Among the various methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physical therapy, Moxibustion is favored for its effects of warming and unblocking the Meridians, and regulating Qi and Blood. However, many people encounter problems of poor efficacy during Moxibustion, and whether the Acupoint selection is appropriate is one of the important reasons.

Clarifying the treatment goal is the premise of Acupoint selection. The core principle of Acupoint selection in Moxibustion is "Syndrome Differentiation and Acupoint Selection", that is, selecting appropriate Acupoints according to different symptoms and physical characteristics. For example, colds are divided into Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat types. For Wind-Cold colds, Acupoints such as Dazhui (GV14) and Fengchi (GB20) with the effect of dispelling cold and relieving the exterior syndrome are suitable; while for Wind-Heat colds, it is necessary to match Acupoints such as Quchi (LI11) and Hegu (LI4) which can clear heat and relieve the exterior syndrome. If Acupoints are selected blindly without distinguishing the type of disease, it will not only fail to relieve symptoms, but may also aggravate the condition.

The specificity of Acupoints determines the pertinence of Acupoint selection. Each Acupoint has its unique therapeutic effect, which is the result of long-term clinical practice. For instance, Guanyuan (CV4) is located in the lower abdomen and has the effects of reinforcing Primordial Qi, strengthening the root, and tonifying the Lower Jiao. Yongquan (KI1) is on the sole of the foot, which is an important Acupoint for tonifying the Kidney and Essence, nourishing Yin and reducing fire, and has a good effect on symptoms such as insomnia and dizziness caused by deficiency fire flaming upward. Understanding the specificity of Acupoints can make Moxibustion more targeted.

Acupoint matching methods affect the overall curative effect. In clinical practice, the effect of a single Acupoint is often limited, and it is necessary to exert a synergistic effect through reasonable Acupoint matching methods. A common Acupoint matching method is "Near-Far Acupoint Matching", that is, combining Acupoints selected locally at the lesion with those selected distally. For example, in the treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis (Frozen Shoulder), local Acupoints such as Jianyu (LI15) and Jianliao (TE14) are selected, and at the same time, the distal Hegu (LI4) is matched to enhance the effect of unblocking the Meridians and relieving pain. "Exterior-Interior Acupoint Matching" is also a commonly used method. For example, gastritis belongs to a disease of the Stomach Meridian, so Zusanli (ST36) of the Stomach Meridian can be selected, and then matched with Taibai (SP3) of the Spleen Meridian, which is its Exterior-Interior Meridian, so as to achieve the purpose of regulating both the Spleen and the Stomach. In addition, there are "Anterior-Posterior Acupoint Matching", "Upper-Lower Acupoint Matching" and so on. Flexible application of these Acupoint matching methods can make the effect range of Moxibustion wider and the curative effect more significant.

The number of Acupoints selected is not the more the better. Some people, in order to pursue a better curative effect, will select more than a dozen or even dozens of Acupoints in one Moxibustion session, which is actually not advisable. Moxibustion exerts its effect by stimulating Acupoints with warm heat. Too many Acupoints will disperse the heat, reduce the stimulation intensity of each Acupoint, and thus affect the curative effect. Generally speaking, 3-5 main Acupoints can be selected for each Moxibustion. For complex diseases, the number can be appropriately increased, but it should not exceed 8. At the same time, the order of Moxibustion should be reasonably arranged according to the location of the Acupoints. Usually, Moxibustion is applied to the upper Acupoints first, then the lower Acupoints; first the Acupoints on the back, then the Acupoints on the abdomen. This can better guide the operation of Qi and Blood.

In addition, the accuracy of Acupoint location directly affects the curative effect. If the location of the Acupoint is not accurate during Moxibustion, even if the idea of Acupoint selection is correct, it is difficult to achieve the expected effect. Only by mastering the principle of Syndrome Differentiation and Acupoint Selection, understanding the specificity of Acupoints, reasonably applying Acupoint matching methods, controlling the number of Acupoints selected and ensuring accurate positioning, can Moxibustion give full play to its due efficacy and escort health.