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“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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