Where is the best place to apply moxibustion for a sore throat?
Dec 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the "throat" refers to the pharynx and larynx. For throat pain, moxibustion at acupoints such as Taixi (KI3), Tian Tu (CV22), Shao Shang (LU11), Chi Ze (LU5), and Da Zhui (GV14) may be beneficial. It is recommended to consume soft, easily digestible foods and avoid hard or irritating foods such as spicy, fried, sour, or sweet items. Additionally, maintaining adequate fluid intake is important to keep the throat moist and reduce irritation and pain.
Generally speaking, the term "throat" refers to the pharynx. When experiencing pharyngeal pain, moxibustion at acupoints such as Taixi (KI3), TianTu (CV22), ShaoShang (LU11), ChiZe (LU5), and DaZhui (GV14) is effective. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Taixi (KI3)
Taixi is located on the medial side of the foot, in the depression behind the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon, and is an important acupoint of the kidney meridian. Moxibustion at Taixi helps to nourish kidney qi and effectively alleviates sore throat caused by kidney yin deficiency. By performing moxibustion on this point, qi and blood can be harmonized and immunity enhanced, thereby relieving throat pain.
2. Tiantu (CV22)
Tiantu is located in the center of the suprasternal fossa on the anterior midline; it is a meeting point of the Conception Vessel and the Yin Link Vessel. Moxibustion at Tiantu can help eliminate phlegm, relieve coughing, and promote lung function, making it effective for treating respiratory conditions such as pharyngeal swelling and pain, asthma, and bronchitis. The heat from moxibustion directly targets the affected area, helping to relieve throat discomfort.
3. Shaoshang (LU11)
Shaoshang is located on the radial side of the distal phalanx of the thumb, approximately 0.1 cun above the corner of the nail root; it is the well point of the lung meridian. Moxibustion at Shaoshang has the effects of clearing heat, relieving sore throat, and resolving exterior heat syndromes, primarily used to treat conditions such as sore throat, heatstroke with vomiting, and acute pharyngitis. Performing moxibustion on this point can quickly alleviate throat swelling and pain, reducing patient discomfort.
4. Chize (LU5)
Chize is located in the transverse elbow crease, in the depression on the radial side of the biceps brachii tendon; it is the confluent point of the lung meridian. Moxibustion at Chize has the effects of relaxing tendons to relieve pain, clearing lung heat, and regulating stomach qi, commonly used for treating cough, tonsillitis, and sore throat. Performing moxibustion on this point can harmonize qi and blood, promote the resolution of inflammation, and thus relieve throat pain.
5. Dazhui (GV14)
Dazhui is located on the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra; it is an important acupoint of the Governor Vessel. Moxibustion at Dazhui can relieve pain, clear heat, and expel exterior pathogens, aiding in the treatment of cough, sore throat, back pain, and febrile diseases. Performing moxibustion on this point can invigorate yang energy, enhance the body's resistance, and help alleviate sore throat caused by external contraction of cold or heat pathogens.
In daily life, one should eat more soft and easily digestible foods, avoiding hard or irritating foods such as spicy, fried, sour, or sweet items. Additionally, maintaining adequate hydration is important to keep the throat moist and reduce irritation and pain.
