The benefits and effects of winter moxibustion for health preservation

Starting winter moxibustion for health preservation helps to warm the meridians, dispel cold, nourish yang and strengthen the body, enhance immunity, and is suitable for regulating common symptoms of deficiency and coldness in winter. Moxibustion stimulates acupoints with the warmth generated by burning moxa fibers, which mainly has the effects of dispelling cold and warming the body, regulating qi and blood, preventing respiratory diseases, improving joint pain, and enhancing sleep quality.

1. Drive away cold and warm up the body

After the beginning of winter, the temperature drops and the human body is susceptible to invasion by cold pathogens. Moxibustion at acupoints such as Guanyuan and Zusanli can promote local blood circulation, alleviate symptoms such as cold hands and feet, and chills. Ai Ye is warm in nature, and the heat generated by its combustion can penetrate deep into the skin, helping to eliminate coldness from the body, especially suitable for people with yang deficiency constitution.

2. Regulating Qi and Blood

In winter, the circulation of Qi and blood slows down. Moxibustion of the Zhongwan and Qihai acupoints can stimulate the qi of the meridians, improve fatigue and pale complexion caused by insufficient Qi and blood. The volatile oil components of Artemisia argyi can stimulate acupoints, promote qi and blood biochemistry and distribution, and also have auxiliary regulating effects on menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea in women.

3. Prevention of respiratory diseases

Moxibustion at Dazhui and Feiyu acupoints can warm the lungs and enhance the respiratory mucosal defense ability. The eucalyptus oil essence and other components in mugwort have antibacterial effects, and when combined with acupoint stimulation, can reduce the probability of winter colds and chronic bronchitis, especially suitable for the elderly and children.

4. Improving joint pain

Cold dampness obstruction can easily cause joint stiffness and pain. Moxibustion of Ashi and Shenshu points can dispel wind and dampness. Ai Re can dilate capillaries, accelerate the metabolism of inflammatory substances, and have significant relief effects on conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cold legs. It is recommended to strengthen the warming and promoting effects with local ginger moxibustion.

5. Improve sleep quality

Moxibustion at Yongquan and Shenmen points can ignite the fire and restore the essence, improving winter insomnia and dreams. The aromatic substances released by the burning of Ai Rong can relieve nerve tension, regulate autonomic nervous system function, and are particularly suitable for insomnia with heart kidney non junction. It is recommended to apply moxibustion one hour before bedtime for better results.

During the beginning of winter moxibustion, it is important to avoid operating on an empty stomach or when feeling too full. Choose 3-5 acupoints each time, and moxibustion each acupoint for 10-15 minutes is recommended. After moxibustion, drink warm ginger water to promote yang, and avoid eating raw and cold food for 2 hours. People with yin deficiency and excessive fire should reduce the amount of moxibustion and avoid using it on damaged skin. It is recommended to have 2-3 sessions per week, with 3 consecutive weeks as one course of treatment. Combined with going to bed and waking up late, and a moderate warm and nourishing diet, it can enhance the health benefits. If you experience dizziness or other discomfort, stop moxibustion immediately and consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.