Moxibustion has various actions and can be applied for different diseases, but it may cause pain and even accidents if it is applied improperly. Thus, practitioners should be cautious when applying moxibustion.

1. Actions of Moxibustion

Chapter ten of The Spiritual Pivot (Lingshu) says: “When the vessel is sunken, moxibustion is applied.”  

Chapter forty-eight of The Spiritual Pivot (Lingshu) points out: “Sunken vessel is due to static blood from cold, which means moxibustion is proper treatment.” Chapter nine of Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhen Jiu Da Cheng) states: “Frequently blisterring moxibustion on ST 36 (Sanli) is a key for healthcare.” The Introduction to Medicine (Yi Xue Ru Men) of Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD) claims: “Disease that cannot be cured by medicinals or acupuncture must be treated with moxibustion”. It issuggested that performing moxibustion at different points not only can treat various diseases, but also contribute to disease prevention and health care.

a. Warming for dissipating pathogenic cold

Moxais warm in nature. Burning moxa is utilized to fumigate and cauterize the points so as to make the warmth penetrate the skin, muscles, meridians and collaterals. The patient feels comfortable local warmth which is conducted along the meridians and collaterals, exerting actions of dissipating pathogenic cold, treating wind, cold, dampness impediment (Bi), abdominal pain from deficiency-cold and diarrhea.

b. Warming and unblocking meridians and collaterals

Numbness, pain and swelling due to obstruction of meridians and collaterals from qi stagnation and blood stasis of certain meridians, collaterals, or part(s) of the body, performing moxibustion on certain points can achieve effects of warming the meridians and collaterals, relieving pain, regulating and harmonizing qi and blood.

c. Boosting qi and nourishing blood

Loose stools, diarrhea, rectal prolapse, and uterine prolapse caused by sinking middle qi (qi in the middle energizer), muscle atrophy and limb paralysis due to consumption of qi and blood and malnourishment of meridians and collaterals can be treated with moxibustion, which produces effects of boosting qi, nourishing blood, supplementing the deficient, and reinforcing healthy qi.  

d. Restoring yang to rescue from collapse

Collapse pattern with symptoms of reversal cold of the four limbs, short breath with faint pulse, relinquishing hands with openmouth, closed eyes with loss of consciousness, fecal and urine incontinence can be treated with moxibustion which helps restoring yang to rescue from collapse.

e. Disease prevention and health care

The preventive effect of moxibustion is often mentioned in ancient literature, for example, The Treatise on Medicine (Yi Shuo) mentions that moxibustion on ST 36 (Sanli) can prevent stroke. In present clinical practice, moxibustion on GV 14 (Dazhui) and BL 12 (Fengmen) is applied for preventing common cold; moxibustion on ST 36 (Sanli) is utilized to regulate the functions of the spleen and stomach to promote health.

2. Precautions of Moxibustion 

Although it is easy to use moxibustion, its curative effect will be affected and accidents will occur if the practitioners are not careful enough in practice.

a. Selection of position

Before moxibustion, it is necessary to select a comfortable and fixed position according to the site of moxibustion.

b. Number of moxa cones and time of moxibustion

 The age and physical fitness of patients are to be taken into consideration when the practitioner determines the size and number of moxa cones. . The old, the children and the weak should be treated with moxa cones small in size and number; and the time moxibustion for them should be short. While those who are strong or middle-aged should be treated with moxa cones larger in size and number; the time of moxibustion for them should be longer. One minute of moxa stick moxibustion is equivalent to one moxa cone moxibustion. The number of moxa sticks/cones and moxibustion duration are not strictly limited.

c. Site of moxibustion

The number and time of moxibustion for the head, neck and upper abdomen should be less and short, while those for the lower abdomen and low back should be more and longer. Avoid applying moxibustion on five sensory organs, face, hair, reproductive organs, great blood vessels or near the mucosa.  

d. Patient education

Since there are burning pain, suppuration and scab from scarring moxibustion, practitioners should explain to the patients clearly for their cooperation.  

e. Contraindications

Moxibustion is contraindicated for hemoptysis, hematemesis, stroke induced blockage, constipated and bound stools and other symptoms from excess-heat pattern.

The Song of Contraindications of Moxibustion in The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhen Jiu Da Cheng) mentions that there are points inapplicable for moxibustion: GV 15 (Yamen), GV 16 (Fengfu), BL 10 (Tianzhu), BL 6 (Chengguang), GB 15 (Toulinqi), ST 8(Touwei), TE 23（Sizhukong）, BL 2 (Zanzhu), BL 1(Jingming), GV 25 (Suliao), LI 19 (Kouheliao), LI 20 (Yingxiang), SI 18（Quanliao）, ST 7(Xiaguan), ST 9 (Renying), TE 16 (Tianyou), LU 3(Tianfu), SP 20 (Zhourong), GB 22 (Yuanye), ST 17(Ruzhong), CV 15(Jiuwei), SP 16 (Fu’ai), SI 9 (Jianzhen), TE 4 (Yangchi), PC 9 (Zhongchong), LU 11(Shaoshang), LU 10(Yuji), LU 8 (Jingqu), GB 42 (Diwuhui), GB 33(Yangguan), GV 6(Jizhong), SP 1(Yinbai), SP 7 (Lougu), SP 9(Yinlingquan), ST 38(Tiaokou), ST 35 (Dubi), ST 33(Yinshi), ST 32 (Futu), ST 31(Biguan), BL 62 (Shenmai), BL 40 (Weizhong), BL 37 (Yinmen), BL 36 (Chengfu), BL 30 (Baihuanyu), BL 15 (Xinyu), 45 points in total.

There will be scar if performing blistering moxibustion on the face. Since both ST 9 (Renying) and BL 40 (Weizhong) are near the major blood vessels, moxibustion should be prohibited. There are some points that are prohibited for moxibustion are effective for some diseases, for instance, SP 1 (Yinbai) for metrorrhagia and metrostaxis and ST 35 (Dubi) for knee joint pain. Application of moxibustion should be based on clinical practice rather than be confined to the experience of ancient practitioners. (Author’s comments: there are records of moxibustion on TE 4 (Yangchi) for diabetes.)

f. Avoiding empyrosis and fire disaster

The practitioners should prevent moxa and moxa cone from fallingon the skin and clothing and cause empyrosis and fire disaster. Cut the flaming end of the moxa-stick off or carry the moxa cone with forceps and put it into the container so as to avoid fire disaster.

By Kuishan Zheng