In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Moxibustion therapy, many people experience "disease-eliminating phenomena." Due to lack of understanding, many feel anxious about these reactions. In fact, these seemingly abnormal responses are signals that the body is regulating Qi and blood and expelling pathogenic factors with the help of Moxibustion. Below is a detailed explanation of common disease-eliminating phenomena during Moxibustion.

Abnormal Sleep: Insomnia or Drowsiness

(1) Insomnia

Insomnia after Moxibustion is not a "counterproductive" effect of Moxibustion, but rather a struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic factors in the body. When Moxibustion stimulates Yang Qi and promotes the circulation of Qi and blood, latent pathogenic factors are disturbed, which may affect the peace of the mind, leading to difficulty falling asleep at night. This situation often occurs in people with deep-seated pathogenic factors, or those with a constitution prone to liver depression transforming into fire or exuberant heart fire.

Generally, if insomnia is mild and lasts 2-3 days, Moxibustion can continue, with a focus on acupoints of the Heart Meridian and Pericardium Meridian to help the mind return to calm. If insomnia persists for more than a week and seriously affects life, suspend Moxibustion and consult a professional TCM practitioner to adjust the treatment plan.

(2) Drowsiness

In contrast to insomnia, some people become drowsy after Moxibustion, which is the body's way of "self-repair." While Moxibustion replenishes Yang Qi, Qi and blood tend to nourish the Zang-Fu organs and repair damaged tissues, and the brain enters a relaxed "rest mode." This reaction is more obvious in people with long-term fatigue or Qi and blood deficiency.

There’s no need to panic about drowsiness. Ensure adequate rest to let the body "recharge." As healthy Qi gradually strengthens, energy will recover, and drowsiness will naturally subside.

Emotional Fluctuations: Stagnant Qi "Releasing"

Some people may suddenly feel low, want to cry, or even experience brief depression after Moxibustion. This is mostly the body expelling "emotional pathogens." Long-term stress, anxiety, or grievances can accumulate as "stagnant Qi" in meridians like the Liver Meridian and Heart Meridian. Moxibustion stimulates Qi and blood circulation, stirring up and releasing this stagnant Qi, thus triggering emotional fluctuations.

In such cases, don’t suppress your feelings. Find a quiet place to let emotions flow naturally. You can also massage acupoints like Taichong (LR3, on the Liver Meridian) and Tanzhong (CV17, which regulates Qi in the chest) to help relieve stagnation. Usually, after the emotions are released, you’ll feel "light and open-minded," and such reactions will decrease in subsequent Moxibustion sessions.

Allergic Reactions: "Intense Battle" Between Healthy Qi and Pathogens

Skin rashes or itching after Moxibustion, similar to allergies, may indicate an "intense confrontation" between the body and pathogens. On one hand, a tiny number of people may be allergic to mugwort (the herb used in Moxibustion). More often, however, it’s a stress response as wind, dampness, or other pathogens in the body try to escape through the skin, driven by Yang Qi.

If the rash is mild and itching is slight, suspend Moxibustion for 1-2 days to observe if symptoms subside. If they worsen (accompanied by difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms), seek medical help immediately to determine if it’s a mugwort allergy or another issue. Be more cautious with acupoint selection and Moxibustion methods afterward.

Moxibustion’s disease-eliminating phenomena are a wonderful process of the body’s "self-healing." When encountering these reactions, don’t blindly panic, stop treatment, or give up Moxibustion. Distinguish between normal disease elimination and abnormal conditions, and consult a professional TCM practitioner when necessary. This way, you can better use Moxibustion to nourish your body and gain health!