So if someone’s physical condition is suitable for moxibustion, does it mean moxibustion can be performed at any time? The answer is no.
Many people may have heard of the saying that women cannot perform moxibustion during menstruation. I think this makes good sense in principle. Because the innate nature of moxibustion is Pure Yang, once enters the body, it would accelerate blood circulation and significantly ehnance vitality. However, for a girl with heavy menstrual flow, moxibustion during menstrual period would lead to even greater bleeding, thereby weakening the body, which is counterproductive of purpose of moxibustion. Therefore, moxibustion during menstruation should be very cautious.
Suspended Moxibustion
There is a reason that I did not shut the door completely about performing moxibustion during menstruation, because it is not absolute. Traditional Chinese Medicine originated from philosophy, and is dialectical in a sense. One example is a classmate of mine, who exhibited symptoms of Blood Stasis. She often performs moxibustion in the middle of her period, which would make her menstruation smoother and her body more relaxed.
The moral of her case is moxibustion must be performed based on wise selection of timing, and depend on individual situation, so as to maximize its effect.
This post is eidted and translated from an article on douban.com.
Based on many materials I read, including some books on TCM theory and consultation with doctors of TCM, it seems that not everyone is suitable for moxibustion, and the use of moxibustion does bear certain contraindications.
As a traditional health treatment, moxibustion uses natural product such as moxa or moxa stick, to burn and generate heat and smoke that carries healing and health enhancing power, which could fumigate and stimulate different acupoints in the body, strengthen the Yang, as well as all parts of the body, and remove Cold and Evil. Thus the body would enter a positive cycle and eliminate diseases. After performing moxibustion for a period of time, many people would feel better mood, more energetic, and sleep quality greatly improved, thereby becoming more healthy.
However, despite all these benefits, not everyone is suitable for moxibustion, or at all times.
Suspended Moxibustion
One example is my mother-in-law, who always feel dry mouth after moxibustion, and could not sleep well, thus getting more uncomfortable rather than the opposite. Why is this? The answser is from Western Medicine diagnosis, her blood pressure is relatively high, and occasionally she still takes antihypertensive drugs to control her blood pressure. According to TCM diagnosis, she has hyperactivity of Liver Yang and needs to to nourish Yin, regenerate Body Fluid and clear Fire in daily life. Since moxibustion is a treatment that introduces more Fire into the body rather than clear it, her case is not suitable for moxibustion.
My mother also likes moxibustion. While watching me do it, she asked if I could perform it on her too? Afterwards she reported feeling energetic and sleeping well . Every year during dog days in summer, she would feel a little debilitated; but she said she felt energized and comfortable after moxibustion was performed.
This means it varies from person to person, and moxibustion is not suitable for everyone. A word of caution: it is a taboo to perform moxibustion during pregnancy.
This post is eidted and translated from an article on douban.com.
Maybe it is because of its rich history (3,000+ years) and a medical tradition of almost the same length, Chinese people are more aware of health and the majority of the population have some basic understanding on medicine, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is not uncommone to see a senior Chinese lady making comments on someone’s red face and oral ulcer that “he is suffering from Fire flaring upward”, and advise him to “eliminate the Fire”. In fact, Chinese TV broadcast, as well as social media, is inundated with health maintenance programs that are particularly popular among the elderly.
Part of the reason for such more widespread medical knowledge stems from the fact that TCM is a medicine originated more from philosophy than science, which was non-exitent in the ancient past; actually Modern Medical Science did not emerge until beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, and gained its greatest development in the early 20th century, e.g. after WWII. For example, 30% of deaths were still due to infection at the end of the 19th century; but this figure had fallen to less than 4% by the end of the 20th century.
Therefore, a Chinese patient have better chance of understanding a TCM physician because certain philosohpical concept of TCM is well familiarized among the masses, such as Yin and Yang, Qi and Blood, Cold and Heat, etc. For example, the ‘Fire’ mentioned in the above case is a very well-known concept. On the other hand, a typical Western patient may find it difficult to comprehend, not to mention communicate with a WM doctor. For one thing, it is unlikely that he would even understand the sbstruse terminology uttered from the doctor’s mouth. In sharp contrast, it is not a rare scene that a Chinese patient argues with a TCM physician regarding diagnosis and treatment of his disease, because he thinks he too, knows a thing or two about TCM.
The upside of the relatively easy-to-understand nature of TCM is people are hence more aware of their own well-being, specifically what to do to maintain their health, and what factors or life style to avoid. In fact, almost every adult in China could speak of some regiment they know or hear from media or friends and family that may actually work well if executed, not to mention those who pay particular attention to health maintenance and would know a lot more than average people.
One should see a TCM doctor when illness is still at its initial stages, but not when the disease has already been confirmed through examination by Western Medicine and symptoms such as hyperthyroidism are already present, or the end phase of a disease; assistance of TCM should be sought when signs or symptoms first appear, such as insomnia, thirst, afraid of cold, fatigue, dizziness and palpitation, etc. In a word, when diseases has not developed into the stage that can be detected by Western Medicine.
Upon encountering a disease, first it is necessary to review personal life style and emotions of the patient, next to see a TCM physician (treatment at the phase of meridian disease), and then see doctor of Western Medicine (treatment at the phase of substantive organs disease) when it is beyond the expertise of TCM. This is the proper order of treatment.
If when minor ailment first appeared, immediately administer anodyne and antibiotics, this can only lead to disease of greater severity, and eventually all medicine would fail to work; this is an extremely irresponsible way of treatment.
Hyperthyroidism
What Is True TCM Physician?
In the United States, training of a Western Medicine doctor takes at least 7 years, not to mention years of internship before becoming a doctor. On the other hand, only about 4 years is required for the training of a TCM doctor, and after passing certain exams, one can open practice in many of the states, although they can only be called as ‘acupuncturist’.
There are many authentic TM physicians who master the essence of TCM treatment principles, and are able to treat patients at their fingertips. At the same time TCM physicians do differ greatly in their skill level and area of expertise. So extra caution is needed in the selection of TCM physicians.
Simply put, we should look for doctors whose practice is based on traditional TCM knowledge. In the United States, a large number of TCM physicians were originally doctors of Western Medicine in other countries, but unable to become doctor of Western Medicine in US, and instead became TCM physician after only a few years’ of study. However, because of their familiarity with Western Medicine, they are most welcomed by the U.S. patients.
Naturally their model of treatment is still based on Western Medicine- administering antibiotics to patients with cold, and anodyne to patients with pain; almost no TCM element is involved in their practice.
This article is based on content of “Deciphering TCM” by Tongmei Pan
Moxibustion at one location could treat multiple diseases (II)
The case of this patient was often encountered in clinic. My suspicion is it should be traced back to rhinitis or respiratory disease he had before, and moxibustion treatment happened to unearth these hidden diseases and expose them under the sun. Further inquiry confirmed my suspicion- turns out he had been afflicted by rhinitis for 7-8 years, which was sometimes better and sometimes worse.
I assured him that these manifestations showed moxibustion was effective on him. In fact it is a good opportunity to cure both his cold and rhinitis in one shot. I believe if he sticked to moxibustion for longer, these reactions would gradually decrease, and all original diseases would be cured.
So I advised him to continue moxibustion treatment; once all these reactions were eliminated through moxibustion, the diseases would be heal. There were two problems in his treatment: first, insufficient moxibustion time; and second, moxibustion was not performed thoroughly.
Despite all the adverse reactions, one should not stop moxibustion at this time. If stopped, it would give Evil a break for it to make a comeback, whose adverse effect could become even worse than this time. Such relapses are very detrimental to the diseases.
I explained to him the process of moxibustion again; this time especially emphasized that he should intensify moxibustion of Yingxiang , Yintang and Dazhui acupoints. Yingxiang is next to the nose, which is effective in treating nose diseases. Bird-pecking moxibustion could be performed, that is, the moxa stick is to be moved up and down towards this point, as in the move of a bird pecking. It should last for about 15 minutes.
Furthermore, another acupoint was added this time-Feishu, which is located on the Bladder Meridian of Foot, and effective in treating Lung Meridian and respiratory diseases, such as cough, asthma and stuffy nose. This acupoint can be used together with Yingxiang point to enhance the curative effect. Feishu is an acupoint in the back.
Feishu acupoint
The patient said he couldn’t figure out the precise location of the acupoints, and worry that the moxibustion would go wrong because of it. Moxibustion carries a great advantage in that it’s not necessary for one to know the exact location of the acupoints, which is much different from acupuncture. In acupuncture, a needle is inserted into acupoints, which requires accuracy, therefore it is very difficult for people who have not studied TCM or do not understand meridians or acupoints. Moxibustion, on the other hand, involves a small area including the acupoints, so people who do not understand TCM or acupoints could perform it too. I pointed out the location of Feishu in his back, and told him to put moxibustion box in this area next time. As long as moxibustion sense is felt in this region, it would be effective.
He followed my advice and continued moxibustion for one than week. In the end, not only was his cold cured, but also the rhinitis that had been plagued him repeatedly for years was gone. So he performed moxibustion in one place, and treated two diseases at the same time, which shows power of moxibustion. In fact the same routine could be done in the future, so as to improve immunity and prevent cold.
*These cases are selected from a book “Various Diseases Treated by Moxibustion”, written by Shan Xiamin, a renowned Chinese doctor.
**Severe adverse effectmay occur, one should not perform any type of moxibustion without instruction of person of rich experience or professional.
Moxibustion at one location could treat multiple diseases (I)
As a doctor who has practiced for more than 30 years, I started to write blogs about my decades’ of experience after retirement. One of the purpose is to help those who are perplexed by illnesses yet unable to seek proper treatment.
Many of the inquiries I receive were about how to use moxibustion to treat diseases. Based on my own experience, moxibustion as a method for treatment is inexpensive, simple to operate, and very effective. It has proved for good result on most common diseases and chronic diseases. Another advantage of moxibustion is performing on one site could treat multiple diseases, which seems only possible in TCM.
Yingxiang acupoint
One of my patient was affected with common cold, whose main symptom was runny nose. I introduced him to a common moxibustion method** for treating colds: light a moxa stick, and suspend the burning end above skin at a distance where perceived temperature from the burning moxa stick is just tolerable. The distance could be further at the beginning, and shortened as one gets more comfortable. Next, start to move the moxa stick from Yingxiang acupoint upwards Yintang acupoint along bridge of the nose; hover above Yintang acupoint for a while, and then to the temple along the eyebrow; practice this repeatedly until skin turns flushed under the moxa fire. This is a moxibustion method called Mild Moxibustion, which would not harm the skin. I also told him it is only when the nose no longer feels hot, but a little cold, will it signify completion of the process. The effect would be best at this time, and could get the job done.
Yintang acupoint
He followed my advice and tried this method at home, but it did not work. He called me the next day and reported the cold felt worse after getting up in the morning; so he performed it again. Unexpectedly he found blood in snot after sneezing, and he felt dry mouth dry during the next few days. He asked if it moxibustion did not work on him, and worried whether new problems would happen besides blood in snot.
*These cases are selected from a book “Various Diseases Treated by Moxibustion”, written by Shan Xiamin, a renowned Chinese doctor.
**Severe adverse effectmay occur, one should not perform any type of moxibustion without instruction of person of rich experience or professional.
Through previous discussion, we know moxibustion has very good therapeutic effect on diseases caused by Cold-evil, Qi stagnation and Original Qi deficiency; so it seems to be a good therapy. Then why does it introduce new diseases? Is it because moxibustion is performed improperly? No, they are all done correctly. The reason arises from an important theory of TCM-human being is a unified whole, the acupoints are points on meridians within the body. Therefore stimulating any part of the body could cause reaction of the whole body, and stimulation of any acupoints could also trigger reaction within this meridian.
The girl mentioned before performed moxibustion on the acupoint of Sanyinjiao, which is intersection of the spleen, kidney, and liver meridians; so all three meridians were influenced at the same time. The spleen meridian is in charge of the digestive function of the body, and kidney and liver meridians are closely related to the reproductive system. During moxibustion of the Sanyinjiao, heating Yang Qi enters these three meridians, which promotes digestive function, dispels Cold in the kidney and liver meridians, thereby the feeling of Qi moving towards interior of the vagina. The evil of Cold and Dampness is excreted from the reproductive system, which appears in the form of leucorrhea and vaginal itching in women.
Sanyinjiao and intersecting meridians
After all it is the process of rejection of external Evils by the body, which proves presence of Cold in the kidney and liver meridians of the girl all the time. This process is actually very good and once appears, it must be encouraged and sustained, and the disease would be cured in no time.
Now it is easier to understand why I encouraged her to continue perform moxibustion on those points. Many people choose to stop moxibustion at this time because they don’t know such reactions are actually good, which could cause Evil Qi to remain inside the body and this is very unfortunate in treatment.
Within about a month, this girl left me another messaged again: “I adhereed to moxibustion after listening to your words, and finally my vaginitis and indigestion are all cured. Honestly, it was not easy. In the first few days, I could barely stand the itching below (vaginal itching). But thankfully it was gone in 3 days, and so were the (vaginal) secretions. Now I am relieved from trouble of indigestion and gynecological diseases, and have become more energetic. Thank you so much! ”
*These cases are selected from a book “Various Diseases Treated by Moxibustion”, written by Shan Xiamin, a renowned Chinese doctor.
**Severe adverse effectmay occur, one should not perform any type of moxibustion without instruction of person of rich experience or professional.
A girl whose screen name was ‘Apple peel’ used to send me online messages for consultation. One of her message was:
“During the past two weeks, I still suffered swelling on both sides of the abdomen, especially after lunch. I couldn’t take a nap, and I feel swelling pain within 10 minutes of lying down, sometimes from sides of pelvis to above the thigh. Last week I began to develop stomach pain, then constipation, and very painful. After following your advice of moxibustion on Zhongwan, Guanyuan, Shenque and lower abdomen on both sides, those discomforts are relieved. Now it is stomach pain and constipation are gone, and the lower abdomen no longer feel bloated. The quality of sleep is also much better, and I feel very energetic during the day.
Zhongwan acupointGuanyuan & Shenque acupoint
The other day, in order to treat irregular menstruation, I performed moxibustion on Sanyinjiao. During the process, I felt much irritable, Qi going into the vagina and itchy. Later signs of vaginitis appeared, with slightly white and itchy leucorrhea; now it still tickles from time to time. What should I do? “
In fact, this phenomenon is very normal. I told her to continue perform moxibustion on Zhongwan, Guanyuan, Shenjue and Sanyinjiao, and do not worry; it would get well within two weeks. Some people may ask why should she continue moxibustion even though she was already ill doing it?
This is a very common problem. During my disease treatment via moxibustion, many reported that they had been well until moxibustion was performed and illness began to appear; or they were originally trying to treat one disease, but some other ailment emerged after moxibustion. So is moxibustion good or bad?
Sanyinjiao acupoint
*These cases are selected from a book “Various Diseases Treated by Moxibustion”, written by Shan Xiamin, a renowned Chinese doctor.
**Severe adverse effectmay occur, one should not perform any type of moxibustion without instruction of person of rich experience or professional.
Moxibustion not only brings out Pure Yang nature of mugwort, but also bear the effect of dredging the meridians, so it is nemesis for many modern diseases. I have treated many patients with this method, and a young girl in her twenties is very representative. She was a white-collar worker of a large firm in Beijing, who mostly sit in front of a computer and often worked overtime. She came to me because of her insomnia. She could not sleep at night for over two months; She was dizzy during the day, unable to concentrate, and easily out of temper. Her superior criticized her for being absent-minded. She felt wronged, but was unable to fight this condition with medicine or supplements.
My analysis of her situation is a combination of Cold, Qi and Deficiency. Wearing thin business outfits and working in AC environment, therefore afflicted by severe Cold; bad temper coupled with criticism from superiors and busy work, ‘Qi’ grew stronger and blocked the meridians; sitting in front of the computer all day with no exercise, often working overtime, Original Yang was heavily consumed. All these caused her physical weakness and deficiency in the twenties. Many people are similar to her nowadays, who work hard for a good career, but ended up throwing money to doctors.
Shenmen acupoint
Her illness was mainly reflected in poor energy and emotional changes. According to TCM theory “Heart governs the mind”, so I performed moxibustion** on her acupoints in the heart meridian such as Shenmen, and used the firepower of moxibustion to open up her blocked meridians. I also performed moxibustion on her acupoints in her head such as Baihui, Dazhui and Anmian, plus Yongquan on the foot, so Yang Qi could rise to her head and improve the supply of Blood and Qi. Lastly, I told her to soak feet in warm water with mugwort leaves every night, which had the dual effects of dispelling Cold and replenishing Yang. Within a month of following these advice, all her original discomforts disappeared.
For a long time, mugwort was nothing but a weed that nobody cared about, but once combined with fire, it becomes effective prescription for many diseases. By using mugwort to expel Cold and tonify Yang, and moxibustion to regulate Qi and dredge meridians, one could get vitality as tenacious as the weeds; so no matter how rampant Qi and Cold become, they would never be able to undermine the giant tree of health.
*These cases are selected from a book “Various Diseases Treated by Moxibustion”, written by Shan Xiamin, a renowned Chinese doctor .
**Severe adverse effectmay occur, one should not perform any type of moxibustion without instruction of person of rich experience or professional.
Moxibustion is the nemesis of Cold, Qi, and Deficiency
One may notice that in previous posts regarding expelling Cold-evils, dredging meridians, supplementing Original Yang, and regulating Righteousness Qi, all the examples are related to moxibustion. In TCM, acupuncture actually consists of two parts: acupuncture and moxibustion. In the Chinese word of acupuncture- “针灸“, “针“ means Acupuncture and “灸” means Moxibustion. This is my preferred method for treatment as it is particularly effective for diseases of modern people.
Moxibustion character evolution
The method of “moxibustion” could allegedly be traced back to the as early as the Paleolithic Age when fire was first discovered. It can be observed from the Chinese character of “灸”(moxibustion), where the bottom half- “火“ means ‘Fire‘ (The image above shows evolution of the character). Fire could generate active energy, stimulate and dredge meridians, as well as reconcile/regulate Qi and Blood.
Mugwort leaves
In the Classic “Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor”, it was mentioned “…where beyond reach of acupuncture, it may be appropriate for moxibustion”; also in “Introduction of Medicine”, “…where herbs and acupuncture stop to work, moxibustion must be performed”. Therefore, it is arguable that moxibustion is the best treatment method among all four Chinese treatment methods: Stone Needle, Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Herbs.
Ground mugwort leaves
Although there are various types of moxibustion, the most commonly known is that performed with mugwort; this is because it is as magical as moxibustion. Mugwort’s function was mentioned in a number of ancient TCM works, but they can all be summarized in two words “Pure Yang”. Because mugwort features Pure Yang, it has wonderful effects on treating Cold evil and Yang Deficiency.
Even today many people still use mugwort leaves for foot bath or put mugwort leaves into sachet and wear it to achieve the purpose of consolidating Yang and expelling Cold. These are very practical fold remedy.
