Which body parts should be treated with moxibustion for influenza A?

Generally speaking, "Avian Flu" refers to Influenza A. Common acupoints for moxibustion after contracting Influenza A include the Dazhui point (GV14), Fengchi point (GB20), Hegu point (LI4), Feishu point (BL13), and Zusanli point (ST36). Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dazhui Point (GV14)

The Dazhui point is located on the neck, in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. It belongs to the Governor Vessel meridian and governs the yang energy of the entire body. Moxibustion on the Dazhui point can stimulate yang energy and enhance the body's ability to resist external pathogens, helping to relieve symptoms such as fever and chills caused by Influenza A.

2. Fengchi Point (GB20)

The Fengchi point is located at the nape of the neck, beneath the occipital bone, in the depression between the upper part of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles. The Fengchi point belongs to the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang. Moxibustion at this point can dispel wind and relieve superficial symptoms, clear the head and eyes, and help alleviate symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and neck pain caused by Influenza A.

3. Hegu Point (LI4)

The Hegu point is located on the back of the hand, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone. It is the Yuan-Source point of the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming. Moxibustion at this point can dispel wind and relieve superficial symptoms, and promote circulation to relieve pain. Applying moxibustion on the Hegu point can help alleviate symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat caused by Influenza A, particularly effective for discomfort in the head and face areas.

4. Feishu Point (BL13)

The Feishu point is located on the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline, below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra. It is the Back-Shu point of the lung, closely related to the lungs. Moxibustion on the Feishu point can help relieve cough, alleviate asthma, and resolve phlegm, thus regulating pulmonary symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath caused by Influenza A.

5. Zusanli Point (ST36)

The Zusanli point is located on the outer side of the lower leg, three cun below the犊鼻 point, one transverse finger away from the anterior crest of the tibia. It is one of the main acupoints of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming, and has the effect of strengthening the body's resistance and regulating the spleen and stomach. Moxibustion on the Zusanli point can enhance the function of the spleen and stomach, improve the body's immunity, help the body resist the Influenza A virus, and promote recovery from illness.

In daily life, it is advisable to engage in moderate aerobic exercise, such as jogging, Tai Chi, or yoga, at least three times per week for 30 minutes or more each time, to strengthen physical constitution, enhance immunity and resistance, and better protect against Influenza A virus infection.