Can people with damp-heat constitution undergo moxibustion?
Mar 24, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Moxibustion is a therapeutic TCM practice that primarily uses various moxa materials made from Artemisia argyi. By applying the heat generated from burning moxa close to or in contact with affected areas or acupuncture points, it stimulates specific regions to achieve therapeutic effects. It can be used for various conditions such as arthritis, periarthritis of the shoulder, and facial paralysis. Moxibustion helps unblock meridians and enhance qi and yang energy.
Individuals with a damp-heat constitution are generally not suitable for moxibustion.
Moxibustion is a therapeutic traditional Chinese medicine practice that primarily uses various materials made from mugwort herb. By igniting these materials and applying the generated heat close to or directly on affected areas or acupuncture points, it stimulates local tissues to achieve certain therapeutic effects. It is commonly used for treating conditions such as arthritis, periarthritis of the shoulder, and facial paralysis. Moxibustion helps unblock meridians and enhance qi and yang energy. However, for individuals with a damp-heat constitution, undergoing moxibustion may increase internal heat, leading to excessive fire in the body and causing adverse reactions such as swollen and painful gums, dry mouth, and dark, scanty urination. Additionally, moxibustion is also contraindicated for individuals with yin deficiency, allergies, or organic heart disease accompanied by cardiac insufficiency.
People with a damp-heat constitution can usually follow medical advice to take herbal medicines such as Renshen Jianpi Pills, Fuzi Lizhong Pills, or Longdan Xiegan Pills to improve their condition, and may also benefit from adjunct therapies like cupping or gua sha. In daily life, they should engage appropriately in physical activities such as mountain climbing, swimming, and running to help eliminate dampness and heat from the body.
