Is feeling cold after moxibustion a cold-dispelling reaction?
Nov 03, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Feeling cold after moxibustion may be a reaction of expelling coldness from the body, or it could be related to fever. Patients should manage accordingly based on their individual conditions. Experiencing chills after treatment is often a sign of the body expelling cold; some patients may also have symptoms such as sweating, increased urination, sneezing, runny nose, or diarrhea. These are usually normal and mild, so patients need not worry—simply maintain warmth and get adequate rest.
Feeling cold after moxibustion may be a reaction to expelling coldness from the body, or it could be due to fever. Patients should manage their condition according to their individual circumstances.
Moxibustion refers to the moxa therapy within traditional Chinese acupuncture treatment, which functions to warm the meridians and dispel cold, support yang and prevent collapse, promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, as well as prevent illness and enhance health. Feeling cold after treatment may indicate a normal detoxification response involving cold expulsion. Some patients may also experience sweating, increased urination, sneezing, runny nose, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and nothing to worry about—patients should simply keep warm and get adequate rest. However, if the chills persist or worsen, they might result from improper warming after treatment leading to fever. If body temperature is below 38.5°C, physical cooling methods are recommended for relief. If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, patients should take antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen tablets or ibuprofen tablets under medical guidance.
In daily life, maintain a light diet, consume moderate amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables—such as blueberries and tomatoes—go to bed early and rise early, and engage in appropriate exercise, all of which help improve immune function.
