Should moxibustion first expel cold or first remove dampness?
Nov 09, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
In general, if a patient undergoes moxibustion, it is usually possible to achieve the purpose of expelling cold and dampness. This is because moxibustion has effects such as unblocking meridians, promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, dispelling cold and dampness, regulating qi flow, and uplifting yang energy. Moxibustion can keep the pores on the skin surface open, thereby facilitating the timely elimination of cold and dampness from the body.
Generally speaking, the statement that "moxibustion should first eliminate cold before dampness" is inaccurate, as moxibustion can simultaneously achieve the effects of dispelling both cold and dampness. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Moxibustion primarily uses Artemisia argyi (mugwort) leaves, processed into moxa sticks or cones, which are burned to generate warmth that stimulates specific areas of the body, helping prevent and treat diseases. It is valued for its simplicity and significant therapeutic effects. When patients undergo moxibustion, they usually achieve the dual purpose of eliminating cold and dampness. This is because moxibustion helps unblock meridians, activate blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, expel cold and dampness, regulate qi flow, and lift yang energy. Moxibustion causes the skin's pores to open, thereby promoting the timely expulsion of internal cold and dampness from the body.
It should be noted that patients should not perform moxibustion on themselves, as this may lead to skin burns or delay proper treatment. Moxibustion should always be conducted under the guidance of a qualified professional.
