Can I still use moxibustion if blisters form?

Moxibustion is a method of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine. The main tool is mugwort leaves. Through certain processing of the mugwort leaves, heat is generated to stimulate the acupuncture points of the human body. When the human body is in a disordered state, moxibustion is a very good conditioning method, which can not only prevent diseases but also assist in the treatment of diseases. Besides, moxibustion has a certain history in our country. So, can we still do moxibustion if it blisters?

Do blisters caused by moxibustion need to be popped?

If only small blisters appear on the skin after moxibustion, generally small blisters can be absorbed by themselves and no special treatment is required. Pay attention to protecting small local blisters, avoid friction with clothes, and let them absorb on their own.

Can I continue moxibustion if blisters appear?

The frequency of moxibustion treatments should be appropriately reduced.

Normal people rarely get blisters during moxibustion, only a few percent of people will get blisters. But for some people, who have heavy cold and dampness, and pathogenic qi that needs to be eliminated, blisters may occur. This is the most common cause of blisters from moxibustion. Large or small blisters caused by heavy dampness, cold and blocked meridians are a manifestation of the pathogenic factors in the body spreading outwards. Dampness and coldness are evil, while yang energy is righteous. When the evil is about to be forced out, moxibustion flowers will appear. Evil qi needs a channel to be expelled from the body, and moxibustion flower is this channel.

How to deal with blisters caused by moxibustion

1. If blisters appear locally, allow them to absorb naturally as long as they are not scratched. However, if the blister is larger, you can use a sterilized needle to puncture the blister from the bottom to release the fluid, and then apply a mixture of sesame oil and wormwood ash.

2. Disinfect the needle with alcohol, then poke one or several small holes, use a banknote to gently press out the water, and then use moxa to hang for 5 to 10 minutes. Use moxibustion once or several times a day to disinfect it. If treated in this way, the scar will not be too big after healing.

3. Use a sterilized needle to puncture the area below the blister to let the water flow out, then apply iodine or gentian violet. Bandage with sterile gauze, remember not to use Band-Aids, and let the skin heal naturally. If it itches, apply iodine or gentian violet to avoid infection.

Note: If you take western medicine, it may block the excretion of toxins, which may cause inflammation and mildew, and leave larger scars after healing. Use alcohol to disinfect. It’s okay if the skin is not broken. If the skin is broken, it will be too irritating. Moreover, alcohol can only reduce inflammation on the surface of the skin, not deep inside. Suspended moxibustion can reduce inflammation on the surface of the skin as well as deep inside the wound without causing much irritation to the wound.