Author: Beijing Shanguimin Moxibustion
Introduction:
Many individuals who are new to moxibustion therapy often experience its benefits. However, being newcomers to this ancient practice, they may lack basic knowledge about moxibustion. This lack of understanding can lead to confusion and concern when various reactions occur after moxibustion sessions, such as skin rashes, itching, insomnia, diarrhea, and even fever. People may wonder if these symptoms indicate an allergic reaction or if moxibustion is unsuitable for them. In reality, the appearance of certain symptoms signifies that moxibustion is working and that the body is undergoing a healing response. This phenomenon is referred to as a “healing reaction” in traditional Chinese medicine.
Section 1: What is a Healing Reaction?
Ancient texts like the “Shang Shu” emphasize that if there is no noticeable response in the body after administering treatment, it becomes challenging to cure diseases. This means that when a therapy, like moxibustion, stimulates the body, it should induce a reaction. If there is no reaction, it might indicate that the treatment wasn’t potent enough to initiate the body’s healing mechanisms. Traditional Chinese medicine leverages the body’s innate abilities to combat pathogens by allowing the body’s vital energy (qi) to confront these invaders. However, these pathogens don’t wait passively to be eliminated; they move throughout the body’s meridians. Therefore, when using moxibustion or similar methods, people might sense certain bodily changes, signifying the expulsion of hidden “pathogens” that are not visible to the eye. In essence, a healing reaction is a beneficial adjustment response that promotes the overall well-being of the body.
Section 2: Identifying Healing Reactions
A healing reaction can manifest in various ways:
- Itching, Blisters, and Sweating:
- Itching: Moxibustion helps bolster the body’s yang energy. As the vital energy flows, it disperses cold, dampness, and external pathogens, resulting in skin rashes, red spots, and itching. These symptoms indicate the expulsion of cold, dampness, and wind pathogens.
Response: Continue moxibustion to expel cold, dampness, and wind from the body. You can also enhance the effect by moxibusting points like Spleen Shu and Zusanli. Consuming foods like yams and millet can be beneficial. - Blisters: It’s essential to differentiate between moxibustion blisters and burns. Blisters during moxibustion are a form of healing reaction. Larger blisters are more likely to occur in individuals with meridian blockages or severe dampness. Beginners may experience more blisters during moxibustion, especially in areas with health issues.
Response: Small blisters can be left to heal naturally, while larger ones can be carefully punctured from the bottom to release the fluid. Do not break the skin. You can apply a mixture of sesame oil and moxa ash on the affected area based on your body’s suitability. - Sweating: Sweating after moxibustion is a normal response and can be highly beneficial if you feel well afterward. However, excessive weakness the next day might indicate that the moxibustion was too intense.
Response: If excessive weakness follows sweating, consider reducing the moxibustion intensity or taking a break for a day or two before continuing. Consume foods that nourish the spleen and lungs, like pumpkin, chestnuts, peanuts, jujubes, and beef. For those with qi deficiency, a weekly serving of beef broth can be beneficial.
- Heat, Fever, and Internal Heat:
- Heat: During moxibustion, you may feel the formation of internal heat circulating through the meridians. For example, while moxibusting the abdomen, you might feel heat on your back. This sensation is commonly referred to as “getting the qi” or moxibustion sensation.
Response: Embrace this sensation when it occurs during moxibustion. Moxibustion can continue until the sensation diminishes. - Fever: Fever is a comprehensive reaction that may appear after your body’s recovery mechanisms have fully engaged. It indicates robust qi and blood circulation, a strengthening of your constitution, rather than an infection or inflammation.
Response: To alleviate fever, employ physical methods like body rubbing instead of using fever-reducing medications. Seek a qualified professional for traditional Chinese therapies such as gua sha. Additionally, consider oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. - Internal Heat: Several factors can lead to increased internal heat due to moxibustion, such as excessive moxibustion, improper acupoint selection, or late-night moxibustion sessions. People with yin deficiency or meridian blockages are more susceptible to internal heat.
Response: Avoid moxibustion after 9 to 10 PM. Those prone to internal heat should soak their feet regularly, massage the feet with their palms, and moxibustion points like Sanyinjiao, Taixi, and Yongquan during sessions. Drinking warm water or honey water can help balance internal heat.
- Menstrual Changes, Diarrhea, and Insomnia:
- Menstrual Changes: Many women notice increased menstrual flow, dark-colored blood, or the passage of blood clots after moxibustion. This is the body’s way of eliminating internal stasis.
Response: Maintain proper nutrition, a balanced routine, and hygiene during menstruation. Engage in physical activities that promote the circulation of qi and blood to expedite the expulsion of stagnant blood and waste from the body. - Diarrhea: Individuals with yang deficiency may experience post-moxibustion diarrhea, as the stimulation of yang energy helps regulate bowel function.
Response: Combat diarrhea by taking oral rehydration salts and performing abdominal massage in a counterclockwise direction. Continue moxibustion, and for those with weakened spleen and stomach function, moxibustion on acupoints like Zusanli and Pishu can be beneficial. For those with liver and gallbladder issues, consider accompanying moxibustion on Ganshu, Danshu, and Taichong. - Insomnia: Post-moxibustion, the body’s yang energy ascends. If the individual has relative yin deficiency, the rapid increase in yang energy can lead to temporary insomnia.
Response: Insomnia is a temporary condition, and moxibustion can help the body adjust to a balance of yin and yang, ultimately alleviating insomnia. For those experiencing severe insomnia, consider moxibusting points such as Shenmen, Sanyinjiao, Zhaohai, and Yongquan before bedtime. This can help regulate qi flow and improve sleep quality.
Section 3: How to Distinguish between Illness and Healing Reactions
Distinguishing between illness and healing reactions is relatively simple. First, ascertain if the reactions are induced by external factors. Did you catch a cold or get exposed to chilly conditions during moxibustion? Did you consume any problematic foods? Were you in contact with allergens or infection sources? Have your emotions been highly fluctuating? If these reactions occurred without any external influence and are solely related to moxibustion therapy, they can be considered healing reactions. Another way to judge is by assessing how tired you feel. If you remain energetic and do not experience significant fatigue during this period, it is more likely that you are experiencing healing reactions.
It’s important to understand that healing reactions in moxibustion therapy are a positive sign of the body’s improvement and adjustment towards better health. Instead of being alarmed, embrace these reactions as part of the healing process. Employ the methods discussed in this article to effectively manage and adapt to these reactions.
