What are the benefits of using moxibustion on the navel?
Using moxibustion on the navel typically refers to umbilical moxibustion. As a traditional Chinese medical therapy, umbilical moxibustion generally offers benefits including improved sleep, pain relief, enhanced digestion, regulation of the endocrine system, and boosted immunity. The specific effects are analyzed as follows:
1. Improved Sleep: Umbilical moxibustion has a calming effect, helps soothe the nerves, and regulates the nervous system, thereby improving sleep quality. By adjusting the nervous system, umbilical moxibustion helps the body relax, facilitating easier sleep onset and deeper sleep.
2. Pain Relief: Umbilical moxibustion promotes blood circulation and relaxes muscles, and warms and unblocks the meridians, effectively relieving various types of pain such as headaches, muscle pain, and bi syndrome pain caused by wind-cold-damp pathogens. By stimulating the meridians and acupoints around the navel, umbilical moxibustion enhances the circulation of qi and blood, achieving the effect of "no blockage, no pain."
3. Enhanced Digestion: Umbilical moxibustion stimulates the gastrointestinal system, regulates gastrointestinal motility, and enhances the digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal tract. It can significantly improve gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation. Additionally, umbilical moxibustion strengthens the functions of the spleen and stomach, helping to fortify the spleen and stop diarrhea.
4. Regulation of the Endocrine System: The navel is an important intersection point of the body's meridians. Umbilical moxibustion can regulate the balance of the endocrine system by stimulating nerves and acupoints around the navel. This can help alleviate symptoms caused by endocrine disorders, such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and other gynecological conditions, as well as skin problems like melasma and a sallow complexion.
5. Enhanced Immunity: Mugwort has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. The warmth generated by mugwort during umbilical moxibustion can stimulate the production of immune cells, thereby enhancing immunity. This helps prevent and alleviate respiratory diseases such as the common cold and improves the body's resistance to diseases.
Although umbilical moxibustion offers multiple benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, patients with high fever, individuals with dermatitis, and cancer patients should use umbilical moxibustion cautiously or avoid it altogether. Additionally, during umbilical moxibustion, attention should be paid to the temperature and duration of the moxa wool to avoid burns. It is recommended to undergo umbilical moxibustion treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure safety and effectiveness.