Correct Method of Using Moxibustion to Treat Fungal Nail Infection
Nov 11, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
There are two main moxibustion methods for treating onychomycosis (fungal nail infection): suspended moxa stick moxibustion and隔蒜moxibustion (moxibustion with a slice of garlic placed between the skin and moxa). Moxibustion can promote blood circulation in the subungual area and surrounding tissues, improve local nutrition, enhance new nail growth, and facilitate the shedding of infected nails. However, moxibustion only serves as an adjunctive therapy for onychomycosis. It is still essential to follow medical advice and use prescribed medications, which can help shorten the treatment duration more effectively.
There are mainly two moxibustion methods for treating onychomycosis (gray nail): suspended moxa stick moxibustion and隔蒜moxibustion (moxibustion over a slice of garlic). Moxibustion can promote blood circulation in the subungual area and surrounding tissues, improve local nutrition, and facilitate the growth of new nails and shedding of infected nails. However, moxibustion only serves as an adjunctive therapy for onychomycosis. It is still essential to follow medical advice and use appropriate medications, which may help shorten the treatment duration. Specific methods are as follows:
1. Suspended moxa stick moxibustion on affected areas: Light the moxa stick and hold it close to the edges and center of the infected nail. Each session lasts 10–15 minutes, until warmth is felt beneath the nail. This can be performed 2–3 times daily. This method helps warm the meridians, remove dampness, activate blood circulation, unblock collaterals, kill parasites, and relieve itching.
2. Garlic-separated moxibustion on affected areas: Peel a garlic clove and slice it 2–3 mm thick. Place the garlic slice directly over the infected nail, then place a conical moxa cone on top and ignite it. After the moxa cone burns out, remove the residue and replace with a new one. Repeat until a warm sensation is felt beneath the nail. This treatment is typically administered once daily, with each session lasting about 10 minutes. This method also helps warm the meridians, dispel dampness, promote blood circulation, unblock collaterals, kill parasites, and relieve itching.
It should be noted that moxibustion only plays an auxiliary role in the treatment of onychomycosis; therefore, using moxibustion alone cannot cure the condition. Under medical guidance, onychomycosis caused by fungal infection should primarily be treated with topical antifungal agents such as amorolfine or ciclopirox. For severe infections leading to nail necrosis, surgical removal may be necessary.
