Concentration: Perceive Moxibustion Sensations and Grasp the Efficacy Code

During moxibustion, the human body’s perception of moxibustion sensations is of great significance, and concentration is the prerequisite for accurately capturing these sensations. Moxibustion sensations include types like Penetrating Heat, Dissipating Heat, Conducting Heat, and Free Heat.

Penetrating Heat means the heat penetrates the skin and permeates deep into the tissues. When one focuses on sensing it, they can detect the orderly conduction of heat within the body, which helps the moxibustion energy reach deep into the pathological focus.

Dissipating Heat refers to the heat spreading to the surroundings. With concentration, one can distinguish between normal heat dissipation and abnormal heat loss, and adjust the moxibustion distance and duration in a timely manner.

Conducting Heat shows as the heat transferring along the Meridians. For instance, when moxibustion is applied to Zusanli (ST36), a focused person can perceive the heat sensation conducting along the Stomach Meridian to the abdomen, reflecting the patency of the meridians.

Free Heat has no fixed direction and seems to wander in the body. Accurately capturing it can help judge the body’s Qi and Blood status.

When patients get distracted. For example ,scrolling phones or thinking about work during moxibustion—they can hardly perceive changes in moxibustion sensations keenly . Moreover, doctors can’t precisely adjust moxibustion parameters (like fire intensity, moxibustion duration, and acupoint selection) based on patients’ feedback. This then affects energy transfer and disease regulation, significantly reducing moxibustion efficacy.

Regulation: Cultivate Internally and Externally to Consolidate Moxibustion Achievements

(I) Basic Protection During Moxibustion

During moxibustion, the body is in an energy - mobilizing state, so keeping warm and preventing cold is particularly critical. Moxibustion stimulates the movement of Yang Qi. If the body catches a chill at this time, Pathogenic Cold is likely to invade through opened pores, block Yang Qi, and counteract moxibustion efficacy.

Similarly, not drinking cold water matters because cold water can make the Spleen and Stomach catch cold, affecting Qi and Blood generation and transportation, and interfering with moxibustion’s regulation of Zang - Fu (Viscera) functions.

Not bathing within half an hour after moxibustion is because, post - moxibustion, Qi and Blood are active and pores are dilated. Bathing then may let Dampness and Cold invade, disrupting the balance between Healthy Qi and Pathogenic Factors in the body and weakening moxibustion efficacy.

(II) Lifestyle Maintenance After Moxibustion

Diet - wise, light food reduces the Spleen and Stomach burden and aids Qi and Blood production. Moxibustion itself regulates and tonifies Zang - Fu. Overeating spicy, greasy food disrupts Spleen - Stomach transportation, nullifying moxibustion’s efforts in regulating Zang - Fu.

Neither extreme hunger nor overeating is good. Extreme hunger causes Qi - Blood deficiency, unable to receive moxibustion - stimulated energy. Overeating makes Qi and Blood focus on Spleen - Stomach transportation, diverting moxibustion’s effect from the affected area.

Staying active promotes Qi - Blood circulation, helping Yang Qi (stimulated by moxibustion) spread better. After moxibustion, meridians are dredged and Qi - Blood becomes active. Moderate exercise (like walking, Taijiquan) helps Qi - Blood flow and consolidates moxibustion’s achievement in regulating Qi - Blood. Sitting still post - moxibustion may cause Qi - Blood stagnation again, reducing efficacy.

In conclusion, moxibustion efficacy relies on coordination between the operation and patients’ initiative. Concentrating on moxibustion sensations ensures accurate energy action. Proper regulation consolidates efficacy from daily details. Emphasizing these two aspects allows moxibustion to play a more significant, lasting role in TCM health preservation and disease treatment, safeguarding health.