Moxibustion for cold and flu

Cold is a relatively common symptom. We should choose the treatment method according to its cause. For example, we can use moxibustion to treat it, and moxibustion requires choosing the correct acupoints. The main acupoints targeted by moxibustion include Dazhui and Hegu. These acupoints are very good for dispelling cold, so we recommend that you can learn about the acupoint moxibustion treatment methods introduced below.

1. Which acupoints should be moxibustioned for colds?

1.1. Moxibustion on Dazhui Point

Location: Dazhui point is on the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra.

Efficacy: Dispel wind and relieve exterior symptoms, especially suitable for colds, nasal congestion and cough caused by wind and cold.

1.2. Hegu Point

That is what we commonly call the tiger's mouth. When you have a cold, moxibustion on Hegu is particularly effective for nasal congestion and clear runny nose. It should be noted that if the left nose is blocked, moxibustion should be applied to the right Hegu point, and if the right nose is blocked, moxibustion should be applied to the left Hegu point. Each moxibustion session lasts for 5 minutes.

1.3. Moxibustion on Fengchi acupoint

Location: Fengchi point is located on the back of the neck, below the occipital bone, level with Fengfu, in the depression between the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the upper end of the trapezius muscle.

Efficacy: Relieve headaches, has the effect of clearing away heat, dispersing wind and relieving exterior symptoms, and is especially suitable for headaches caused by wind-heat colds.

1.4 Fengfu Point

When finding the acupoint, feel down along the back of the head until you reach the depression, which is the Fengfu point. Fengfu point is one of the important acupoints on the Du meridian of the human body. It is mainly used to treat headaches, dizziness, neck stiffness and other head and neck diseases. Moxibustion for colds can relieve the cold and relieve neck stiffness caused by colds. This point is covered by hair, so the moxa stick should be placed a little further away.

1.5. Yingxiang Point

Location: Yingxiang point is located next to the midpoint of the outer edge of the nose, in the middle of the nasolabial groove.

Efficacy: Relieve nasal congestion and runny nose, dispel wind and cold, and clear the nasal passages. It is especially suitable for treating symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose after a cold.

1.6. Chize Point

Location: This point is located in the transverse line of the elbow, in the depression on the radial side of the biceps tendon.

Efficacy: Relieve cough, clear the lungs and reduce heat, especially suitable for treating symptoms such as cough and sputum after a cold.

Warm reminder: The above methods are only limited to colds without high fever and serious infection. If "high fever symptoms" such as high fever and convulsions occur, please seek medical attention immediately and take emergency measures for treatment.

2. How to use moxibustion to treat colds

Use gentle moxibustion for treatment: After lighting the moxa stick, hang it above the acupuncture point, and fumigate the skin with the moxa fire 2-3 cm away. Moxibustion each acupoint for 20 minutes, and moxibustion each acupoint in turn.

Both Fengchi and Fengfu acupoints are covered with hair. During moxibustion, the moxa stick should be slightly raised and the hair should be pushed aside with the other hand.

The sooner moxibustion is used to treat colds, the better. If you experience symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, and runny nose, you should go to the hospital immediately.

3. What are the contraindications of moxibustion for colds?

It is forbidden to eat during the moxibustion process. Do not wash your hands or take a bath with cold water within 1 hour after moxibustion. If you must wash your hands or take a bath under special circumstances, use hot water above body temperature and finish as quickly as possible. Tips for recuperation after moxibustion: Avoid wind and cold after moxibustion, be careful about your daily life and avoid eating raw, cold and rich foods. Only light vegetarian food is most suitable.

Do not moxibustion during menstruation; If you are planning to get pregnant, do not moxibustion without taking contraceptive measures (this is mainly to prevent you from getting pregnant during moxibustion without knowing it and continue moxibustion, especially on the abdomen, as high temperature in the abdomen will affect the fetus!) 1. Patients with persistent fever are prohibited from moxibustion;

Moxibustion is prohibited for pregnant women; moxibustion is prohibited on inflamed, red, swollen or ulcerated areas of the skin; people with skin allergies or hypersensitive skin are prohibited; moxibustion is prohibited after intense exercise; moxibustion is prohibited if the pulse exceeds 90 beats per minute.