The annual dog days of summer have arrived once again. Many people enjoy doing moxibustion during this time. Can children be moxibusted during the dog days of summer? Where should children be moxibusted during this time?
Can children be moxibusted during the dog days of summer?
Yes, children can be moxibusted.
Moxibustion is a health preservation practice that can be used by people of all ages and genders. Therefore, babies can also receive moxibustion as long as the frequency is controlled. Moxibustion has the effect of improving physical constitution, which is beneficial for children with weak bodies as it can enhance their physical fitness.
Is moxibustion during the dog days of summer suitable for children?
Yes, moxibustion during the dog days of summer is suitable for children.
Children have weaker immune systems, so they are more susceptible to illness when attacked by viruses. Especially for babies who often have colds, it is a manifestation of weak physical constitution. During the dog days of summer, when the body's yang energy is abundant, it is very suitable to receive moxibustion for body maintenance, which is also applicable to children.
Where should children be moxibusted during the dog days of summer?
Zusanli (ST36)
Specific location: Zusanli is located on the front outer side of the lower leg, 3 inches below the knee, one horizontal finger away from the front edge of the tibia. There will be a distinct soreness when pressed.
Zusanli is an acupoint that governs the spleen and stomach and has the function of generating vital energy and blood. For children with weak bodies, moxibustion on Zusanli can enhance their immune system and preserve their bodies.
Guanyuan (CV4)
Specific location: Guanyuan is located in the lower abdomen, on the midline, 3 inches below the navel. To locate it easily, place four fingers together horizontally below the navel and take the acupoint at the lower edge of the little finger.
Guanyuan is one of the most important acupoints in the body. It contains the organs of the kidneys, small intestine, bladder, and the reproductive systems of both men and women. Moxibustion here has the function of warming the channels and activating the blood, regulating qi, and improving circulation.
Shenque (CV8)
Specific location: At the navel.
Shenque is closely connected to the body, and moxibustion on this point for children has the effect of warming and invigorating the primordial yang, as well as harmonizing the spleen and stomach.
Zhongwan (CV12)
Specific location: Zhongwan is located in the upper abdomen, on the midline, 4 inches above the navel. To locate it easily, place four horizontal fingers above the navel.
Zhongwan is the main acupoint for the stomach. Moxibustion on this area can address many stomach-related issues in daily life. For children with weak spleen and stomach, it has a good health-preserving effect.
How long should children receive moxibustion for?
It varies from person to person.
For children under 1-2 years old, each acupoint should be moxibusted for about 5 minutes with a mild heat. After all, moxibustion is not like barbecuing meat; the hotter, the better.
For children aged 3-5 years old, each acupoint can be moxibusted for 5-10 minutes, or a total of 10-15 minutes for Dazhui (GV14) and the spine. As the child grows older, the moxibustion time can be appropriately extended.
Moxibustion schedule for the 2018 dog days of summer
Moxibustion during the dog days of summer usually occurs five times, including before and after the three dog days.
Moxibustion before the three dog days: July 7, 2018
Initial dog days moxibustion: July 17, 2018
Mid-dog days moxibustion: July 27, 2018
Last dog days moxibustion: August 16, 2018
Moxibustion after the three dog days: August 26, 2018
