Acupuncture is a common method used in traditional Chinese medicine for health care and treatment. Among them, moxibustion on the navel has good effects on warming the uterus and dispelling cold for women. So what are the side effects of moxibustion on the navel?
Side Effects of Moxibustion on the Navel
In general, if moxibustion on the navel is done correctly, there are usually very few side effects. However, if it is done on people who are not suitable for moxibustion for a long time, some adverse reactions may occur.
1. Aggravation of Navel Inflammation
If the navel has ulceration or inflammation, moxibustion on the navel should be prohibited to prevent the inflammation from worsening and slow down the recovery.
2. Danger for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should not receive moxibustion on the navel, as well as on the abdomen and lumbar region, because moxibustion on the navel can promote blood circulation and dispel stasis, which may cause fetal movement or miscarriage.
3. Avoid Moxibustion for Excessive Heat
Moxibustion therapy should not be used for patients with excessive heat syndrome, yin deficiency with fever, excessive internal heat, high fever, hypertensive crisis, advanced stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, massive hemoptysis, severe anemia, acute infectious diseases, skin furuncle, abscess, and fever.
Effects of Moxibustion on the Navel
1. Moxibustion on the navel can enhance the function of the spleen and stomach, promote ascending yang and descending turbid yin, and have the effects of invigorating the spleen and stomach. It is mainly used to treat stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Moxibustion on the navel can stimulate the function of the Sanjiao meridian, dredge the meridians, promote metabolism, reduce fat, and help alleviate urinary obstruction, edema, and obesity.
3. Moxibustion on the navel can regulate the Chong and Ren meridians, consolidate the meridians, and is suitable for regulating menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, infertility, melasma, and dull complexion.
4. Moxibustion on the navel can regulate qi and activate blood circulation, promote meridian circulation, and is suitable for treating intestinal paralysis, numbness of hands and feet, and various types of pain.
5. Moxibustion on the navel can regulate the balance of viscera and nourish blood, promote the smooth flow of qi and blood, and help calm the mind. It is commonly used in the treatment of night sweats, spontaneous sweating, excessive leukorrhea, seminal emission, disturbed sleep, and insomnia.
Detoxification Reactions of Moxibustion on the Navel
1. Thirst
After moxibustion, there may be symptoms of excessive internal heat, such as dry mouth, swollen gums, dizziness, especially in autumn and winter. Moxibustion is good at invigorating yang, and moxibustion temporarily disrupts the balance of yin and yang in the body, causing the symptoms of excessive internal heat, which is generally a normal phenomenon.
2. Moxa Blisters
Moxa blisters are caused by the release of water vapor during moxibustion, which is often unnoticed. The appearance of blisters indicates the effectiveness of moxibustion. The blisters can be punctured with a needle, and moxibustion with hanging moxa can be performed daily. Moxibustion can sterilize, promote healing, and generally does not require bandaging. There may be continuous discharge of water during this period, and the healing time varies from person to person, usually between one and two weeks. Do not let the blisters come into contact with water during this period.
3. Itching Skin
During or after moxibustion, the skin may itch. If itching occurs during moxibustion, it indicates that cold pathogenic factors are on the body surface. If itching occurs after a period of moxibustion, it indicates that the cold pathogen is deeper. These are manifestations of the effectiveness of moxibustion, and the symptoms can be relieved by continuing moxibustion.
4. Spots or Red Dots on the Skin
Spots or red dots may appear on the skin, with spots showing red and white patches, and red dots may be accompanied by itching. Spots are mostly caused by excessive cold and dampness in the body, and they generally disappear after a period of moxibustion, indicating an improvement in the body's constitution. Red dots are mostly caused by excessive cold and dampness in the body, and they usually appear after a period of moxibustion. After the red dots appear, do not use moxibustion with you and keep using direct moxibustion. The red dots will gradually resolve.
5. Insomnia or Sleepiness
Insomnia after moxibustion mostly occurs at a certain stage of moxibustion, mostly due to the discharge of cold pathogenic factors. Some people may experience sleeplessness and discomfort. However, most people will feel improvement in their condition afterwards.
Sleepiness after moxibustion is more common. After moxibustion, yin and yang in the body are reestablished, and the body's positive and pathogenic qi will struggle against each other. Sleep can provide a good battlefield and help the body recover. At this time, it is important to rest properly and avoid moxibustion too late at night.
6. Frequent Urination
Some people may experience frequent urination after moxibustion, which is a manifestation of the excretion of toxins through the urinary tract. It is recommended to drink more water during this period. These reactions will gradually disappear.
Frequent urination after moxibustion indicates that there may be problems with the kidneys and urinary system in general, and in women, it may indicate gynecological problems.
7. Diarrhea
Some people may experience frequent and foul-smelling diarrhea after moxibustion, which is also a reaction to detoxification. If this happens, it usually indicates gastrointestinal problems or the occurrence of tumors. Intestinal problems are more common.
8. Water Discharge from the Navel
If water is discharged from the navel after moxibustion, and if there is a large amount of water, it may be a reaction to the elimination of dampness caused by moxibustion. This also indicates the presence of cold and dampness in the body. It is recommended to keep the abdomen warm and avoid cold exposure. In terms of diet, it is advisable to eat light, soft, warm, and easily digestible food, and avoid cold and raw food. Drinking ginger and brown sugar water and hot soup and porridge is also recommended.
9. Menstrual Changes
The action of moxibustion first affects the reproductive system of women and men. Therefore, for women, there may be changes in menstrual cycle within 3 months after moxibustion, such as early or delayed menstruation.
10. Sensation of Cold
After moxibustion, one may feel a cold breeze, especially for people with a cold constitution. It is recommended to continue moxibustion. Some people may sweat cold sweat in the palms and soles of the feet during moxibustion, which is also a sensation of cold and requires continued moxibustion.
11. Sensation of Heat
After moxibustion, one may feel heat, from the abdomen to the upper back, going up to the Baihui point, and going down to the Yongquan point. The meridians are open and the effect is good.
12. Feeling of Heaviness
The detoxification reactions after moxibustion also include a feeling of heaviness, as if a large stone is pressing on the body. This is a normal phenomenon because of poor circulation of qi and blood and blocked meridians. Moxibustion stimulates the body's positive qi and impacts the meridians.
Precautions for Moxibustion
1. Stay Focused and Be Patient
When performing moxibustion, it is important to concentrate and not be distracted to prevent the moxa stick from moving off the acupoint, which can cause unnecessary harm and waste of time. For health maintenance moxibustion, it should be persisted for a long time, and occasional moxibustion cannot achieve the desired effect.
2. Pay Attention to Correct Body Position and Acupoint Location
The body position should not only meet the requirements of moxibustion, but also be comfortable and natural. The acupoint location should be accurately identified according to the prescription to ensure the effectiveness of moxibustion.
3. Fire Safety
Modern clothing is often made of synthetic fibers or down, which is easy to catch fire. Therefore, be careful to prevent fire during moxibustion, especially when using moxa rolls. To extinguish the moxa stick after use, insert the ignited end into a bottle slightly larger in diameter than the moxa stick.
4. Keep Warm and Prevent Heatstroke
During moxibustion, certain parts of the body are exposed, so it is necessary to keep warm in winter and prevent heatstroke in high temperatures in summer. Also, pay attention to adjusting the indoor temperature and use ventilation fans to ensure fresh air circulation.
5. Prevent Infection
Purulent moxibustion or improper moxibustion may cause local burns and ulcers, resulting in moxibustion sores. Do not break the sores. If the sores become infected, use anti-inflammatory drugs in a timely manner.
6. Follow a Sequential Approach for Moxibustion
If moxibustion is done on multiple acupoints and they are scattered, it should be done in the order of back, chest, abdomen, head and body, and then limbs.
7. Pay Attention to Moxibustion Timing
Some conditions require attention to moxibustion timing. For example, moxibustion for insomnia should be performed before sleep. Avoid moxibustion on an empty stomach or immediately after a meal.
8. Gradually Increase Stimulation for First-time Moxibustion
It is important to control the stimulation level when using moxibustion for the first time. Start with a small amount and low dosage, such as using a small moxa roll or shorter moxibustion time. Increase the dosage gradually later on. Do not start with a high dosage.
9. Prevent Fainting from Moxibustion
Fainting is rare, but once it happens, symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, pale complexion, palpitations, and sweating may occur, and even fainting. If fainting occurs, immediately stop moxibustion, lie down and rest, and continue moxibustion on the Zusanli point for about 10 minutes with gentle moxibustion.
10. Adjust Moxibustion Temperature
For those with dull skin sensation or children, place the index and middle fingers on both sides of the moxibustion site to sense the temperature, so as not to burn the skin and achieve good results.
