"Qi-Season Moxibustion" Effective for Disease Prevention and Treatment

The Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine has conducted "summer heat patch therapy" during the dog days of summer ("Winter Illness, Summer Treatment"), achieving remarkable results, attracting thousands of patients yearly. Building on this, they have introduced "Qi-Season Moxibustion"—applying moxibustion on specific acupoints according to different solar terms. Mr. Wu, 70 years old, has smoked for over 40 years, suffered from chronic bronchitis and emphysema for 30 years, and pulmonary heart disease for 10 years. He experiences shortness of breath even with slight exertion, worse during weather changes. This April, his old condition flared up during Qingming and Guyu seasons, when humidity was high and temperature fluctuated greatly. Doctors treated him with Qi-Season Moxibustion, applying moxa to points like Dazhui, and within half an hour, his breathing became smoother, phlegm decreased, and respiration improved. On the third visit, coughing and phlegm were reduced, breathlessness had disappeared, and he could walk freely. Mr. Xie, 80 years old, who had a stroke ten years ago, also experienced similar improvement and now walks independently. According to Dr. Fu Wenbin, Head of the Acupuncture Department, Qi-Season Moxibustion is based on the 24 solar terms, selecting acupoints that affect organ functions during each season to achieve prevention and treatment goals. Different diseases are targeted depending on the season—for example, beginning of spring, Xiaoman, Mangzhong are ideal for treating digestive disorders, while Liqiu, Lidong, Chunfen are good opportunities for preventing and treating stroke. Qi-Season Moxibustion is best performed on the day of the solar term or within 15 days before or after. The upcoming Dasha (July 22–23) is an excellent time for preventing and treating respiratory diseases. Indications for Qi-Season Moxibustion include respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, genitourinary system disorders, allergic rhinitis, gout, migraines, and health maintenance and anti-aging.