Moxibustion for health preservation during the beginning of winter season

Moxibustion during the beginning of winter season is beneficial for warming and tonifying yang qi, dispelling cold and strengthening the body, and is suitable for regulating deficiency and cold constitution and preventing common winter diseases. Mainly related to acupoints such as Yuan, Zusanli, Dazhui, Shenque, and Shenshu, it can be combined with methods such as combined ginger moxibustion and salt separated moxibustion to enhance the effect.

1. Guanyuan acupoint

Guanyuan acupoint is located three inches below the navel, where vital energy gathers. Moxibustion at Guan Yuan point during the beginning of winter can warm and tonify kidney yang, improve symptoms of cold deficiency such as cold hands and feet, and frequent nocturia. It is recommended to use gentle moxibustion for 15-20 minutes each time, combined with rubbing the palms and pressing the acupoints to enhance penetration. People with yin deficiency and excessive fire should use it with caution.

2. Zusanli

The Zusanli acupoint is located three inches below the knee and belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. Moxibustion of this acupoint can invigorate the spleen and stomach, alleviate problems such as loss of appetite, bloating, and diarrhea in winter. You can choose moxa stick suspension moxibustion or moxa stick direct moxibustion, and the skin should be slightly red. Moxibustion should not be applied within one hour after meals.

III. Dazhui acupoint

Dazhui acupoint is located below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra and is an important acupoint for the Du meridian. Moxibustion at Dazhui acupoint during the beginning of winter can enhance the yang energy and prevent symptoms such as colds and cervical stiffness. It is recommended to use the rotary moxibustion method and be careful to avoid burns caused by the falling of mugwort ash. hypertensive patients need to control the duration of moxibustion therapy.

Fourthly, Shenque acupoint

Shenque acupoint is located in the center of the navel and is the gateway to innate vitality. Salt separated moxibustion at the Shenque acupoint can warm and unblock the Ren meridian, improve cold symptoms such as abdominal pain and menstrual disorders. Fill the navel with coarse salt and apply moxibustion with moxa sticks. After moxibustion, pay attention to keeping the abdomen warm. This method is contraindicated for individuals with skin damage.

Fifth, Shenshu point

Shenshu point is located 1.5 inches next to the spinous process of the second lumbar spine and belongs to the Foot Sun Bladder Meridian. Moxibustion at this acupoint can nourish kidney essence, improve symptoms of kidney deficiency such as soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, tinnitus and forgetfulness. Suggest using moxa box moxibustion with alternating acupoints on both sides. Patients with actual heat syndrome should not use it. Attention should be paid to keeping warm and avoiding wind indoors during the beginning of winter moxibustion. Drinking warm ginger jujube tea before and after moxibustion can help promote the circulation of yang qi. 2-3 times a week is recommended, with 4 consecutive weeks as one course of treatment. Avoid contact with cold water within 2 hours after moxibustion, and those with yin deficiency constitution should reduce the amount and frequency of moxibustion. If there are symptoms such as dry mouth and sore throat that cause excessive internal heat, moxibustion at Yongquan point can be used to induce internal heat and return to normal. In winter, it is also advisable to consume lamb and black sesame as warm and nourishing ingredients, and engage in soothing exercises such as Ba Duan Jin and Tai Chi to balance qi and blood.