The box moxibustion therapy, also known as box moxibustion, is a treatment method that involves placing a burning wormwood stick on an iron mesh in a specially designed wooden box, covering the area to be treated. This enhances the effect of warming the meridians and promoting blood circulation to achieve the purpose of treating diseases.
Box moxibustion therapy is one of the instrumental moxibustion methods. In the book "Compendium of Surgery" written by Qi Kun in the Qing Dynasty, there is a description of the use of yellow wax moxibustion: "First, moisten the surface around the root of the swelling, about an inch high, firmly stick it on the skin, and prevent leakage. Wrap several layers outside the circle to prevent the heat from scorching the skin." Box moxibustion therapy involves covering the area to be treated with a wooden box, enhancing the effect of warming the meridians and promoting blood circulation. Due to its advantages of saving manpower, simplicity, and ease of use, it is welcomed by patients and practitioners.
[Operational method]
1. Making the moxibustion box:
According to the different areas to be treated, use thin wooden boards to make boxes of different sizes and specifications, with a movable cover and no bottom. The height of the box is 12cm. Fix an iron wire mesh (with a specification of 50-100 meshes/cm) at half the height of the box. Nail two pieces of gauze on both sides of the bottom to keep warm.
2. How to use:
First, cover the area to be treated with the open side of the moxibustion box (if using warm needles, insert the needles into the acupoints first, and then cover the box), then light a wormwood stick about 1 inch long (the number of sticks depends on the area to be treated, usually five or six sticks), place it horizontally on the mesh under the box, and finally cover the box lid.
[Indications]
1. Lymphatic filariasis such as elephantiasis and chyluria:
Moxibustion on Shénquè, Shānzhōng, Guānyuán, Qìhǎi and other acupoints.
2. Chronic bronchitis:
Moxibustion on Dàzhuī, Fēngmén (or Fēngmén), and Gāohuāng.
3. Simple goiter and hyperthyroidism:
Moxibustion on Tiāntū, Dàzhuī, and Shānzhōng.
4. Diabetes:
Moxibustion on Guānyuán.
5. Diaphragm spasm:
Moxibustion on Shānzhōng, Zhōngwǎn, Guānyuán, and if necessary, add moxibustion on Shènyú.
6. Pediatric indigestion:
Moxibustion on Tiānshū, Guānyuán, and Shénquè.
7. Enuresis:
Moxibustion on Mìngmén and Guānyuán.
8. Nocturnal emission:
Moxibustion on Xīnyú, Shènyú, Báihuán yú, Mìngmén, Guānyuán.
9. Impotence:
Moxibustion on Dìyú, Shènyú, Wèiyú, Mìngmén, Yāoyángguān, Guānyuán, Zhōngjí.
10. Urinary retention and urinary incontinence:
Moxibustion on Sānjiāoyú, Xiǎoshāngyú, Zhōngjí.
11. Chronic low back pain:
Moxibustion on Shènyú, Dàchángyú, Yāoyǎn, Mìngmén, Shíqīzhuǐxià, Yāoyángguān.
12. Acute mastitis:
Apply onion or garlic paste to the affected area, then moxibustion.
13. Dysmenorrhea:
Moxibustion on Guānyuán, Qūgǔ, and uterine points.
14. Functional uterine bleeding:
Moxibustion on Zhōngjí and uterine points.
15. Leukorrhea:
Moxibustion on Mìngmén, Shénquè, and Zhōngjí.
16. Insufficient lactation:
Moxibustion on Shānzhōng and breast root points.
17. Menstrual disorders:
Moxibustion on Sānyīnjiāo and Guānyuán.
In addition to the above, this method can be applied for local moxibustion treatment for diseases with larger affected areas, such as neural dermatitis, eczema, and chilblains.
[Precautions]
1. The height of the moxibustion box should not be arbitrarily increased or decreased. If it is too high, it is ineffective, and if it is too low, it can easily burn the skin.
2. Pay attention to adjusting the temperature inside the box. If the temperature is too high, slightly move the box lid to leave a small gap to cool down.
3. Maintain a stable position during moxibustion to avoid the wormwood sticks from rolling.
4. Pay attention to observation during treatment to prevent the burning wormwood from falling and scorching clothing and skin.
5. The duration of each moxibustion treatment depends on the condition and is generally around 10 minutes.
6. Other precautions are the same as for moxibustion therapy.
