Is it a good sign to have loose or watery stools after moxibustion?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, whether diarrhea or loose stools after moxibustion is beneficial depends on a comprehensive assessment of specific symptoms, individual constitution, and duration. After moxibustion, avoid consuming raw or cold foods immediately, keep the abdomen warm, and drink plenty of warm water to stay hydrated. Maintain a light and easily digestible diet, reducing intake of greasy and spicy foods. If symptoms persist, discontinue moxibustion and monitor the condition; seek medical advice promptly if necessary.

Generally speaking, whether having loose stools or diarrhea after moxibustion is a positive sign depends on specific symptoms, body constitution, and duration. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If you inherently have a damp-heat or phlegm-damp constitution, experiencing mild diarrhea or loose stools within 1–2 days after moxibustion—without discomfort such as abdominal pain or fatigue—and feeling physically lighter after bowel movements is usually a good sign. The warming effect of moxibustion can enhance intestinal motility and help expel dampness and waste from the body, representing a normal response during the body's regulation process. This typically resolves spontaneously within 2–3 days.

However, if loose stools or diarrhea persist for more than three days after moxibustion, accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or fatigue, or if you have a spleen-stomach deficiency-cold constitution and were exposed to cold immediately after treatment, this is not beneficial. It may indicate excessive stimulation from moxibustion or invasion of cold pathogens leading to intestinal dysfunction, which could damage the spleen and stomach if prolonged.

Avoid consuming raw or cold foods immediately after moxibustion, keep your abdomen warm, and drink plenty of warm water to stay hydrated. Maintain a light and easily digestible diet, minimizing intake of greasy and spicy foods. If symptoms persist, discontinue moxibustion and monitor your condition; seek medical advice promptly if necessary.

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What are the symptoms of cold-dampness invading the bones?

Cold-dampness invading the bones is a condition caused by pathogenic cold and dampness attacking the bones, meridians, and collaterals. Its main symptoms include cold pain in the joints, heaviness in the limbs, stiffness in movement, dull or darkened skin, and local sensitivity to cold. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should keep their limbs warm, avoid exposure to cold water and damp environments, and may relieve discomfort through methods such as heat application and moxibustion. Engaging in moderate, gentle exercise regularly can also help promote the circulation of qi and blood.

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Can moxibustion prevent and treat the novel coronavirus?

Moxibustion can be used as an auxiliary method for preventing COVID-19 and managing mild cases, but it cannot replace core medical treatments and is not suitable for severe cases. Moxibustion helps warm and unblock the meridians, regulate qi and blood, and enhance the body's resistance, thus providing supportive benefits in preventing COVID-19 infection. For patients with mild symptoms presenting cold-related manifestations such as aversion to cold and fatigue, moxibustion may help alleviate discomfort and support recovery.

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What happens if moxibustion is performed for too long?

In general, moxibustion should be performed for an appropriate duration. Excessive duration may easily cause physical discomfort, with common adverse effects including skin damage, aggravated internal heat, depletion of body fluids, dizziness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. It is essential to strictly control the duration and frequency of moxibustion, adjusting according to individual constitution, and avoid prolonging sessions blindly in order to minimize the occurrence of adverse effects.

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Which area is best to apply moxibustion for liver qi stagnation?

There is no such thing as "which acupoint is best to moxibustion for liver qi stagnation." However, acupoints such as Taichong (LR3), Xingjian (LR2), Qimen (LR14), Ganshu (BL18), and Shanzhong (CV17) may be selected for moxibustion in cases of liver qi stagnation. Moxibustion should be performed under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. If symptoms fail to improve or worsen after moxibustion, prompt medical attention is advised. Taichong point: Located in the depression between the first and second metatarsal bones on the dorsum of the foot. Moxibustion at this point helps to regulate liver qi and promote the circulation of qi and blood.