Tonifying Moxibustion — CV4, CV6, ST36 and GV4
StarClassical; the standard moxibustion prescription for depletion, and the basis of the Japanese and Chinese longevity moxa traditions.
Points
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Stores the original qi; the anchor of the prescription
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Raises and moves qi; the Sea of Qi
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Builds qi and blood from the middle burner; the longevity point
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Warms the source fire from the back
Treatment Principle
Build qi and warm yang at the source, using heat rather than needle.
Indications
Method
Indirect moxibustion — pole, cones on ginger, or a moxa box — over each point for five to ten minutes, until the skin is evenly pink and warm. Weekly or twice weekly over a course of several months for constitutional work.
⚠ Cautions
Not for use in heat patterns, in fever, or where there are signs of yin deficiency with heat — moxa will make those worse. Avoid over numb or insensate skin, in diabetic neuropathy, and in pregnancy over the lower abdomen. Ensure ventilation; moxa smoke is an irritant and a fire risk.
About
The classical tonifying prescription, and the clearest instance in the repertoire of moxibustion doing something needling cannot.
Rationale
CV4 and CV6 sit over the lower burner where the original qi is stored, GV4 over the same region from behind, and ST36 over the source of acquired qi in the middle burner. Heat rather than needle is the method because the aim is to add something, not to move it — the distinction classical texts draw between supplementing and draining.
Clinical Notes
Regular moxa at ST36 is the Japanese longevity practice, traditionally done for a set number of days each month. It is one of the few self-care techniques that can reasonably be taught to a patient, with proper instruction on burn risk.
Sources
- Deadman, Peter; Al-Khafaji, Mazin; Baker, Kevin. A Manual of Acupuncture.
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