Can moxibustion patches be applied to the knees?
Generally speaking, moxibustion patches can be applied to the knees. Moxibustion patches have effects such as promoting qi and blood circulation, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain. A detailed analysis is as follows:
mugwort itself is a traditional Chinese herb that promotes blood circulation and helps unblock meridians and eliminate coldness from the body. It is commonly used to improve symptoms such as cold hands and feet caused by blockage of meridians due to cold pathogens, as well as dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularities in women. Additionally, moxibustion patches contain other herbal ingredients such as safflower and chuanxiong, which can enhance the body's immune function and are particularly suitable for use when a patient’s immunity is low. Meanwhile, moxibustion patches are also effective in treating various joint pains and skin discomforts. Before applying the patch, the knee should be warmed with a hot towel, cleaned thoroughly, and dried with a dry towel to help the medicinal components in the patch work more effectively and enhance therapeutic results.
It should be noted that moxibustion patches must not be applied to areas with skin redness, swelling, or damage. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with allergic constitutions should use them with caution. If any allergic reactions occur, discontinue use immediately. It is recommended to use under medical guidance, and if adverse symptoms appear, seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.