TCM often says "treat winter diseases in summer," which means that many diseases that cannot be cured in winter can be greatly improved in summer. Especially for some chronic diseases that have a long course, are difficult to control, and have a high incidence rate, summer moxibustion can achieve good therapeutic effects.
[Which diseases can be treated with summer moxibustion]
1. Chronic respiratory diseases
For example, rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, etc., are mostly cold syndromes and are very stubborn in winter.
However, it is different in summer. "Warm the cold" is the principle in TCM. As the most yang season of the year, summer occupies the right timing and coordinates with the yang qi of heaven and earth. Moxibustion in summer complements the yang qi of the body with the yang qi of heaven and earth, achieving twice the result with half the effort.
2. Female diseases
This mainly includes dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, which are mainly caused by deficiency and coldness in the kidney and phlegm stasis.
3. Digestive system diseases
Some people experience stomach pain after consuming cold drinks or frequently have diarrhea after staying in an air-conditioned room for too long. They may feel more comfortable with a hot water bag on their stomach. These symptoms are mostly related to deficiency and coldness in the spleen and stomach, which are suitable for moxibustion.
[Benefits of summer moxibustion]
1. Expelling cold and dampness
After the summer solstice, most areas will enter the rainy season. Many people experience back pain or leg pain. This is because of the accumulation of cold and dampness in the body.
In TCM, moxibustion is used to expel cold and dampness. Summer is the time when the yang qi of heaven and earth is the strongest. Through moxibustion, the dual yang qi is infused into the body, warming and expelling coldness, and keeping diseases away, resulting in improved health.
2. Warming the kidneys and strengthening yang
With abundant vitality and yang qi, one will not feel hot in summer or cold in winter, and will have abundant energy and endurance. In short, having abundant vitality is a true sign of good health. Ancient physicians often used the term "magical" to describe the efficacy and effects of moxibustion.
3. Prolonging life
Vitality is the foundation of life, health, longevity, and blessings. By persistently moxibusting the Guan Yuan acupoint in summer, one can strengthen the body, prolong life, and gain health benefits.
4. Cultivating the mind and nurturing the spirit
From the perspective of TCM, diseases are caused by external evils such as wind, cold, dampness, heat, etc. Therefore, summer moxibustion not only treats diseases but also strengthens the body and mind, truly cultivating the mind and nurturing the spirit.
[Recommended acupoints for summer moxibustion]
1. Guan Yuan (Gate of Origin)
Location: Located in the lower abdomen, on the midline, about 3 inches below the navel.
Function: It is an important acupoint for nourishing the body's vitality. Pressing or moxibusting this acupoint can replenish the lower energizer and support the body's yin and yang.
2. Zu San Li (Stomach 36)
Location: Zu San Li is located four horizontal fingers below the kneecap, on the outer side.
Function: It has the functions of regulating the spleen and stomach, invigorating qi, dispelling wind and dampness, and supporting the body's yang. Moxibustion on Zu San Li can harmonize the spleen and stomach, enhance the digestive function of the spleen and stomach, and improve qi deficiency and blood weakness in women, providing a source treatment for gynecological diseases.
3. He Gu (Large Intestine 4)
Location: Located on the back of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the 2nd metacarpal bone.
Function: When women experience dysmenorrhea, especially severe pain, moxibusting He Gu can quickly relieve spasm and eliminate pain.
