Simple 10-Minute Ginger Moxibustion Operation Tips
Ginger moxibustion, simply put, is a healthcare method that combines ginger and moxibustion. It works by placing slices of ginger on specific parts of the body and heating them with moxibustion to warm the body and relieve discomfort.
In the ancient medical book “Zhen Jiu Da Cheng” (Acupuncture and Moxibustion), Ming Dynasty medical doctor Yang Jizhou recorded: “Moxibustion is performed by slicing ginger as thick as a coin, attaching it to an acupuncture point, and then moxibusting it.” Another Ming Dynasty physician, Zhang Jingyue, also mentioned in the “Lei Jing Tu Yi” that slices of ginger placed on the area of hemorrhoid pain and then moxibusted can relieve the symptoms. These records refer to ginger moxibustion.
Principles and Effects of Ginger Moxibustion
Ginger moxibustion is performed by slicing ginger into thin slices, placing them on acupuncture points, then lighting moxibustion sticks and heating them above the slices. This method combines the dual effects of ginger and moxibustion for better results.
Role of Ginger
It is recorded in the ancient medical book “Ming Yi Bie Lu” (Famous Doctors’ Records) that ginger is pungent in flavor and slightly warm in nature, and can be used to treat colds, headaches, nasal congestion, coughing, and vomiting.
Ginger has the effect of dispelling wind and dispersing cold, regulating the spleen and stomach, warming the menstruation, and relieving pain, detoxifying and reducing swelling.
Using fresh ginger together with moxibustion can enhance the effects of warming the stomach, relieving cough, and resolving phlegm.
Effects of Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a method of heat therapy that warms the body by burning moxibustion sticks and utilizing their warming effect.
The benefits of moxibustion are that it warms the meridians, dispels cold, removes dampness, promotes the flow of Qi and blood, and helps the body regain health.
In spaced ginger moxibustion, the heat from the moxibustion passes through the ginger and works more deeply on the acupoints, enhancing the healing effect.
Ginger + Moxibustion: Enhanced Effects
Moxibustion is warm in nature and can pass through the meridians and channels of the whole body, elevate Yang Qi, expel cold and dampness, and regulate Qi and blood.
Ginger is mildly warm and belongs to the lung, spleen, and stomach meridians, which can disperse cold, warm the stomach, relieve cough, and resolve phlegm.
The combination of the two not only relieves muscle pain, joint discomfort, and cervical spondylosis but also improves sleep and strengthens immunity.
As stated in the Compendium of Materia Medica, moxibustion can regulate a wide range of ailments and help the body regain its health. The addition of ginger doubles the effect.
How to Operate Ginger Moxibustion
- Prepare the materials: ginger, moxa sticks, a lighter or matches, a moxa box or moxa stand (optional), and medical tape or bandage (optional).
- Choose acupoints: Select acupoints according to personal needs. Commonly used acupoints include Zusanli (Foot Sanli), Guanyuan, and Qihai etc.
- Cut ginger slices: Cut ginger into slices about 0.3–0.5 cm thick, and use a toothpick to poke a few small holes in it to facilitate heat conduction.
- Place the ginger slices: Place the ginger slices on the selected acupoints, which can be fixed with adhesive tape to prevent movement.
- Light the moxa stick: Light one end of the moxa stick and place it on top of the ginger slice to heat it up. Be careful to control the distance to avoid burning the skin.
- Moxibustion Duration: Apply for 10–20 minutes for each acupuncture point, and the time can be adjusted according to individual conditions.
Who is Ginger Moxibustion for?
Ginger moxibustion is suitable for symptoms caused by external wind-cold or body weakness, such as:
- Colds.
- Joint pain, Bi syndrome (Bi Zheng), caused by wind, cold, and dampness.
- Gastrointestinal discomforts such as vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachache.
- Weakness, deficiency of Qi and blood.
In addition, patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting can also try ginger moxibustion, as it has the effect of warming the stomach and stopping vomiting.
Who is not suitable for Ginger Moxibustion?
Ginger moxibustion is not recommended for the following people:
- People with a “hot” constitution or Yin deficiency with heat (or Yin deficiency fire), such as those with high fever, hypertensive crisis, advanced tuberculosis, severe anemia, or acute infectious diseases.
- Heart disease with cardiac insufficiency.
- Patients with schizophrenia.
- Pregnant women: Moxibustion should not be applied to the abdomen or lumbosacral area.
- Skin with broken or ulcerated areas.
Precautions for Ginger Moxibustion
- Choose fresh, mature ginger; cut it immediately before use; do not use old ginger that has dried out or young ginger.
- Ginger thickness can be adjusted according to the body part: sensitive parts should use thicker slices, while areas of acute pain may use thinner slices.
- Pay attention to prevent burns when applying moxibustion, especially with children. If blisters occur, they can be sterilized with alcohol, punctured with a sterile needle, and coated with burn cream.
- Pay attention to fire safety to avoid igniting clothing or bedding.
