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What diseases can moxibustion treat?

May 08, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Moxibustion, as a traditional Chinese medical therapy, can be used to treat conditions such as wind-cold-damp obstruction syndrome, spleen and stomach weakness, lung qi deficiency, cold uterus, and stroke. It has effects of warming and unblocking meridians, expelling wind and cold, regulating the spleen and stomach, and adjusting organ functions. However, moxibustion therapy carries certain risks. It is recommended to consult a physician before performing it and to select appropriate acupoints according to individual conditions.

Generally, as a traditional Chinese medical therapy, moxibustion can be used to treat various diseases, such as wind-cold-damp arthralgia, spleen and stomach weakness, lung qi deficiency, cold in the uterus (gonghan), stroke, and others. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Wind-Cold-Damp Arthralgia

Moxibustion has the effect of warming and unblocking the meridians, expelling wind and dispersing cold. It can help remove coldness from the body and is commonly used to treat diseases such as knee osteoarthritis and cervical spondylosis caused by cold and dampness, helping to relieve symptoms like joint pain and muscle soreness. Acupoints such as Dazhui (GV14), Jianjing (GB21), and Tianzhu (BL10) may be selected for moxibustion.

2. Spleen and Stomach Weakness

Moxibustion can regulate the function of the spleen and help alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation caused by digestive dysfunction. Acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Shenque (CV8), Guanyuan (CV4), and Qihai (CV6) may be selected for moxibustion.

3. Lung Qi Deficiency

Moxibustion has a warming effect and can be used to treat symptoms such as cough, phlegm, and shortness of breath caused by lung qi deficiency. It is recommended to perform moxibustion on acupoints such as Feishu (BL13) and Fengmen (BL12).

4. Cold in the Uterus (Gonghan)

Moxibustion has the effect of promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, which can help improve symptoms such as abdominal pain, irregular menstruation, and dysmenorrhea caused by cold in the uterus. Acupoints such as Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) may be selected for moxibustion.

5. Stroke

Moxibustion helps relax tendons and activate meridian circulation, regulate internal organs, and alleviate symptoms such as headache, muscle stiffness, and impaired limb movement caused by stroke. Acupoints such as Fengchi (GB20), Tianzhu (BL10), and Dazhui (GV14) may be selected for moxibustion.

In addition, moxibustion also has effects such as reducing swelling and relieving pain. However, it is recommended to consult a physician before undergoing moxibustion to avoid self-administration.

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