What happens if moxibustion is performed for too long?

Under normal circumstances, moxibustion should be performed for an appropriate duration. Excessive duration may easily cause physical discomfort, with common adverse effects including skin damage, aggravated heatiness, depletion of body fluids, dizziness and fatigue, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Skin damage: Prolonged moxibustion continuously irritates the skin, leading to local redness, swelling, and a burning sensation. In severe cases, blisters, peeling, or even pigmentation may occur, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin.

2. Aggravated heatiness: Moxibustion is inherently warming in nature. Extended sessions can lead to excessive internal heat, triggering symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, oral ulcers, and constipation, especially in individuals with a naturally heat-prone constitution.

3. Depletion of body fluids: Long-term or excessive moxibustion may consume yin fluids in the body, worsening symptoms of yin deficiency such as night sweats, irritability, insomnia, and hot palms and soles, thereby disrupting the body's yin-yang balance.

4. Dizziness and fatigue: Prolonged moxibustion may cause cerebral blood vessel dilation and deplete physical energy due to continuous thermal stimulation, resulting in symptoms like dizziness, headache, and limb weakness, which may require some time to resolve after rest.

5. Gastrointestinal dysfunction: Excessively long moxibustion sessions may disrupt the flow of qi in the spleen and stomach, leading to digestive disturbances such as bloating, poor appetite, and nausea—particularly when performed on an empty stomach or immediately after meals.

To ensure safety and effectiveness, it is essential to strictly control the duration and frequency of moxibustion, adjusting according to individual constitution and avoiding prolonged sessions unnecessarily to minimize adverse effects.