Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China has a profound history of thousands of years. TCM is known for its great efficacy in treating diseases, and it offers a wide range of characteristic therapies, such as massage, cupping, acupuncture, and moxibustion. Today, let's learn about the related knowledge of acupuncture in TCM.
Table of Contents
1. The health benefits of acupuncture
2. Common moxibustion methods used in acupuncture
3. The main therapeutic effects of acupuncture in TCM
4. Side effects of acupuncture
5. Acupuncture points for weight loss
6. The effects of moxibustion on different acupuncture points
7. How acupuncture treats stiff neck
8. Acupuncture therapies for five different constitutions
The Health Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has significant health benefits. It can stimulate the meridians throughout the body, replenish Qi and nourish blood, balance the Yin and Yang of the body, coordinate the functions of various organs, and ultimately prevent diseases, strengthen the body, delay aging, and treat diseases.
(1) Regulating the flow of Qi and blood in the meridians
The Ling Shu states, "The meridians are responsible for the circulation of Qi and blood, nourishing Yin and Yang, nourishing tendons and bones, and promoting joint flexibility." The circulation of Qi and blood in the meridians is essential for nourishing the whole body. Moxibustion, with its warm and hot nature, can warm and dredge the meridians, promote blood circulation. As the Su Xiang's theory of "blood stagnation in the pulse, without fire adjustment, cannot be removed" suggests, the circulation of Qi and blood disperses when exposed to warmth and congeals when exposed to cold. Moxibustion can warm and open the meridians, promoting the circulation of blood and Qi.
(2) Strengthening the body and preventing diseases
Moxibustion plays a role in strengthening the Yang and preventing diseases. The Bian Que Xin Shu states, "The true essence of a person is the master of the body. When the true Qi is strong, the person is healthy. When the true Qi is weak, the person is sick. When the true Qi is depleted, the person dies. The first method of preserving life is moxibustion." Moxa is a pungent and warm herb, and with the assistance of fire, it can supplement and strengthen the Yang. When the Yang is sufficient, the body is healthy, and "the upright Qi remains inside, and evil cannot invade." Therefore, moxibustion can strengthen the body, prevent diseases by replenishing the true Qi.
(3) Strengthening the spleen and stomach, nourishing the acquired constitution
Moxibustion has a significant effect on the spleen and stomach. The Zhen Jiu Zi Sheng Jing states, "For those who have no appetite, abdominal distention, sallow complexion, and are diagnosed with spleen and kidney diseases, moxibustion in the middle epigastrium is recommended." Moxibustion in the middle epigastrium can warm and invigorate the spleen Yang, tonify the middle Jiao and supplement Qi. Frequent moxibustion on Zusanli can not only enhance the function of the digestive system, increase the absorption of nutrients, and nourish the whole body but also achieve the effects of disease prevention, anti-aging, and longevity.
(4) Elevating Yang Qi, consolidating the skin's barrier
The Su Wen states, "When sinking occurs, moxibustion should be applied." If Qi deficiency leads to sinking, the skin and hair cannot resist wind and cold, and the clear Yang cannot rise. As a result, the Wei Yang (defensive Qi) is not consolidated, and the pores become loose. Frequent moxibustion can elevate Yang Qi, consolidate the skin's barrier, resist external pathogens, and harmonize Ying and Wei Qi. It plays a role in promoting health, preventing diseases, and treating diseases.
