Can elderly people in their seventies and eighties receive moxibustion

Generally, elderly people in their seventies and eighties can receive moxibustion, but the method of operation needs to be adjusted according to their physical condition and health status. Moxibustion, as an external treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine, has the effects of warming meridians, dispelling cold, and strengthening yang, making it suitable for improving common joint pain, indigestion, and other problems in the elderly.

Elderly people have decreased physical function, often with insufficient qi and blood, and weak yang energy. Moxibustion stimulates acupoints with warmth, which can promote the circulation of qi and blood, improve aging related symptoms such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, and frequent nocturia. It is recommended to choose health acupoints such as Zusanli and Guanyuan during operation, and use a gentle suspension moxibustion method for 10-15 minutes each time, with a slight redness of the skin as the degree. Keep a distance of 3-5 centimeters from the skin to avoid burns. Moxibustion should not be applied within half an hour before and after meals, and should be used with caution for those with yin deficiency and excessive fire. Elderly patients with severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, skin ulcers, or coagulation dysfunction should not be treated with moxibustion. Diabetes patients need to strictly control the temperature because of their dull skin sensation; Individuals with pacemakers are prohibited from applying moxibustion on the chest and back. Stop immediately if discomfort such as palpitations and dizziness occurs during moxibustion. Patients with hypertension should avoid moxibustion on pressure boosting acupoints such as the Dazhui. Do not take a shower within 2 hours after applying moxibustion in summer to prevent the invasion of cold air.

It is recommended that elderly people undergo moxibustion under the guidance of professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and their first experience can be accompanied by family members. Long term moxibustion patients need to regularly evaluate their physical changes and cooperate with health preservation methods such as Ba Duan Jin and dietary therapy. Drink warm water before and after moxibustion to maintain a warm and sheltered environment. Choose aged mugwort sticks to reduce smoke irritation, and clean mugwort ash in a timely manner to prevent skin allergies.