Practical Guide to Cold and Flu Moxibustion Therapy

The common cold is a very common illness. The main symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, headache, chills, and sometimes a mild fever. Colds are more common in children and in older adults with weaker immunity. They are contagious, meaning you can catch them through close contact or by inhaling droplets in the air. Colds can occur at any time of the year, but they are especially common in winter and spring. For those looking for natural relief, Cold and Flu Moxibustion Therapy is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help ease these symptoms and support the body’s recovery.

What are the causes of colds?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it’s believed that wind is one of the main reasons people get sick. Many illnesses caused by outside factors are linked to wind, and catching a cold is often explained as wind entering the body.

Cold and Flu Moxibustion Therapy can be done right at the start of a cold. When applied until the body feels warm and starts to sweat a little, it can help ease headaches, a stuffy nose, and other discomforts. This therapy works by gently burning moxa near certain points on the body, which helps improve circulation and supports the body’s natural healing.

Why is moxibustion effective for colds?

Moxibustion stimulates acupuncture points with gentle heat, which warms the meridians and helps dispel cold. When you have a cold, your body is often affected by external wind and cold, leading to sluggish qi and blood flow. One of the main benefits of moxibustion is that it helps the body eliminate these external factors and improves circulation, which can relieve cold symptoms and promote overall wellness.

In addition, moxibustion can strengthen the immune system. Regular moxibustion of relevant acupoints can adjust the body’s state and reduce the occurrence of colds. However, it is important to note that moxibustion is an adjunctive therapy, and if the symptoms are severe, you should still seek medical attention.

Cold and Flu Moxibustion Therapy

Cold and flu moxibustion therapy focuses on a few key acupuncture points. These include the Lung Point, Wind Gate Point, and Great Vertebrae Point as the main points, and the Wind Pool Point as a supporting point. I will explain in detail the exact location and moxibustion method for each point below.

• It is recommended that moxibustion be done once a day for 3 consecutive days as a course of treatment.
• The duration of moxibustion for each point is about 10 to 20 minutes, which can be adjusted according to your personal feelings.
• Moxibustion to feel warm and comfortable, to avoid burns.

1. Cold and Flu Moxibustion Therapy: Fengmen(BL12)

• Use moxa sticks to gently moxibust the Fengmen(BL12) for 15 to 20 minutes once a day.
• Regular moxibustion or massage of this point can not only treat colds, but also prevent diseases such as tuberculosis or stroke.
• After moxibustion, you can gently press the point with your fingers to enhance the effect.
• Location of the Fengmen(BL12) acupoint
  Fengmen(BL12) is on the back, located in the spine area, under the spinous process of the second thoracic vertebra, 1.5 inches beside the posterior midline. Wind Gate is associated with wind evil, and frequent moxibustion of this point can prevent and treat colds and other respiratory ailments.

2.Cold and Flu Moxibustion Therapy: Feishu(BL13)

• Moxibustion at the Feishu(BL13) is performed similarly, using moxa sticks to gently moxibustion for 15 to 20 minutes, once a day.
• Before or after moxibustion, you can press firmly on this point with the thumb fingers of both hands until a feeling of soreness, numbness, swelling, and heaviness develops. This can help enhance the efficacy of moxibustion and promote recovery.
• Location of Feishu(BL13)
  The Feishu(BL13) is located on the back, specifically in the spine area, below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra, 1.5 inches off the posterior midline. This point is related to the respiratory system, and moxibustion at the Feishu(BL13) can help to promote the lungs and relieve symptoms of colds.

3.Cold and Flu Moxibustion Therapy: Fengchi (BG20)

• Before moxibustion of the Fengchi (BG20), it is recommended to massage this point for about 3 minutes. The massage can be done by gently pressing and kneading with the middle or index finger to produce a sensation of soreness, numbness, and distension.
• Then use moxa sticks to gently moxibustion for 15 to 20 minutes once a day. Fengchi points are very effective for relieving headaches and stiff necks caused by colds.
• Location of the Fengchi (BG20)
  The Fengchi (BG20) is located in the back of the neck area, in the socket at the outer edge of the two large tendons under the back of the skull, roughly flush with the earlobe. This point is often used to relieve headaches and neck discomfort, and is a common companion point for colds.

4. Cold and flu moxibustion therapy: Dazhui (GV14)

• The moxibustion method for the Dazhui (GV14) is to use moxa sticks to gently moxibustion for 15 to 20 minutes, once a day.
• If a cold is accompanied by fever, it can be combined with Gua Sha. Use a Gua Sha board to apply a flat scraping method to the Dazhui (GV14) until the skin becomes red. This can help reduce fever and relieve symptoms.
• Location of the Dazhui (GV14)
  The Dazhui (GV14) is located at the junction of the neck and back, specifically in the depression of the lower edge of the vertebrae, at the high protrusion of the vertebrae at the junction of the neck and back. Dazhui (GV14) is where yang energy converges, and moxibustion here is particularly effective for symptoms such as fever and headache.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moxibustion for Colds

Q: Is moxibustion suitable for everyone?

A: Generally speaking, moxibustion is suitable for most people, but pregnant women, young children, or people with sensitive skin should use it with caution. It is best done under professional guidance.

Q: When is the best time to start moxibustion when I have a cold?

A: The earlier the better. Moxibustion is most effective in the early stages of a cold when symptoms are mild. If there is already a fever or it is severe, consult your doctor first.

Q: How long does it take for moxibustion to work?

A: It varies from person to person. Usually, after 1 to 3 sessions of moxibustion, symptoms will be relieved. Adhering to a course of treatment is more effective.

Q: Can I do moxibustion at home?

A: Yes, but beginners are advised to learn the correct method first or use tools such as moxa boxes to ensure safety. There are many video tutorials available online for reference.

We hope this cold and flu moxibustion therapy guide will help you easily understand how to use moxibustion to fight colds and flu. Staying healthy starts with daily prevention!