Suddenly, it is the time of "San Fu Tian" again. Many people like to do moxibustion during this period. Do we need to do moxibustion every day during "San Fu Tian"? Which part of the body should we do moxibustion on? Let's find out below!
Do we need to do moxibustion every day during "San Fu Tian"?
No, it is not necessary to do moxibustion every day.
Moxibustion is a health care practice that can be done occasionally, but it is not recommended to do it every day or for a long time. Doing moxibustion every day or for a long time can easily cause burns on the surface of the skin. Moreover, long-term moxibustion can lead to qi deficiency in the body.
Which part of the body should we do moxibustion on during "San Fu Tian"?
Zu San Li (ST36) acupoint
Moxibustion on Zu San Li (3 inches below the outer knee) can enhance physical strength, relieve fatigue, prevent aging, and promote health. It has preventive effects on colds, hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiopulmonary disease, cerebral hemorrhage, hypotension, and arteriosclerosis. Therefore, it is called "longevity moxibustion" by ancient people. Moxibustion should be done for 10 to 15 minutes each time, once every other day, and can be done 10 times a month.
Qi Hai (CV6) acupoint
Qi Hai, also known as the navel, moxibustion on this acupoint can warm and tonify the primordial yang, regulate the spleen and stomach, and rejuvenate the body. Regular moxibustion on Qi Hai can strengthen the body and prolong life. It has preventive and therapeutic effects on indigestion, diarrhea, asthma, and other conditions. Moxibustion should be done for 10 to 20 minutes each time, once a day, for a total of 10 sessions, with an interval of 10 to 20 days between sessions.
Guan Yuan (CV4) acupoint
Moxibustion on Guan Yuan (3 inches below the navel) can prevent diseases and strengthen the body. It has preventive and therapeutic effects on general weakness, lack of energy, mental fatigue, and coldness in the lower abdomen. Moxibustion should be done for 10 to 20 minutes each time, 1 to 2 times a week.
Zhong Wan (CV12) acupoint
Zhong Wan belongs to the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and is located in the middle of the abdomen, 4 inches above the navel. Moxibustion on Zhong Wan has the functions of regulating the stomach, tonifying qi, resolving dampness, and relieving nausea. Moxibustion should be done for about 15 minutes each time, every other day.
Da Zhui (GV14) acupoint
Da Zhui belongs to the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and is located between the 7th cervical vertebra and the 1st thoracic vertebra. Moxibustion on this acupoint has the functions of releasing the exterior, dispelling wind, dispersing cold, warming yang, promoting circulation, calming the mind, improving brain function, relieving fatigue, enhancing physical fitness, and strengthening the whole body. Moxibustion should be done for 10 to 20 minutes each time.
Qu Chi (LI11) acupoint
Qu Chi belongs to the Yang Ming Large Intestine meridian of the hand and has the function of transporting and distributing. Regular moxibustion on Qu Chi can regulate and harmonize the body, dispel wind, clear heat, harmonize the ying and wei, improve vision, regulate the digestive system, promote qi and blood circulation, relax tendons, and relieve spasms. Moxibustion should be done for about 10 minutes each time, once a day.
San Yin Jiao (SP6) acupoint
San Yin Jiao is located 3 inches above the inner ankle, along the posterior border of the tibia. Moxibustion on San Yin Jiao has preventive and therapeutic effects on indigestion, constipation, urinary difficulties, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea, palpitations, insomnia, eczema, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. Moxibustion should be done for 10 to 20 minutes each time, once a day.
What are the benefits of moxibustion during "San Fu Tian"?
Treating winter diseases in summer
There is a traditional saying in China called "treating winter diseases in summer". "San Fu Tian" is the hottest period of the year. During this time, the yang qi in the body is strong. By using specially made moxa on acupoints, it can help to strengthen the yang and dispel cold, treating winter diseases.
Cooling down and dispelling dampness
Mugwort leaves have a warm and hot nature. Doing moxibustion during "San Fu Tian" can eliminate the accumulated damp and cold in the body, as well as relieve the discomfort caused by summer heat. Therefore, it has the function of cooling down and dispelling dampness.
Improving immune system
Moxibustion during "San Fu Tian" is one of the traditional practices in China. It can help to improve blood circulation, promote metabolism, and enhance the immune system. For elderly people whose immune system is declining, it can also have the effect of prolonging life.
What are the indications for moxibustion during "San Fu Tian"?
Respiratory diseases: Common cold in weak individuals, allergic rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, etc.
Gastrointestinal diseases: Gastric distension, hyperacidity, gastric pain caused by chronic gastritis and gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal dysfunction, chronic diarrhea.
Gynecological diseases: Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, postpartum headache, postpartum wind-cold syndrome, etc.
Pediatric diseases: Enuresis, anorexia (due to deficiency-cold).
Orthopedic diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cervical and lumbar spondylosis, soft tissue strain.
Other diseases: Cold limbs, low immunity.
Specific conditions include: asthma, chronic bronchitis, various chronic pharyngitis and other lung diseases; allergic rhinitis, cold limbs, low immunity, recurrent colds; cold headache, chronic cold, gastritis, ulcer disease, diarrhea, indigestion, loss of appetite, gastric pain; rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, joint problems and symptoms such as neck, shoulder, waist, and leg pain; dysmenorrhea and other conditions related to deficiency-cold; and other gynecological issues.
Precautions for moxibustion
1. Avoid wind: Whether during moxibustion or within an hour after moxibustion, avoid exposure to wind. It is not recommended to use air conditioning if it is not too hot.
2. Do not do moxibustion on a full or empty stomach, as it may cause discomfort.
3. Stay calm during moxibustion and avoid moxibustion in a state of extreme joy or sadness.
4. Do not eat cold food or let the moxibustion area come into contact with water within one hour after moxibustion.
