Why does moxibustion on the navel cause sweating?
Nov 01, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
When moxibustion on the navel causes sweating, it is important to determine whether the sweating is generalized or localized. If after moxibustion, mild sweating occurs over the whole body—just slight perspiration—and one feels refreshed and comfortable afterward, this is a normal phenomenon due to enhanced circulation of qi and blood, and there is no cause for concern. However, if excessive sweating occurs after moxibustion, accompanied by symptoms such as weakness or palpitations, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Under normal circumstances, when sweating occurs after moxibustion on the navel, it is important to determine whether the sweating is generalized or localized. If the sweating is mild and limited to a light perspiration over the whole body, and if one feels refreshed and comfortable afterward, this is a normal phenomenon caused by enhanced circulation of qi and blood due to moxibustion, and there is no cause for concern. However, if excessive sweating occurs after moxibustion, accompanied by symptoms such as weakness or palpitations, medical attention should be sought promptly. Details are as follows:
Sweating at the site of moxibustion indicates that the patient is expelling pathogenic factors from the body. Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese therapy in which an Artemisia (mugwort) stick is ignited and held near specific acupuncture points on the patient's body. By stimulating these points, the medicinal effects penetrate into the subcutaneous tissues, providing abundant yang energy, regulating organ function, and restoring balance between yin and yang. When the body contains excessive dampness or other pathogens, a struggle between the body’s healthy qi and the pathogenic factors ensues, leading to the expulsion of internal pathogens. The resulting heat meets cooler air, condensing into droplets that accumulate at the acupoints, causing localized sweating during moxibustion. It should be noted that if profuse sweating occurs after moxibustion, especially when accompanied by fatigue, palpitations, or similar symptoms, it may indicate that the treatment duration was too long or that the individual's constitution is unsuitable for moxibustion. In such cases, consultation with a qualified physician is recommended to adjust the moxibustion protocol accordingly.
In summary, sweating during or after moxibustion is generally a normal response. If the person feels well overall, such sweating can be beneficial and does not require concern. During moxibustion, it is advisable to drink warm water appropriately to replenish fluids in a timely manner.
