The order of moxibustion is one of the key factors affecting its efficacy. Following a scientific and reasonable moxibustion order allows the warm stimulation of moxibustion to better regulate the Qi and Blood, and Meridians of the human body, thereby exerting a better health-preserving and therapeutic effect. Below is a detailed science popularization of knowledge related to the order of moxibustion.

Yang First, Then Yin: Conforming to the Distribution of Qi and Blood in the Human Body

Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the Yang Qi of the human body is responsible for warming and protecting the exterior, and is distributed in Yang positions such as the back; Yin Qi   is responsible for nourishing and calming, and is mostly found in Yin positions such as the chest and abdomen. The Du Meridian on the back is the "Sea of Yang Meridians", gathering all the Yang Qi in the body. When performing moxibustion, starting from Yang positions such as the back can stimulate the body's Yang Qi , allowing Yang Qi to take the lead. Subsequently, moxibustion on Yin positions such as the chest and abdomen can balance Yin and Yang. For example, moxibustion on back acupoints such as Dazhui (GV14) and Feishu (BL13) first, then on chest and abdomen acupoints such as Tanzhong (CV17) and Zhongwan (CV12), is like first lighting a "spark of Yang Qi" for the body, then using Yin Qi to balance it, making the operation of Qi and Blood more orderly and improving the regulatory effect of moxibustion on visceral functions. Reversing the order may disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang and affect the efficacy.

Upper First, Then Lower: In Line with the Direction of Qi and Blood Circulation

The circulation of Qi and Blood in the human body tends to flow from the head to the feet and from the upper limbs to the lower limbs. Moxibustion starts from upper acupoints, such as Baihui (GV20) on the head and Quchi (LI11) on the upper limbs, then proceeds to moxibustion on lower acupoints such as Guanyuan (CV4) on the abdomen and Zusanli (ST36) on the lower limbs in sequence. This conforms to the law of Qi and Blood flowing upward and downward, allowing the warm Qi to be conducted in an orderly manner along the path of Qi and Blood, better dredging the meridians and regulating Qi and Blood. If, on the contrary, moxibustion is performed on the lower limbs first and then on the upper parts, Qi and Blood may become unsmooth due to reverse moxibustion,

Less First, Then More: Following the Law of Body Adaptation

At the beginning of moxibustion, the body needs a process to adapt to the warm stimulation of moxibustion. Therefore, moxibustion should be performed with a small amount and for a short time first. For example, select 1-2 acupoints first, and moxibustion each acupoint for 5-10 minutes, then observe the body's reaction. After the body gradually adapts, increase the number of acupoints and the duration of moxibustion, such as increasing to 3-5 acupoints, and moxibustion each acupoint for 15-20 minutes. This is like watering plants: first moisten them with a small amount to let the roots adapt to the water, then gradually increase the amount of water, so that the plants can absorb better. If a large amount of moxibustion is performed at the beginning, the body may be unable to bear the strong warm stimulation, resulting in discomfort such as excessive internal heat and dizziness, which not only affects the current moxibustion experience but also may damage the healthy Qi , violating the original intention of moxibustion for health preservation and treatment. Therefore, less first and then more is a necessary way to protect the body and improve the efficacy of subsequent moxibustion.

Mastering the principles of moxibustion order - "Yang first then Yin, upper first then lower, less first then more" - is like holding the key to unlock the efficacy of moxibustion. In actual moxibustion, if you operate in this order, moxibustion can better regulate the Qi, blood, and meridians of the body. Whether it is used for daily health preservation to improve fatigue and enhance physical fitness, or to assist in the treatment of some chronic diseases, it can make the effect of moxibustion more precise and efficient, helping everyone gain health and feel the wonderful charm of traditional Chinese medicine moxibustion therapy.