Warm cylinder moxibustion therapy is a treatment method that involves placing ignited moxa wool inside a specially designed metal moxibustion cylinder and then applying it to the desired area for the purpose of anti-aging, preventing illness, and expelling evil qi.
Warm cylinder moxibustion therapy is one of the instrumental moxibustion therapies. In ancient China, Sun Simiao of the Tang Dynasty recorded the use of reed tubes inserted into the ears and applied moxibustion at the tube opening to treat ear diseases in his book "Qian Jin Fang". In modern times, metal moxibustion cylinders have been developed in various styles to suit different body parts and conditions, making them highly popular among patients.
【Procedure】
1. Making the warm cylinder
In order to use warm cylinder moxibustion therapy, a specially designed metal moxibustion device, called a warm cylinder or warm moxibustion instrument, is necessary. It is usually made of metal sheets (such as aluminum sheets). There are two common types: cylindrical and conical. It typically consists of an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. The inner cylinder is smaller than the outer cylinder and is used to hold the moxa wool, with several small holes around the cylinder to allow air circulation. The bottom of the cylinder has dozens of small holes for heat penetration during moxibustion. The bottom of the inner cylinder can also be made using a 50-100 mesh/cm iron wire mesh. Alternatively, a cleaned discarded cylinder (such as a small tin can) can be used by drilling small holes around and at the bottom, and a handle can be added for convenience.
2. Moxibustion procedure
First, place the prepared moxa wool and herbal medicine powder into the small cylinder and ignite it. Then, apply the moxibustion technique, such as sparrow pecking or circular moxibustion, to the desired acupoints or areas, depending on the disease and location, until the local skin becomes red.
【Indications】
Any disease that can be treated with box moxibustion therapy can also be treated using this method. It is especially suitable for women, children, and those who are afraid of moxibustion. The cylindrical type is suitable for larger areas such as the waist, back, abdomen, and for conditions such as neurodermatitis and chronic eczema. The conical type is used for smaller areas of acupoints.
【Precautions】
1. Pay attention to the moxa fire inside the warm cylinder and open the cylinder cap slightly to allow air circulation if necessary.
2. If making a homemade warm cylinder without an inner cylinder, the bottom hole should not be too large to prevent the moxa fire from falling and burning the skin.
3. When using a conical warm cylinder for point moxibustion, make sure the tip is aligned with the acupoint and try to avoid any deviation.
4. The handle of the warm cylinder can be wrapped with a non-heat conducting material to prevent burns during moxibustion.
5. Other precautions are the same as for moxibustion therapy.
