Can I use moxibustion to treat diarrhea?

Diarrhea refers to an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, with very thin, watery stools. Diarrhea comes from several factors, including indigestion and problems with gastrointestinal function, which can cause diarrhea. After diarrhea occurs, some patients will take medication for treatment, while others will choose a dietary therapy. In addition to these, you can also achieve recovery effects through the use of moxibustion, because moxibustion is very effective for diarrhea.

Diarrhea, also known as loose stools, refers to an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, thin stools, or even watery stools. It can be divided into acute diarrhea and chronic diarrhea. The symptoms of chronic diarrhea are that the frequency of bowel movements is significantly higher than the usual frequency and the stool is thin.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that diarrhea is caused by various reasons that lead to abnormal spleen and stomach function, or insufficient vital energy, and spleen and kidney deficiency. Moxibustion is very effective in treating chronic diarrhea. Gentle moxibustion on 3 to 4 acupoints each time can treat diarrhea.

(1) Moxibustion on Shenque point

The center of the belly button. The moxibustion method is gentle moxibustion. The person being treated with moxibustion lies flat on his back, while the person applying the moxibustion stands beside him, holding one end of a lit moxa stick and aiming it at the moxibustion site, 3 cm away from the skin, and applying moxibustion in parallel, reciprocating left and right directions or repeatedly rotating. The moxibustion time is 1 to 2 times a day, each time for 10 to 15 minutes, until the skin turns red. It has the effects of warming the meridians and dispelling cold, balancing yin and yang, and regulating qi and blood.

(2) Moxibustion on Zhongwan acupoint

The midpoint of the line between the lower end of the sternum and the navel. The moxibustion method is gentle moxibustion. The person being treated with moxibustion lies flat on his back, while the person applying the moxibustion stands beside him, holding one end of a lit moxa stick and aiming it at the moxibustion site, 3 cm away from the skin, and applying moxibustion in parallel, reciprocating left and right directions or repeatedly rotating. The moxibustion time is 1-2 times a day, each time for 10-15 minutes, until the skin turns red.

It has the effect of strengthening the spleen and stomach.

(3) Moxibustion on Tianshu acupoint

About 3 finger widths on both sides of the navel. The moxibustion method is gentle moxibustion. The person being treated with moxibustion lies on his back, and the person applying the moxibustion holds a lit moxa stick and aims it at the acupuncture point, 1.5 to 3 cm away from the skin, until the moxibustion point feels warm and comfortable. The moxibustion time is once a day, each time for 10 to 20 minutes, and generally a course of treatment is 10 days.

It has the effect of dredging the large intestine's internal qi, promoting the production of body fluids and promoting bowel movements.

(4) Moxibustion on Zusanli acupoint

Located about 2 finger widths below the knee, one on each side. The moxibustion method is gentle moxibustion. Sit down, hold a lit moxa stick in your hand, aim it at the acupuncture point, 1.5-3 cm away from the skin, until you feel warmth and comfort at the moxibustion point. Moxibustion should be applied once a day for 3-15 minutes each time until the skin turns red. It is best to apply it before going to bed every night.

It can make the qi and blood grow continuously.

(5) Moxibustion on Hegu acupoint

The first horizontal line of the thumb joint of one hand is facing the base of the other hand. Bend the thumb and press down. The point where the fingertip points is the Hegu point. The moxibustion method is gentle moxibustion. Hold the lit moxa stick in your hand, aim at the acupuncture point, 1.5-3 cm away from the skin, until you feel warmth and comfort at the moxibustion site. The moxibustion session lasts 10 to 20 minutes each time, generally 3 to 4 times a week.

It has the effects of calming the mind, dredge meridians and activate blood circulation, regulate qi and relieve pain.