Moxibustion for Weight Loss is a method of promoting weight loss by stimulating acupoints to enhance gastrointestinal motility. Scientific moxibustion is considered a safe and effective method of weight loss.
I. Principles of Moxibustion for Weight Loss
1. Heating of Cells
After heating the skin, the pores expand, allowing medications to quickly penetrate the subcutaneous layer and reach the affected area.
For every one-degree increase in cell temperature, the rate of oxygen consumption increases by 2.5 times.
Moxibustion can improve the ability and speed of cell nutrient absorption.
2. Combination with Chinese Medicine
By adding various precious Chinese herbs to the moxibustion material, the medicinal components can quickly reach the affected area. Under the effect of heat and moxibustion, they instantly activate blood circulation and cells.
3. Stimulation of Veins
Instant stimulation of meridians and acupoints can be achieved to unblock the meridians.
4. Dual Regulation
During moxibustion on the body's meridians and acupoints, there is a self-regulation effect on the meridians and acupoints. For example, diarrhea and constipation are two completely opposite conditions.
By moxibustion on one acupoint, Tian Shu, both constipation and diarrhea can be resolved.
5. Heat-sensitive Transmission Phenomenon
Heat transmission, expansion of heat, heat conduction, heat in the local area but not in the remote area, lack of heat on the surface but heat in the deep area, or other non-thermal sensations.
Acupuncture or moxibustion may produce sensations such as soreness, distension, pressure, heaviness, pain, numbness, or coldness away from the site of acupuncture or moxibustion.
II. Methods of Moxibustion for Weight Loss
The following acupoints are suitable for moxibustion: each acupoint should be reddened for about 20 minutes.
1. Zhong Wan
Location: On the midline of the upper abdomen, four inches above the navel.
It can enhance the digestion and absorption of stomach food, and also treat stomach pain, acid reflux, and vomiting.
2. Guan Yuan
Location: Three inches below the navel.
It has the function of strengthening and maintaining the body's health, and can enhance the elasticity of the abdominal muscles.
3. Da Heng
Location: Four inches on either side of the navel.
It is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and abdominal pain.
4. Pi Yu
Location: 1.5 inches on either side below the ninth thoracic vertebra spinous process.
It can enhance the body's ability to absorb nutrients, promote a strong metabolism, and improve blood circulation and hematopoietic function.
III. Precautions for Moxibustion
Since moxibustion involves the use of fire, improper moxibustion may cause burns to the local skin.
On the other hand, during the process of moxibustion, some essence and blood may be exhausted, so there are certain parts or individuals that should not undergo moxibustion. These are moxibustion contraindications.
For exposed areas, such as the face, do not apply moxibustion directly to avoid scarring and affecting appearance.
