-separated moxibustion; using salt is called salt-separated moxibustion. Common indirect moxibustion methods include:
③ Ginger-Separated Moxibustion: Use fresh ginger sliced into discs about 2–3 cm in diameter and 0.2–0.3 cm thick, with several holes pierced in the center. Place the ginger slice on the acupoint or affected area, then put the moxa cone on top and ignite it. When the moxa cone burns out, replace it. Continue until the required number of applications, until the skin turns red without blistering.
④ Garlic-Separated Moxibustion: Use fresh garlic cloves sliced into 0.2–0.3 cm thick slices, with several holes pierced in the center. Place the garlic slice on the acupoint or affected area, then put the moxa cone on top and ignite it. When the moxa cone burns out, replace it and continue until the required number of applications.
⑤ Salt-Separated Moxibustion: Fill the navel with pure salt, or place a thin ginger slice on top of the salt, then place a large moxa cone on top and ignite it.
⑥ Prepared Aconite Cake Moxibustion: Grind aconite into powder, mix with wine to form a cake about 3 cm in diameter and 0.8 cm thick, with several holes pierced in the center. Place the cake on the acupoint or affected area, then put the moxa cone on top and ignite it until the required number of applications is completed.
(2) Moxa Roll Moxibustion. Also known as moxa stick or suspended moxibustion, this involves rolling pure mugwort wool into a cylindrical shape for use. An average moxa stick uses 24 grams of mugwort wool, spread evenly on a 26 cm long and 20 cm wide mulberry paper, rolled tightly into a cylinder, sealed at the ends. If other herbs are added, it becomes a medicinal stick. Light one end of the stick and hold it 1–2 inches above the skin for moxibustion. Since the stick is held above the skin without touching it, it is called suspended moxibustion. This method is simple to perform, less likely to burn the skin, and can be self-administered, hence widely used.
(3) Warm Needle Moxibustion. This combines acupuncture and moxibustion, allowing heat to travel through the needle into the body. It is suitable for conditions requiring both retention of needles and moxibustion. The procedure involves inserting the needle and obtaining Qi sensation, then fixing the needle at an appropriate depth, and placing moxa wool on the needle handle and igniting it until it burns out. Alternatively, a section of moxa stick (about 1–2 cm long) can be placed on the needle handle for moxibustion.
2. Selection Methods and Contraindications
First, select the appropriate points based on constitution and health goals. Light the moxa stick or moxa cone and aim it at the acupoint so that the local area feels warm and comfortable, tolerable warmth.
Generally, start with upper parts, then move to lower parts and abdomen; begin with head and trunk, then proceed to limbs. Ignoring the order—starting with lower parts and ending with the head—can lead to symptoms like facial heat, dry mouth, and dryness. Always ensure safety during moxibustion to prevent burning embers from igniting clothing or skin.
The duration of moxibustion can range from 3 to 5 minutes, up to 10–15 minutes if necessary. Generally, health-preserving moxibustion should be shorter, while post-illness recovery moxibustion can be longer. Shorter sessions are recommended in spring and summer, longer in autumn and winter. Shorter durations for limbs and chest, longer for abdomen and back. Shorter for elderly, women, and children; slightly longer for young adults.
After moxibustion, mild redness and warmth on the skin are normal and require no treatment—they usually disappear quickly. If blisters appear, small ones can be absorbed naturally; large ones should be punctured with a sterilized needle to drain fluid, then apply bear oil or gentian violet and cover with sterile gauze. After scar moxibustion, cover the site with sterile dressing to prevent friction, avoid infection, and protect the crust. If infection occurs, with yellow-green pus or bleeding, apply anti-inflammatory ointment or Yuhong ointment.
Do not use scar moxibustion on the face, eyes, ears, or areas with major blood vessels. Avoid moxibustion on the abdomen and sacral region of pregnant women. These are contraindications for moxibustion.
3. Mechanism of Moxibustion for Health Preservation
(1) Warming and unblocking meridians, promoting circulation of qi and blood. The main material for moxibustion is mugwort wool. According to "Bencao," "Mugwort can treat all diseases." "Bencao Congxin" states: "Mugwort is bitter and pungent, warm in nature, purely yang, capable of restoring failing yang, penetrating all twelve meridians, reaching the three yin, regulating qi and blood, expelling cold and dampness, warming the uterus... When used for moxibustion, it penetrates all diseases and eliminates all ailments." This indicates that moxibustion, through the warming effect of mugwort fire, enables normal circulation of qi and blood.
(2) Strengthening vital energy and preventing disease. "The Heart of Bianque" states: "The true essence of a person is the master of the entire body. When true qi is strong, the person is healthy; when weak, illness occurs; when lost, death follows. The best way to preserve life is moxibustion." This shows that moxibustion strengthens vital energy, and abundant vital energy prevents external pathogens from invading, thus preventing disease.
(3) Significant strengthening effect on the spleen and stomach. "Acupuncture and Moxibustion Resource Manual" says: "For those who lack appetite, bloating, and pale complexion—commonly known as spleen and stomach disorders—should be treated with moxibustion at Zhongwan." Moxibustion at Zhongwan warms the spleen yang and strengthens the middle energizer. Regular moxibustion at Zusanli not only enhances digestive function but also improves nutrient absorption, achieving preventive and therapeutic benefits against disease and aging.
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