“The three months of spring are a time when everything that was stored up in winter is now being renewed. Both heaven and earth are brimming with vitality, and all things are thriving and flourishing.” Spring is a season when all things come back to life and the yang qi rises and develops. It is also an excellent time for health preservation through moxibustion. As a traditional Chinese medical therapy, moxibustion has the effects of warming and unblocking the meridians, removing dampness and dispelling cold, strengthening the healthy qi and expelling pathogenic factors. Performing moxibustion in spring can help us conform to the season, regulate our bodies, and lay a good foundation for our health throughout the year.?
Ⅰ、The benefits of moxibustion in spring
Nourish and protect the liver
Spring corresponds to the liver. The liver is in charge of the free flow of qi and it prefers to function smoothly and dislikes stagnation and depression. After the hibernation period in winter, the yang qi of the human body begins to rise and develop in spring. However, at this time, the liver qi is prone to stagnation, and the liver fire is likely to flare up. Moxibustion on the acupoints of the liver meridian, such as Taichong acupoint (LR3) and Xingjian acupoint (LR2), can soothe the liver and regulate qi, and suppress the hyperactivity of liver yang. It helps to regulate the functions of the liver and prevent liver and gallbladder diseases.?
The Taichong acupoint (LR3) is the source point of the liver meridian, located on the dorsal side of the foot, in the depression in front of the junction of the first and second metatarsal bones. Moxibustion on the Taichong acupoint can disperse the stagnant liver qi and relieve symptoms such as emotional depression, irritability and anger. The Xingjian acupoint (LR2) is on the dorsal side of the foot, between the first and second toes, at the junction of the red and white flesh behind the web of the toes. Moxibustion on this acupoint can clear and purge the liver fire and improve symptoms such as red and swollen eyes, a bitter taste in the mouth and a dry throat.?
Raise the yang qi and dispel cold
In spring, the temperature gradually rises, but there is still some residual cold air. The temperature difference between morning and evening is relatively large, and the human body is prone to being invaded by the pathogenic factors of wind and cold. Moxibustion has the function of warming the yang and dispelling cold. It can help the human body expel the cold air in the body, strengthen the yang qi, improve immunity, and prevent respiratory diseases such as colds and coughs.?
For example, moxibustion on the Dazhui acupoint (GV14) can invigorate the yang qi and resist external pathogenic factors. The Dazhui acupoint is located at the lower end of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. During moxibustion, the heat of the moxa stick can penetrate deep into the acupoint, stimulating the flow of qi and blood in the meridians, enhancing the yang qi of the human body, and preventing diseases such as colds and fevers.?
Invigorate the spleen and benefit the stomach
In spring, the liver qi is vigorous, and it is likely to restrict the spleen-earth, leading to disorders of the functions of the spleen and stomach. Moxibustion on the acupoints of the spleen and stomach meridians, such as the Zhongwan acupoint (CV12) and the Zusanli acupoint (ST36), can invigorate the spleen and benefit the stomach, regulate the digestive function, and improve symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and diarrhea.?
The Zhongwan acupoint (CV12) is located in the upper abdomen, on the anterior median line, 4 cun above the umbilicus. Moxibustion on the Zhongwan acupoint can warm the middle-jiao and dispel cold, and promote the transportation and transformation functions of the spleen and stomach. The Zusanli acupoint (ST36) is on the anterolateral side of the lower leg, 3 cun below the Dubi acupoint, and one transverse finger (middle finger) away from the anterior border of the tibia. Moxibustion on the Zusanli acupoint can enhance the digestive and absorptive functions of the spleen and stomach, and improve the body’s immunity.?
Remove dampness and expel toxins
In spring, the rainfall increases and the air humidity is relatively high, so the human body is prone to being invaded by dampness pathogens. When dampness pathogens obstruct the spleen and stomach, it will lead to symptoms such as a heavy sensation in the body, drowsiness, fatigue, and soreness in the joints. Moxibustion has the effect of removing dampness and expelling toxins, which can help the human body eliminate the dampness in the body and reduce the impact of dampness pathogens on the body.?
Moxibustion on acupoints such as the Yinlingquan acupoint (SP9) and the Fenglong acupoint (ST40) can remove dampness and resolve phlegm, and promote the metabolism of body fluids. The Yinlingquan acupoint is located on the inner side of the lower leg, in the depression behind and below the medial condyle of the tibia. The Fenglong acupoint is on the anterolateral side of the lower leg, 8 cun above the tip of the lateral malleolus, outside of the Tiaokou acupoint, and two transverse fingers (middle fingers) away from the anterior border of the tibia. These two acupoints are commonly used for removing dampness. After moxibustion, they can promote the elimination of dampness in the body and relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of the body.?
Ⅱ、Precautions for moxibustion in spring
Choose the appropriate time.
The duration of moxibustion in spring should not be too long. Generally, about 15 to 20 minutes each time is appropriate. If the moxibustion time is too long, it is likely to cause symptoms such as getting excessive internal heat, dry mouth and parched tongue. The best time for moxibustion is in the morning. At this time, the yang qi of the human body gradually rises and develops, and the effect of moxibustion is better. However, if moxibustion is needed in the evening, it should be carried out at least 2 hours before going to bed to avoid affecting sleep.?
Master the correct method
There are various methods of moxibustion, such as moxa stick moxibustion, moxa cone moxibustion, warm needle moxibustion, etc. For beginners, it is recommended to choose moxa stick moxibustion, which is simple to operate, safe and convenient. When performing moxibustion, pay attention to the distance between the moxa stick and the skin. Generally, a distance of 2 to 3 centimeters is appropriate to avoid scalding the skin. At the same time, adjust the temperature and distance of the moxa stick according to an individual’s constitution and tolerance level.?
Pay attention to keeping warm
In spring, the temperature varies greatly. When performing moxibustion, it is necessary to pay attention to keeping warm and avoid getting cold. After moxibustion, the pores of the human body are in an open state, and at this time, the body is prone to being invaded by the pathogenic factors of wind and cold. Therefore, it is necessary to put on clothes in time and avoid being exposed to the wind.
Dietary regulation
During the period of moxibustion, it is necessary to pay attention to dietary regulation and avoid eating spicy, greasy, raw, cold and other irritating foods, so as not to affect the effect of moxibustion. You can eat more foods that have the functions of invigorating the spleen and benefiting the stomach, nourishing yin and moistening dryness, such as Chinese yam, lily bulbs, tremella mushrooms, etc.
It should be used with caution by special groups of people.?
Special groups of people such as pregnant women, women during menstruation, patients with hypertension, and patients with diabetes should consult a doctor before undergoing moxibustion to avoid causing discomfort.?
Ⅲ、Commonly used acupoints for moxibustion in spring
Hegu（LI4）
The Hegu acupoint (LI4) is located on the back of the hand, at the midpoint on the radial side of the second metacarpal bone. Moxibustion on the Hegu acupoint can dispel wind and relieve exterior syndrome, dredge the channels and relieve pain, and has a good relieving effect on symptoms such as headache, toothache, and swelling and pain of the throat.?
The Guanyuan acupoint (CV4)
The Guanyuan acupoint (CV4) is located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior median line, 3 cun below the umbilicus. Moxibustion on the Guanyuan acupoint has the effects of tonifying the kidney and securing essence, warming yang and dispelling cold. It has a certain therapeutic effect on symptoms such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, spermatorrhea, impotence, premature ejaculation, etc.?
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The Shenque acupoint (CV8)
The Shenque acupoint (CV8), namely the umbilicus, is one of the important acupoints of the human body. Moxibustion on the Shenque acupoint can invigorate the spleen and regulate the stomach, warm yang and dispel cold, and has a good curative effect on symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, prolapse of the anus, etc. At the same time, moxibustion on the Shenque acupoint can also enhance the human body’s immunity and improve the body’s disease resistance ability.?
In general, moxibustion in spring is an excellent health-preserving method. However, when performing moxibustion, it is necessary to select appropriate acupoints and methods according to an individual’s constitution and medical condition, and pay attention to keeping warm and dietary regulation. Only in this way can the efficacy of moxibustion be fully exerted to achieve the purpose of maintaining health and preventing diseases.?
The above content is for reference only. If you have any questions about moxibustion or need further guidance, it is recommended that you consult a professional Chinese medicine practitioner.?
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“When a single leaf falls, one knows that autumn has arrived across the land.” As the autumn wind gradually picks up, the leaves fall, and the earth is tinged with a layer of golden hue, we welcome the tranquil and beautiful autumn season. Autumn is a season when nature transitions from exuberance to inwardness, and it is also a crucial period for us to nourish and regulate our body and mind. Moxibustion, as an ancient and effective traditional Chinese medical therapy, can play a unique role in the autumn season.?
Ⅰ、The Characteristics of Autumn and the Changes in the Human Body
The climate gradually cools down in autumn, and the humidity in the air decreases, presenting the characteristic of “dryness”. During this season, the human body will also undergo some changes accordingly. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, autumn corresponds to the lungs. The lungs govern qi, are responsible for respiration, and are externally connected to the skin and hair. At this time, the qi of the lungs in the human body is relatively strong, but at the same time, it is also easily affected by the autumn dryness, resulting in symptoms such as dry mouth, dry throat, coughing, and dry skin. In addition, as the yang qi gradually withdraws and the yin qi gradually grows in autumn, the human body’s metabolism will gradually slow down, making people prone to feeling tired and fatigued.?
Ⅱ、The Benefits of Moxibustion in Autumn
Moisten the lungs and relieve cough
In autumn, the dry pathogen is likely to damage the lungs. Moxibustion on the acupoints along the Lung Meridian, such as Feishu (BL13), Taiyuan (LU9), Chize (LU5), etc., can moisten the lungs and relieve cough. The warm and hot stimulation of moxibustion can promote the circulation of qi and blood in the lungs, enhance the function of the lungs, and alleviate symptoms such as coughing and dry throat caused by autumn dryness.?
Invigorate the spleen and nourish the stomach
After the consumption in summer, the functions of the spleen and stomach of the human body are often relatively weak in autumn. Moxibustion on acupoints such as Zhongwan (CV12), Zusanli (ST36), Pishu (BL20), etc., can invigorate the spleen and nourish the stomach, promote digestion and absorption, and enhance the body’s resistance. Moxibustion can also warm the spleen and stomach, and relieve discomforts such as stomachache and abdominal distension caused by deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach in autumn.?
Nourish yin and moisten dryness
The climate in autumn is dry, which can easily lead to a deficiency of yin fluid in the human body. Moxibustion on acupoints such as Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) can nourish yin and moisten dryness, replenishing the yin fluid of the body. These acupoints have the functions of tonifying the kidney and nourishing yin, enriching the blood and calming the mind, and can alleviate symptoms such as insomnia, frequent dreams, and restlessness caused by the deficiency of yin fluid in autumn.?
Enhance immunity
Autumn is a season with a high incidence of diseases such as colds and influenza. Moxibustion can regulate the human immune system, enhance human immunity, and prevent the occurrence of diseases. Moxibustion on acupoints such as Dazhui (GV14), Fengmen (BL12), and Mingmen (GV4) can invigorate the yang qi, resist external pathogens, and improve the body’s disease resistance ability.?
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Ⅲ、Precautions for Moxibustion in Autumn
Pay attention to keeping warm.
In autumn, the temperature gradually drops, and after moxibustion, the pores of the human body are in an open state, making it easy to be invaded by wind-cold pathogens. Therefore, after moxibustion, it is necessary to pay attention to keeping warm and avoid being exposed to the wind or catching a chill. You can drink a cup of warm water after moxibustion to help the body expel toxins. At the same time, put on clothes in a timely manner to prevent catching a cold.?
Choose an appropriate time.
It is best to perform moxibustion in autumn in the morning or afternoon, and avoid doing it at night. Because the yang qi of the human body gradually converges at night, and moxibustion at this time is likely to disrupt the yang qi and affect sleep. In addition, the duration of moxibustion should not be too long. Generally, it is appropriate to perform moxibustion for about 30 minutes each time.?
Vary from person to person.
Moxibustion in autumn should be selected according to an individual’s constitution and condition. For those with a weak constitution and who are prone to catching colds, the frequency and duration of moxibustion can be appropriately increased. For people with yin deficiency and excessive fire or a hot constitution, the frequency and duration of moxibustion should be reduced to avoid aggravating the symptoms. At the same time, special groups such as pregnant women, patients with hypertension, and patients with heart disease had better consult a doctor’s advice before undergoing moxibustion.?
Ⅳ、Common Acupoints and Methods of Moxibustion in Autumn
Feishu point(BL13)
Location: It is located on the back, below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to it.?
Method: Light an moxa stick, aim it at the Feishu point for moxibustion, keeping a distance of 2-3 centimeters from the skin. It is advisable that there is a warm sensation at the local area without a burning pain. Each moxibustion session lasts for 15-20 minutes, and it can be carried out 2-3 times a week.?
Zhongwan point（CV12）
Location: It is located in the upper abdomen, on the anterior median line, 4 cun above the umbilicus.?
Method: Use a moxa stick to perform mild moxibustion on the Zhongwan point. Each moxibustion session lasts for 20-30 minutes, and it can be carried out 2-3 times a week. You can also use a moxibustion box for moxibustion. Place the moxibustion box on the Zhongwan point, light the moxa stick and put it into the moxibustion box for warm moxibustion.?
Guanyuan point（CV4）
Location: It is located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior median line, 3 cun below the umbilicus.
Method: For moxibustion on the Guanyuan point, you can adopt the methods of mild moxibustion or moxibustion with ginger separation. When performing mild moxibustion, aim the moxa stick at the Guanyuan point, keeping a distance of 2-3 centimeters from the skin. Each moxibustion session lasts for 20-30 minutes, and it can be carried out 2-3 times a week. When performing moxibustion with ginger separation, cut fresh ginger into thin slices with a diameter of about 3 centimeters and a thickness of about 0.3 centimeters, and prick several small holes in the middle with a needle. Then place the ginger slice on the Guanyuan point, put a moxa cone on the ginger slice and light it for moxibustion. Each moxibustion session uses 3-5 moxa cones, and it can be carried out 1-2 times a week.
In general, moxibustion in autumn is an excellent health preservation method. Through moxibustion, we can nourish both the body and mind, enhance physical fitness, and prevent diseases, enabling us to face the challenges of life in a healthier state during this harvest season. However, when performing moxibustion, it is necessary to pay attention to selecting appropriate acupoints and methods, and follow the precautions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of moxibustion.?
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When the cold wind blows fiercely, snowflakes are falling, and the earth is wrapped in silver, winter quietly arrives. Winter is the coldest season of the year and also the time when the yang qi of the human body is at its weakest. In this season, people are prone to being invaded by the cold pathogen, suffering from symptoms such as cold hands and feet, fear of cold, and joint pain. And moxibustion, as a traditional Chinese medical therapy, has the effects of warming and unblocking the meridians, dispelling cold and relieving pain, strengthening the healthy qi and expelling pathogenic factors. It can bring us warmth and health in winter.?
Ⅰ、The characteristics of winter and the changes in the human body
In winter, the climate is cold. All things in nature wither, the yang qi withdraws inward, and the yin qi reaches its peak. The human body will also make corresponding adjustments with the change of seasons. In winter, the yang qi of the human body is stored internally in the zang-fu organs, and the yang qi on the body surface is relatively insufficient, so people are prone to feeling cold. At the same time, the metabolism of the human body slows down in winter, and the blood circulation is not smooth, which is likely to lead to the stagnation of qi and blood and trigger various diseases.?
Ⅱ、The Benefits of Moxibustion in Winter
Warm Yang and dispel Cold
In winter, when cold pathogenic factors are prevalent, moxibustion can stimulate the body with warmth to invigorate the body’s yang energy and dispel the cold within. Moxibustion on acupoints such as Guanyuan, Qihai, and Mingmen can warm and tonify kidney yang, enhancing the body’s resistance to cold. Moxibustion on acupoints like Zusanli and Yongquan can warm the lower limbs and alleviate the symptoms of cold hands and feet.
Dredge the meridians and promote the flow of qi and blood
In winter, due to the low temperature, the blood circulation of the human body is not smooth, and the situation of meridian blockage is likely to occur. Moxibustion can promote the circulation of qi and blood, unblock the meridians, and relieve symptoms such as joint pain and muscle soreness. Moxibustion at Ashi points (painful areas), Jianjing (GB 21), Weizhong (BL 40) and other acupoints can effectively relieve the pain in the neck, shoulders, waist and legs caused by exposure to cold.?
Strengthen the healthy qi and expel pathogenic factors
In winter, the human body’s immunity is relatively weak, making it prone to being invaded by viruses and bacteria and getting sick. Moxibustion can regulate the human immune system, enhance the body’s disease resistance, and prevent the occurrence of diseases such as colds, coughs, and asthma. Moxibustion at acupoints such as Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), and Fengmen (BL 12) can disperse the lung qi and relieve the exterior syndrome, improving the resistance of the respiratory tract.?
Health preservation and care
Winter is an important season for health preservation, and moxibustion can play a role in maintaining health. Moxibustion at acupoints such as Shenque (CV 8), Zhongwan (CV 12), and Pishu (BL 20) can strengthen the spleen and benefit the stomach, promote digestion and absorption, and enhance physical fitness. Moxibustion at acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taixi (KI 3) can nourish yin and tonify the kidney, regulate the endocrine system, and delay the aging process.?
Ⅲ、Precautions for Moxibustion in Winter
Pay attention to keeping warm
When doing moxibustion in winter, it is necessary to pay attention to keeping warm and avoid getting cold. After moxibustion, the pores of the human body are open, making it easy to be invaded by the cold pathogen. Therefore, you should put on clothes in a timely manner and avoid being exposed to the wind. At the same time, the room where moxibustion is carried out should be kept warm to prevent the temperature from being too low.
Choose an appropriate time
It is best to perform moxibustion in winter during the daytime, especially in the morning. This is because the yang qi of the human body is vigorous during the daytime, and the effect of moxibustion is better. In the evening, the yang qi of the human body withdraws inward, and it is not advisable to carry out moxibustion, so as not to disturb the yang qi and affect sleep.?
Control the temperature and duration of moxibustion
In winter, the skin is dry and its sensitivity to temperature decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to controlling the temperature of moxibustion to avoid scalding the skin. Generally speaking, the temperature of moxibustion should be such that the skin feels warm and comfortable, and it should not be too high. At the same time, the duration of moxibustion in winter can be appropriately extended, but it should not be too long either. Generally, each moxibustion session is preferably 30 to 60 minutes.?
Vary from person to person
When performing moxibustion in winter, it is necessary to make choices according to individual constitutions and medical conditions. For people with weak constitutions and insufficient yang qi, the frequency and duration of moxibustion can be appropriately increased. For those with yin deficiency and excessive fire, or hot constitutions, the frequency and duration of moxibustion should be reduced to avoid aggravating the symptoms. At the same time, special groups such as pregnant women, patients with hypertension, and patients with heart disease are advised to consult a doctor before undergoing moxibustion.?
Ⅳ、Common Acupoints and Methods of Moxibustion in Winter
Guanyuan point(CV4)
Location: It is located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior median line, 3 cun below the umbilicus.?
Method: Light an moxa stick and aim it at the Guanyuan point for moxibustion, keeping a distance of 2-3 centimeters from the skin. It is advisable that there is a warm sensation at the local area without a burning pain. Each moxibustion session lasts for 30 to 60 minutes, and it can be carried out 2 to 3 times a week.?
Qihai point (CV6)
Location: It is located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior median line, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus.?
Method: Use a moxa stick for mild moxibustion on the Qihai point. Each moxibustion session lasts for 30 to 60 minutes, and it can be carried out 2 to 3 times a week. You can also use a moxibustion box for moxibustion. Place the moxibustion box on the Qihai point, put the lit moxa stick into the moxibustion box, and perform warm moxibustion.?
Mingmen point (GV4)
Location: It is located on the waist, on the posterior median line, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra.?
Method: For moxibustion on the Mingmen point, mild moxibustion or moxibustion separated by ginger can be adopted. When performing mild moxibustion, aim the moxa stick at the Mingmen point, keeping a distance of 2-3 centimeters from the skin. Each moxibustion session lasts for 30 to 60 minutes, and it can be carried out 2 to 3 times a week. When performing moxibustion separated by ginger, cut fresh ginger into thin slices with a diameter of about 3 centimeters and a thickness of about 0.3 centimeters. Puncture several small holes in the middle of the slice. Then place the ginger slice on the Mingmen point, put a moxa cone on the ginger slice and light it for moxibustion. Each moxibustion session uses 3 to 5 moxa cones, and it can be carried out 1 to 2 times a week.?
In general, moxibustion in winter is an excellent way of health preservation. Through moxibustion, we can warm our body and mind, resist the severe cold, and prevent diseases, enabling us to maintain health and vitality during this cold season. However, when performing moxibustion, it is necessary to pay attention to selecting appropriate acupoints and methods, and follow the precautions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of moxibustion.?
“The summer sun is as scorching as fire.” Summer is the season when the yang qi is the most abundant in a year, and it is also the time when the human body’s metabolism is the most vigorous. In this season, people often feel unbearably hot and dry, tired and lacking in energy, and are prone to problems such as heatstroke, colds, and gastrointestinal discomfort. As a traditional Chinese medical therapy, moxibustion has the effects of warming and dredging the meridians, removing dampness and dispelling cold, strengthening the healthy qi and expelling pathogenic factors. Performing moxibustion in summer can help us conform to the season, regulate our bodies, and achieve the goals of relieving summer heat and removing dampness, as well as strengthening the yang qi and consolidating the foundation of the body.?
Ⅰ、The Benefits of Moxibustion in Summer
Relieve summer heat and remove dampness
In summer, the temperature is high and the humidity is great, so the human body is prone to being invaded by the pathogenic factors of summer heat and dampness. Moxibustion can, through thermal stimulation, promote the circulation of qi and blood in the human body, enhance the function of the spleen and stomach, help the human body expel dampness, and relieve the discomfort symptoms caused by summer heat and dampness. For example, moxibustion on acupoints such as Zusanli (ST36), Yinlingquan (SP9), and Fenglong (ST40) can invigorate the spleen and remove dampness, and improve the function of the gastrointestinal tract. Moxibustion on acupoints such as Dazhui (GV14), Quchi (LI11), and Hegu (LI4) can clear heat and relieve summer heat, and prevent heatstroke.?
Strengthen the yang qi and consolidate the foundation of the body
Although the yang qi is abundant in summer, the human body is also prone to damage the yang qi due to excessive preference for coldness. Moxibustion can replenish the yang qi of the human body, enhance the body’s immunity, and prevent the occurrence of diseases. For example, moxibustion on acupoints such as Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), and Shenque (CV8) can warm and tonify the kidney yang and strengthen the constitution. Moxibustion on acupoints such as Mingmen (GV4), Shenshu (BL23), and Yaoyangguan (GV3) can strengthen the waist and knees and prevent low back pain.?
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Relieve fatigue
In summer, people often feel tired and weak. This is because the human body has a relatively large consumption in summer, and it is prone to the situation of insufficient qi and blood. Moxibustion can promote the circulation of qi and blood in the human body, enhance the body’s energy supply, and relieve fatigue symptoms. For example, moxibustion on acupoints such as Baihui (GV20), Yintang (EX-HN3), and Taiyang (EX-HN5) can refresh the mind and relieve headaches. Moxibustion on acupoints such as Neiguan (PC6), Shenmen (HT7), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) can nourish the heart and soothe the nerves, and improve sleep quality.?
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Ⅱ、Precautions for Moxibustion in Summer
Choose the appropriate time.
It is best to perform moxibustion in summer in the morning or afternoon, and avoid doing it at noon or in the evening. This is because the yang qi of the human body is relatively weak at noon and in the evening, and moxibustion is likely to damage the yang qi. In addition, as the weather is hot in summer, the duration of moxibustion should not be too long. Generally, each moxibustion session should last for 15 to 30 minutes.?
Pay attention to preventing heatstroke and cooling down
When performing moxibustion in summer, it is necessary to pay attention to preventing heatstroke and cooling down, and avoid doing moxibustion in a high-temperature environment. You can choose to do moxibustion in an air-conditioned room or a place with good ventilation. At the same time, you should pay attention to replenishing water to avoid heatstroke.?
Avoid excessive indulgence in seeking coolness.?
After moxibustion in summer, the pores of the human body open up, making it easy to be invaded by the pathogenic factors of wind and cold. Therefore, after moxibustion, one should avoid excessive indulgence in seeking coolness. Do not turn on the air conditioner immediately, eat cold drinks or take a cold shower. You can drink a glass of warm water after moxibustion to help the body expel toxins. At the same time, pay attention to keeping warm to avoid getting cold.?
Choose the appropriate acupoints
When performing moxibustion in summer, appropriate acupoints should be selected according to an individual’s constitution and illness condition. Generally speaking, for moxibustion in summer, some acupoints with the effects of clearing heat and relieving summer heat, removing dampness and dispelling cold, strengthening the yang qi and consolidating the foundation of the body can be chosen. However, for special groups such as those with a weak constitution, pregnant women, and patients with hypertension, moxibustion should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.?
Ⅲ、Commonly used acupoints for moxibustion in summer
Dazhui acupoint (GV14)
The Dazhui acupoint (GV14) is located at the lower end of the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. Moxibustion on the Dazhui acupoint can clear heat and release the exterior, activate yang and dispel cold, and prevent diseases such as heatstroke and colds.?
Guanyuan acupoint (CV4)
The Guanyuan acupoint (CV4) is located in the lower abdomen, on the anterior median line, 3 cun below the umbilicus. Moxibustion on the Guanyuan acupoint can warm and tonify the kidney yang, consolidate the foundation and nourish the origin, enhance the physical constitution, and prevent diseases such as low back pain and frequent urination.?
Zusanli acupoint (ST36)
The Zusanli acupoint (ST36) is located on the anterolateral side of the lower leg, 3 cun below Dubi acupoint, and one transverse finger (middle finger) away from the anterior border of the tibia. Moxibustion on the Zusanli acupoint can invigorate the spleen and stomach, strengthen the healthy qi and cultivate the primordial qi, improve the human body’s immunity, and prevent gastrointestinal diseases.?
Yinlingquan acupoint (SP9)
The Yinlingquan acupoint (SP9) is located on the inner side of the lower leg, in the depression behind and below the medial condyle of the tibia. Moxibustion on the Yinlingquan acupoint can invigorate the spleen and remove dampness, promote the smooth flow of the triple energizer, improve the gastrointestinal function, and relieve the symptoms of edema.?
In conclusion, moxibustion in summer is an excellent health preservation method. However, when performing moxibustion, it is necessary to pay attention to choosing the appropriate time, acupoints, and methods, and avoid excessive indulgence in seeking coolness and heatstroke. At the same time, according to an individual’s constitution and illness condition, moxibustion should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor to achieve the best health preservation effect.?