What are the reactions to moxibustion?

Moxibustion has already appeared in ancient times, and people have always highly praised this external treatment method of traditional Chinese medicine. However, moxibustion cannot be performed for some friends who are in poor physical condition, such as women who are menstruating. After moxibustion, the human body will have some reactions. Many people think that this is a side effect, but it is not. So, what are the reactions to moxibustion?

1. Numbness and coldness in the acupoints

After moxibustion, there is a feeling of wind blowing out of the knees or numbness; and moxibustion on the Mingmen point or the navel Yongquan point may make the point feel cold, which is a phenomenon of expelling wind evil or cold and dampness.

2. Red and white spots

If the skin flushes unevenly after moxibustion, there will be light white spots of varying sizes in the middle of the flush, and some may even have more white than red!

This is due to the blockage of local meridians and poor circulation of Qi and blood. It is recommended to continue the moxibustion treatment until the warmth sensation at the moxibustion site increases, the white spots on the skin disappear, and uniform flushing and sweating appear, which is a sufficient dose for one course of treatment.

3. The skin is flushed and watery

During the moxibustion process, the skin around the acupoints will appear flushed in patches, and even have water vapor, and feel moist to the touch (this phenomenon usually occurs when using a moxibustion box or moxibustion cup; this reaction rarely occurs with suspended moxibustion). This reaction usually indicates that the amount of moxibustion at one time is relatively sufficient and the moxibustion can be stopped.

4. Rash and itching

If there is a lot of moisture in the body, small rashes will appear on the face or body during the moxibustion treatment, and itching will occur. This is a manifestation of the expulsion of moisture from the body. In this case, continue to apply moxibustion for observation. If the rash disappears on its own, stop. If it does not disappear or gets worse, add moxibustion on Quchi and Hegu.

Patients with severe gynecological problems will experience these symptoms around the navel and groin during moxibustion.

5. Sounds appear deep in the acupuncture points

Sometimes during the moxibustion process, especially after a certain course of moxibustion, the practitioner will feel a sound deep in the acupoint. This is a sign that the long-stagnant meridians have been unblocked after a certain amount of moxibustion has been achieved.

Long-term and intractable diseases will often show significant improvement after a sound is heard deep beneath the acupoints.