Many people experience diarrhea after moxibustion on the navel, so what is the reason behind it?
Why Does Moxibustion on the Navel Cause Diarrhea?
1. Increased Intestinal Motility
The navel is the Shenque acupoint in the meridian system of the human body. Moxibustion on the Shenque acupoint has the effects of warming the middle and dispelling cold, as well as relieving pain. Moxibustion on the navel can also promote gastrointestinal motility, which can lead to intestinal rumbling and diarrhea. There is no need to worry if this happens. Resting for 2-3 days will allow you to continue with moxibustion.
2. Elimination of Cold and Dampness
Diarrhea after moxibustion on the navel is also a way for the body to eliminate cold and dampness.
Moxibustion can elevate the body's yang energy, which circulates within the body. The gastrointestinal function begins to recover, and the peristalsis of the large intestine is strengthened. The yang energy transforms and eliminates cold pathogens from the organs and meridians, which can be expelled through sweating, diarrhea, or increased urination. If diarrhea occurs, it generally indicates a gastrointestinal problem. After the elimination of cold pathogens, it will manifest as diarrhea, similar to snow melting into water and seeking a normal excretion pathway.
How Long Does Diarrhea Last after Moxibustion?
In general, diarrhea after moxibustion can last for 1 to 2 days, depending on each individual's constitution.
Some individuals with a strong constitution may not experience any diarrhea or only have it occur infrequently after moxibustion. On the other hand, individuals with a weaker constitution who undergo prolonged moxibustion may experience severe diarrhea, which can last longer.
If you want to recover quickly from diarrhea after moxibustion, pay attention to your diet. Avoid consuming raw, cold, greasy, and spicy foods, and instead consume warm, soft, and easily digestible foods. Also, keep your abdominal area warm.
17 Beneficial Reactions to Moxibustion
1. Early or delayed menstruation: Moxibustion primarily affects the reproductive system in both men and women. Therefore, for women undergoing moxibustion, there may be a period of adjustment within three months, during which menstruation may occur earlier or later than usual.
2. Formation of blisters or rashes: These can be caused by excessive dampness and toxins in the body. The more these phenomena occur, the more moxibustion is needed.
3. Blisters below the navel: These indicate gynecological problems, and if there are red spots beneath the blisters, it suggests inflammation. Blisters around the navel indicate intestinal dampness and coldness, and in severe cases, a ring of hardened skin may form around the navel.
4. Itching or increased secretions in the lower abdomen after moxibustion: This can be caused by gynecological issues or menstrual irregularities. During the adjustment period, there may be temporary menstrual irregularities.
5. Tingling sensation in the body: This is a sign of the qi circulating through the meridians, which is a positive phenomenon.
6. Sweating: It is ideal to sweat profusely in summer, but during winter, a slight sweat all over the body is sufficient. Particularly, sweating on the forehead, palms, and soles of the feet indicates that the body is relatively weak. Moxibustion on Hegu acupoint and Fuliu acupoint should be performed.
7. Sensation of cold: After moxibustion, one may feel a cold breeze, which is more common in individuals with a cold constitution. More moxibustion is needed in such cases. Some individuals may experience cold sweat on their palms and soles of their feet during moxibustion, which is also a sign of feeling cold and requires further moxibustion.
8. Sensation of heat: Heat is felt from the abdominal cavity to the upper back, reaching Baihui and descending to Yongquan. This indicates that the meridians are unobstructed and the treatment is effective.
9. Feeling of heaviness: This sensation is comparable to having a large stone pressing on the body, which is a normal phenomenon caused by poor blood circulation and blocked meridians.
10. Rumbling or flatulence in the abdomen: This shows that moxibustion promotes intestinal peristalsis and helps eliminate body toxins, which is a positive phenomenon.
11. Oil secretion in the abdomen or lower back: This is caused by viscous blood, high blood lipids, and excessive blood toxins, which is a positive phenomenon.
12. Feeling of heat in the upper or lower body during moxibustion: This indicates that the meridians on the less heated side are not as unobstructed.
13. Thirst: This is a typical symptom of excessive heat in the upper body and deficiency in the lower body. After several moxibustion sessions, there may be a worsening of symptoms, and it is recommended to drink more water and moxibustion on Yongquan acupoint, Taichong acupoint, and Taixi acupoint.
14. Initially feeling hot during moxibustion, but later feeling less heat: This is a normal plateau period or an adaptation of the meridians.
15. Sourness, fatigue, and drowsiness (daytime sleepiness): These are symptoms of acidic constitution, poor blood circulation, and insufficient qi and blood. After moxibustion, blood circulation accelerates, so weak individuals may experience fatigue and sleepiness during the first few sessions.
16. Rapid or difficult breathing, unstable emotions, and feeling of heaviness in the head: These indicate weak heart function, insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle, and thickened blood.
17. Soreness in the kidney area (sore and cool lower back), increased urine volume, and changes in urine color: These indicate poor kidney function, insufficient kidney qi, and yang deficiency, which are positive signs of improvement.
The Efficacy and Functions of Moxibustion on the Navel
1. Moxibustion on the navel can enhance the function of the spleen and stomach, promote the ascending of yang energy, and the descending of turbid yin energy. It plays a role in invigorating the spleen and stomach and is used to treat stomach pain, indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Moxibustion on the navel can stimulate the qi of the San Jiao (Triple Burner) meridian, unblock the meridians, promote metabolism, and reduce fat. It helps alleviate urinary difficulties, edema, and obesity.
3. Moxibustion on the navel can regulate the Chong and Ren meridians, stabilize menstruation, and aid in the treatment of irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, excessive menstruation, abnormal vaginal discharge, infertility, melasma, and dull complexion.
4. Moxibustion on the navel can regulate qi and activate blood circulation, invigorate meridians, and is suitable for the treatment of intestinal paralysis, numbness in the hands and feet, and various types of pain.
5. Moxibustion on the navel can balance the nutrition of organs and ensure smooth qi and blood circulation. It helps calm the mind and is commonly used in the treatment of night sweats, spontaneous sweating, excessive vaginal discharge, nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea, palpitations, and insomnia.
Precautions for Moxibustion
1. Focus and Perseverance
When performing moxibustion, it is important to concentrate and avoid distractions. This prevents the moxa stick from moving off the acupoint and wasting time. For health maintenance moxibustion, long-term consistency is necessary as occasional moxibustion will not produce the desired effects.
2. Accuracy of Body Position and Acupoints
The body position should be suitable for moxibustion needs, while also being comfortable and natural. It is crucial to locate the acupoints accurately based on the prescription to ensure the effectiveness of moxibustion.
3. Fire Safety
Many modern clothing materials, such as synthetic fibers and down, are easily flammable. Therefore, it is essential to prevent accidental fires during moxibustion, especially when using moxa sticks. To extinguish moxa sticks, insert the burning end into a bottle slightly larger in diameter than the moxa stick.
4. Warmth and Heatstroke Prevention
During moxibustion, certain body parts are exposed, so it is necessary to keep warm in winter and prevent heatstroke in hot weather. Also, pay attention to temperature regulation indoors and use ventilation fans to ensure fresh air circulation.
5. Infection Prevention
Pus formation or the development of ulcers may occur due to pyogenic moxibustion or improper moxibustion, which can result in moxibustion sores. It is important not to break the sores. If infection occurs, promptly use anti-inflammatory drugs.
6. Master the Procedure of Moxibustion
If multiple acupoints are to be moxibusted and are dispersed throughout the body, start with the back, followed by the chest and abdomen, and then the head and limbs.
7. Pay Attention to Moxibustion Timing
Some conditions require specific moxibustion timings. For example, moxibustion for insomnia should be performed just before bedtime. Avoid moxibustion on an empty stomach before meals or immediately after meals.
8. Gradually Increase Stimulation
Gradually increase the stimulation intensity when using moxibustion for the first time. Start with a small amount and low dosage, such as using a small moxa stick or moxibustion for a shorter duration. Increase the dosage in subsequent sessions. Avoid starting with a high dosage from the beginning.
9. Prevent Fainting during Moxibustion
Fainting during moxibustion is rare, but if it occurs, symptoms may include dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, pale complexion, palpitations, and sweating, and may even lead to loss of consciousness. If fainting occurs, immediately stop the moxibustion and lie down calmly. Additional moxibustion on Zhongwan acupoint for about 10 minutes is recommended.
10. Regulate Moxibustion Temperature
For individuals with decreased skin sensitivity or children, place the index and middle fingers on both sides of the moxibustion area to perceive the temperature. This ensures that the skin is not burned while achieving the desired effects.
