Home
Articles
Q&A

Which areas of the knee joint should be treated with moxibustion?

Dec 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the knee joint can be treated with moxibustion at acupoints such as Dubi (ST-35), Neixiyan (EX-LE-4), Xuehai (SP-10), Liangqiu (ST-34), and Zusanli (ST-36). If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and receive standardized treatment under a physician's guidance. The Dubi acupoint is located laterally on the knee joint, in the depression outside the patellar ligament. This acupoint is one of the key points for treating knee joint disorders.

Generally, the knee joint can be treated with moxibustion on acupoints such as the Dubi (ST35), Neixiyan (EX-LE5), Xuehai (SP10), Liangqiu (ST34), and Zusanli (ST36). Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dubi (ST35)

Dubi is located on the lateral side of the knee joint, in the depression lateral to the patellar ligament. This acupoint is one of the key points for treating knee joint disorders. Moxibustion at this point can help improve joint mobility, reduce swelling, and relieve pain, effectively alleviating symptoms such as limited flexion and extension of the knee joint and pain.

2. Neixiyan (EX-LE5)

Neixiyan is located on the medial side of the knee joint, in the depression medial to the patellar ligament. Moxibustion on this acupoint helps improve local blood circulation in the knee joint, reduce inflammatory responses, and has a certain therapeutic effect on conditions such as arthritis, knee pain, and swelling.

3. Xuehai (SP10)

Xuehai is located on the medial side of the thigh, 2 cun above the medial end of the base of the patella, at the prominence of the medial head of the quadriceps femoris muscle. This acupoint is closely related to blood regulation. Moxibustion at Xuehai can promote blood circulation and resolve blood stasis, assisting in the treatment of pain and limited mobility in the knee joint caused by blood stasis. It also helps regulate the overall qi and blood circulation, enhancing local nutrient supply to the knee joint.

4. Liangqiu (ST34)

Liangqiu is located on the anterior aspect of the thigh, on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral end of the base of the patella, 2 cun above the base of the patella. This acupoint is the Xi-Cleft point of the stomach meridian and is particularly effective in treating acute conditions. Moxibustion on Liangqiu can relieve pain effectively in cases of acute knee sprains or pain episodes, and helps to unblock meridians and improve joint mobility.

5. Zusanli (ST36)

Zusanli is located on the lateral side of the lower leg, 3 cun below Dubi (ST35), on the line connecting Dubi and Jexi (ST41). Zusanli is an important health-preserving acupoint in the human body. Moxibustion at this point can replenish qi and blood, strengthen muscles and bones, enhance the function of tissues around the knee joint, and improve knee joint stability.

It is recommended to perform moxibustion under the guidance of a physician. Self-treatment is discouraged to avoid adverse consequences.

Related Articles

View All
Can moxibustion help treat hepatitis B?
In general, moxibustion, as a traditional Chinese medicine therapy, may play a certain auxiliary role in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B. Skin reactions should be closely monitored during moxibustion; if redness, swelling, or blistering occurs, the procedure should be stopped immediately. A light diet rich in high-quality protein is recommended in daily life, along with increased intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, while spicy and greasy foods should be avoided.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can moxibustion treat depression?
In general, moxibustion should not be used as the primary treatment for depression, but it may serve as an adjunctive approach to regulate mood, and should be combined with standard treatments according to individual constitution. When using moxibustion as supportive therapy, acupoints should be selected based on professional diagnosis, and the duration and frequency of moxibustion should be properly controlled by qualified practitioners. At the same time, maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), engaging in moderate exercise, actively participating in psychological counseling, and integrating moxibustion with standardized treatments are recommended.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can moxibustion treat glaucoma?
In general, moxibustion cannot cure glaucoma and may only provide auxiliary relief for eye discomfort in some patients. It should not replace standard medical treatment. It is important to develop good eye-care habits in daily life, avoid prolonged stays in dark environments, and reduce eye strain. Regular monitoring of intraocular pressure and vision, maintaining emotional stability, and adopting scientific interventions and proper care are essential.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can moxibustion treat hemorrhoids?
If hemorrhoid symptoms are mild, manifesting as slight heaviness and cold sensation around the anus without obvious bleeding or swelling, and the patient has a constitution tending toward deficiency-cold, moxibustion can be used as an adjunct to conservative treatment. The thermal stimulation of acupoints near the anus (such as Changqiang (GV1) and Huiyang (BL35)) improves local blood circulation, reduces swelling of hemorrhoids, and relieves discomfort from heaviness, thereby helping to alleviate symptoms.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Does moxibustion affect ovulation?
In general, moxibustion has the effects of warming the meridians and dispelling cold, as well as regulating qi and blood. For individuals with a deficient-cold constitution and ovulation disorders caused by stagnation of qi and blood, targeted moxibustion at specific acupoints can improve pelvic blood circulation, warm the uterus, help regulate endocrine function, and create favorable conditions for ovulation, without causing adverse effects on normal ovulation.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Is traditional Chinese medicine effective in treating rheumatic diseases?
TCM believes that rheumatic diseases are mostly caused by invasion of wind, cold, and dampness pathogens, stagnation of qi and blood, and deficiency of the liver and kidneys. Treatment follows the principles of dispelling wind and cold, eliminating dampness, promoting circulation of meridians, activating blood circulation to resolve stasis, and tonifying the liver and kidneys. Through methods such as herbal prescriptions, acupuncture, and moxibustion, it can effectively alleviate symptoms such as joint swelling, pain, and stiffness, improve the flow of qi and blood, reduce recurrence, and is suitable for regulation during the chronic or recovery phase.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What methods does Traditional Chinese Medicine use to treat osteoporosis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats osteoporosis through various approaches, including syndrome differentiation followed by oral administration of herbal medicine, acupuncture for regulation, moxibustion to warm and unblock meridians, dietary and medicinal food support, and exercise or qigong practices. TCM holds that osteoporosis is primarily associated with kidney deficiency, spleen deficiency, and blood stasis, and treatment should be based on individualized pattern differentiation. For instance, patients with kidney deficiency are treated with formulas that tonify the kidneys and strengthen the bones; those with spleen deficiency receive remedies that strengthen the spleen and boost qi; and those with blood stasis are given formulas that invigorate blood circulation and resolve stasis.
avatar
Dr. Chen Jian
View Full Answer
Can moxibustion be performed immediately after cupping?
In general, whether moxibustion can be performed immediately after cupping depends on the individual's physical response and constitution following cupping. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to consult a qualified healthcare provider. During moxibustion, maintain an appropriate distance to avoid burning the skin, and limit each session to 10–15 minutes. If the skin condition is uncertain after cupping, it is advisable to wait and observe for 1–2 days before deciding whether to proceed with moxibustion.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.