Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that is difficult to treat and requires a long treatment process. Moxibustion, as a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine method for preventing and treating diseases, has certain adjuvant therapeutic effects on hyperthyroidism. Let's take a look at the moxibustion points for hyperthyroidism.
Moxibustion Points for Hyperthyroidism
Moxibustion Method 1
Moxibustion Points: ① Fengfu, Dazhui, Shenzhu, Yifeng (bilateral), Jianjing (bilateral); ② Dazhu (bilateral), Fengmen (bilateral), Feishu (bilateral), Tianzong (bilateral).
Moxibustion Technique: Use moxa sticks for non-scarring moxibustion, alternate between the two groups of acupoints, and use one group per day. Moxibustion each acupoint for 7 minutes, moxibustion once a day, and stop moxibustion on Sundays.
Main treatment: Hyperthyroidism. Taken from "Traditional Chinese Folk Remedies for Various Diseases". This method has been used to treat 5 cases of hyperthyroidism, with a treatment period of 6-8 weeks, and all have been effective. One case achieved clinical cure, and the clinical symptoms of the other 4 cases have basically disappeared.
Moxibustion Method 2
Moxibustion Points: ① Fengchi, Ganyu, Shenyu, Yinlingquan, Taichong, Shenmen; ② Fengmen, Piyu, Mingmen, Tiantu, Neiguan, Shousanli, Sanyinjiao.
Moxibustion Technique: Use one group at a time, alternate between the two groups, and apply moxibustion according to the technique. ① Use moxa sticks for non-scarring moxibustion, moxibustion each acupoint for 3 minutes, moxibustion once a day or every other day, 10 times for one course of treatment. ② Use mild moxibustion with moxa sticks, moxibustion each acupoint for 10-15 minutes, moxibustion once a day or every other day, 10 times for one course of treatment.
Main treatment: Hyperthyroidism. Taken from "Essentials of External Treatment". It has been repeatedly proven to be effective. Good results can be achieved when combined with internal treatment using herbal medicine. For specific herbal medicines, please refer to the book "Secret Prescriptions for True Healing".
Moxibustion for Hyperthyroidism and Exophthalmos
Moxibustion Points:
Fengchi, Xinyu, Ganyu, Shenyu, Tiantu, Shanzhong.
Acupoint Selection:
1. Fengchi: Located in the neck, below the occipital bone, in the depression between the upper edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the posterior edge of the upper end of the clavicular mastoid muscle.
2. Xinyu: Located below the spinous process of the 5th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 inches away from the side.
3. Ganyu: Located on the back, below the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 inches away from the side.
4. Shenyu: Located 1.5 inches away from the side of the second lumbar vertebra spinous process, one on each side.
5. Tiantu: Located in the neck, on the midline, in the center of the suprasternal fossa, between the left and right sternocleidomastoid muscles.
6. Shanzhong: On the midline of the anterior body, at the midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples.
Moxibustion Effects:
Moxibustion at Fengchi can promote blood circulation, improve microcirculation around the eyes; moxibustion at Xinyu can nourish the heart, calm the mind, and stop sweating; moxibustion at Ganyu can regulate liver function, promote qi circulation, and relieve depression; moxibustion at Shenyu can nourish yin and reduce fire; moxibustion at Tiantu can promote qi circulation and eliminate phlegm; moxibustion at Shanzhong can promote qi circulation, activate blood, and disperse stasis.
Moxibustion Technique:
Use mild moxibustion with moxa sticks, moxibustion each acupoint for 3-5 minutes, moxibustion once a day or every other day.
Precautions for Moxibustion on the Thyroid
1. Concentration and Persistence
Pay attention to concentration during moxibustion and avoid distractions that may cause the moxa stick to move away from the acupoint, wasting time and causing unnecessary injury. For health maintenance moxibustion, long-term persistence is necessary, occasional moxibustion will not achieve the desired effect.
2. Accurate Body Position and Acupoint Selection
The body position should not only meet the requirements of moxibustion, but also be comfortable and natural. Acupoint selection should be based on the prescription to ensure the effectiveness of moxibustion.
3. Fire Prevention
Modern clothing is often made of synthetic fibers or down, which can easily catch fire. Therefore, it is important to prevent accidental fires during moxibustion, especially when using moxa sticks. After moxibustion with moxa sticks, the burning end can be inserted into a bottle slightly larger than the moxa stick diameter to extinguish it.
4. Keep Warm and Prevent Heatstroke
During moxibustion, certain body parts are exposed, so it is important to keep warm in winter and prevent heatstroke in hot weather. Pay attention to adjusting the indoor temperature and use fans or open windows for fresh air.
5. Prevent Infection
Suppurative moxibustion or improper moxibustion can cause local burns and ulcers. Do not break the ulcer. If infection occurs, promptly use anti-inflammatory drugs.
6. Follow a Proper Moxibustion Sequence
If there are multiple and scattered acupoints for moxibustion, follow the sequence of back before chest and abdomen, and head and body before limbs.
7. Pay Attention to Moxibustion Timing
Some conditions require specific moxibustion timing, such as moxibustion before sleep for insomnia. Avoid moxibustion on an empty stomach before meals or immediately after meals.
8. Gradually Increase Stimulus for First-time Moxibustion
Pay attention to controlling the intensity of moxibustion. Start with small amounts and low doses, such as using small moxa sticks or shorter moxibustion time. Increase the dose gradually afterwards. Do not start with high doses.
9. Prevent Moxibustion Faintness
Moxibustion faintness is rare, but once it occurs, symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, pale complexion, palpitations, and sweating may appear, and even fainting may occur. If moxibustion faintness occurs, immediately stop moxibustion, lie down, and moxibustion at Zusanli acupoint with mild moxibustion for about 10 minutes.
10. Adjust Moxibustion Temperature
For individuals with reduced skin sensitivity or children, use the index and middle fingers to sense the temperature of the moxibustion site on both sides to ensure that the moxibustion does not burn the skin while achieving good results.
Can Moxibustion Cure Hyperthyroidism?
Moxibustion has limited effectiveness in treating hyperthyroidism.
Moxibustion is the use of moxa sticks or other moxa products to burn or warm the acupoints on the body surface. With the heat of moxibustion and the effects of the herbs, moxibustion stimulates the meridians to promote blood circulation, regulate qi and blood, and achieve the purpose of preventing and treating diseases. However, hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormones due to various reasons. To completely cure hyperthyroidism, it is necessary to rely on medication, chemical treatment, and surgical treatment. Moxibustion can only be used as an adjuvant therapy for hyperthyroidism, which can improve symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia in patients with hyperthyroidism, but it cannot be used as the main treatment method.
