Scar moxibustion therapy is a method of treating diseases by directly placing moxa cones the size of soybeans or jujube cores on acupoints and applying moxibustion. The local tissues produce suppuration and form scars after being burned, which is used to treat diseases. This therapy is already recorded in the "Zhenjiu Zisheng Jing": "When moxa cones are applied to the moxibustion sores, the disease will be cured. If no sores are formed, the disease will not be cured." This indicates that ancient moxibustion therapy required the formation of suppuration, known as "moxibustion sores", and considered the formation or non-formation of moxibustion sores as the key to achieving therapeutic effects. Scar moxibustion therapy is effective not only in treating diseases, but also in preventing diseases, and has been used by medical practitioners throughout history.
[Operational methods]
Since moxibustion requires the placement of moxa cones and the treatment time is relatively long, it is necessary to first choose a flat and comfortable position. After fixing the position, correctly locate the acupoints and mark them with gentian violet or ink using a round stick. Prepare the moxa cones as required, and aromatic herbs such as cloves and cinnamon powder can be added to the moxa wool to facilitate the penetration of heat. Before placing the moxa cones, apply some garlic juice or vaseline on the acupoints to increase adhesion and stimulation to the skin. After placing the moxa cones, ignite them with an incense stick. When the moxa cones are burning close to the skin and the patient feels a burning pain, the surrounding area of the acupoints can be tapped with the hand to alleviate the pain. After one moxibustion session, wipe the moxibustion acupoints with cold water soaked in gauze, and then continue with the next session. Generally, 7-9 sessions of moxibustion can be done. After moxibustion, apply a thin ointment to the moxibustion acupoints and change it once a day. After a few days, a sterile suppuration reaction gradually occurs at the moxibustion acupoints. If there is a large amount of pus, the ointment should be changed frequently. After about 30-40 days, the moxibustion sores will scab and fall off, leaving scars in the local area.
[Main indications]
1. Asthma
First apply a small amount of vaseline on the skin of the acupoints, then place moxa cones the size of wheat grains on the acupoints and ignite them. After one moxibustion session, continue with another session, generally 7 sessions. After moxibustion, blisters and ulceration will occur at the acupoints, followed by suppuration, so the gauze should be changed frequently to keep the moxibustion sores clean. The scabs of the moxibustion sores will naturally fall off after about 30 days. Acupoints used: Renzhong, Dingchuan; Feishu, Fenglong (both sides). Alternate moxibustion on the two sets of acupoints.
2. Chronic gastrointestinal diseases
Acupoints used: Zhongwan, Zusanli, Shangjuxu (both sides), method same as above.
3. Weak constitution
Acupoints used: Zusanli (both sides), method same as above.
4. Developmental disorders
Acupoints used: Dazhui, Shenzhui, method same as above.
5. Rheumatoid arthritis
The patient lies prone, and the moxibustion site is covered with a mixture of musk and powdered toad venom (equal parts), 1-1.8g. A moxa cone shaped like a 5cm wide and 2.5cm high triangular snake is placed on the mixture, and ignited at the head, body, and tail. After one moxibustion session, 2-3 sessions can be done. The skin will become red after moxibustion, and small blisters will appear. After 3 days, the fluid inside the blisters should be drained, and the area should be wiped with gentian violet solution every other day to prevent infection. The best time for moxibustion treatment is during the three hottest periods of summer. The three periods are divided into early, middle, and late, with 1 session of moxibustion per period. Acupoints used: Da Zhui to Yao Shu along the Du Meridian.
6. Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Moxibustion is done for 7 sessions, with each session using moxa cones weighing 1.5g. It is done every other day, and 2 treatment courses are completed in 45 days. Acupoints used: Da Zhui, Mingmen, Shenshu, Guanyuan, Zusanli, etc. 2-3 acupoints are selected each time, and Zusanli is a necessary acupoint.
[Precautions]
1. Scar moxibustion therapy should not be used on the face, genital area, and areas with large blood vessels.
2. The abdomen and lumbosacral region of pregnant women should not be treated with this therapy.
3. This therapy is generally not used for patients with excess heat, fever, or yin deficiency.
4. When the moxibustion sores are suppurating, local cleanliness should be maintained to prevent contamination and the development of other inflammations.
