6 Ways to Boost your Energy and Immune System with Moxibustion
Following the zoom demonstration we were asked if there was a “chart” or description of the points mentioned. So we put together the following document to help you find the points & answer some of the questions raised. Please note this is a basic guide & not a definitive description of the functions of the points.
What is “Qi”?
It is usually described as “vital life force” it is the energy of life that flows within us. It is an Oriental concept. Known as “Ki” in japanese or “Prana” in Sanskrit, Ayurveda or Tibetan Medicine. The idea is that we have an energy force within us flowing through our bodies which is what makes us alive! Keeping this in balance and at optimum strength is what keeps us well if imbalances manifest - disease or illness develops. It is said we have different types of “qi” pertaining to the different organs or meridians - we come into this world with a storehouse of “qi” or ancestral “qi” which we consume with life - we make “qi” from our digestion & are protected with a shield of “wei-qi” from attack by external pathogenic factors like wind, cold, damp, heat, dryness, bacteria, mould, virus etc… I think we can all relate to these concepts & they would be referred to in our common language - “ I caught a chill, or a cold” - we know to wrap up in the wind or avoid a draught. Our mind guides our “qi” thus it is so important what we think. Literally what think or what we dwell on is what we will manifest - so as the wonderful Vietnamese Buddhist monk - Thich Nhat Hanh says -” Water the seeds of joy”!
What are Acupuncture points and Meridians?
Acupuncture points are how we access the energy or qi that flows in the meridians or channels. Each meridian is named after its corresponding internal organ - you could say the energy flowing is like a metro train travelling along the channel, channels flow within the body. In order to catch a specific train you need to go to the right “metro station” these we call points. Some points have more than one “metro” line or channel flowing through them. All points influence specific aspects of the function of the organ after which they are named.
Why do we get sick:
In Oriental medicine the functions of the organs or scope goes way beyond or is bigger than the western view of the organ - it covers a physical, emotional, mental & spiritual aspects as well. These concepts help us understand the interdependence & “climate” within the internal “world” of our bodies - this in turn can help us to understand what are our particular imbalances which in itself creates the dis-ease resulting in many of our modern “sickness”.
How can we get better?
Rebalancing these energies, & strengthening any deficiencies in our system or body is how we heal ourself. A basic understanding of these heath concepts has been around for the last 3000 years - so although not “scientific” parcay an understanding can help us to stay healthy and balanced in this increasingly challenging world.
Why use these 6 points?
The treatment suggested is to generally strengthen our core energy by supporting digestion to make energy that our body can then use to create and boost our defensive energy or our protective shield of energy - what is called wei qi in chinese or can be understood as “boost the immune system” in the west.
What is Moxibustion:
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which the dried herb (Moxa) Artemisia Argyi or Artemisia Princeps Pampan (Ai Ye) “Mugwort” is burnt at specific acupuncture points on the body.
Japanese scientists have found that the infrared radiation produced from burning moxa is very similar to the natural infrared radiation in the body.
Moxa is used to strengthen the immune system, lower the effect of inflammatory factors and increase cerebral blood flow. Warm the body and to bring more qi (energy) and blood flow to an area.
Research on the benefits of Moxibustion:
by Tohya Kazou, Ph.D (from the November 2002 issue NAJOM) indicates that moxa:
Brings an inflammatory response to the area
Chemicals from moxa (ash) left over after burning have a positive effect on the immune response of the body
Increases circulation of lymphocytes and helps produce interferons in the body
Marked increase of the circulation of white blood cells in the body to strengthen the immune system
What are the points to use?
Stomach 36
Spleen 6
Kidney 3 & (Kidney 1)
Ren or Conception Vessel 4
Ren or Conception Vessel 6
Ren or Conception Vessel 12
Zusanli St-36 (Leg 3 miles)
Stomach Meridian
Location of Location of Zusanli ST-36 (Leg Three Miles)
On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun below ST 35, one finger-breadth (middle finger) from the anterior crest of the tibia.
In simple terms - 4 finger widths (of the patient’s hand) down below the kneecap in what is usually a slight dip or depression on the outer side of the lower leg. This is a large point.
General functions of Zusanli ST-36 (Leg Three Miles)
Improves digestion & strengthens both the stomach & Spleen. Helps to generate “qi” or energy and blood, strengthens the body & the “wei qi” or defensive energy against sickness (boosts immune system). Raises energy, helps to resolve “dampness in the body” (feelings of heaviness, swelling, edema, borborygmus, flatulence, diarrhoea, dysenteric disorder, undigested food in the stool, cold in the intestines, lower abdominal pain & swelling with the inability to urinate, jaundice.) calms the mind, (mania-depression, manic singing, raving, abusive talk, anger & fright, tendency to sadness, outrageous laughter) activates the meridian & stops pain. Treats Stomach channel disorders: breast abscess, swelling of the breast, chest pain. Revives “yang” & restore consciousness. With Zusanli ST-36 “All diseases can be treated” (Qin Cheng-zu, Song dynasty)
Sanyinjiao Spleen-6 (Three yin Intersection)
Spleen Meridian (Channel)
Location of sanyinjiao Spleen-6 (Three yin Intersection)
On the medial side of the lower leg, “3 cun” superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, in the depression close to the medial crest of the tibia.
The point is four finger widths (four fingers of the patient) up from the highest point of the inside “knobbly” ankle bone, on the depression your finger naturally wants to fall into!
General functions of sanyinjiao Spleen-6 (Three yin Intersection)
This is the meeting points of the 3 “yin“ meridians of the leg - ie Kidney, Spleen & Liver so influences all three meridians. It is one of the most commonly used points & because it influences all these three meridians and is an important point in the treatment of digestive, gynecological or emotional condition.
Spleen 6 strengthens the Stomach, Spleen & Kidneys, nourishes blood & ‘Yin”. Resolves “Dampness”, harmonizes the Liver, regulates menstruation, cools & invigorates the blood, benefits urination & calms the mind.
Taixi KID-3 (Supreme Stream)
Kidney Meridian (Channel)
Location of Taixi Kidney-3 (Supreme Stream)
Locate Kidney-3 on the (medial ) inside of the foot at the depression at the midpoint between the ankle bone (medial malleolus) and the achilles heel
General functions of Taixi Kidney-3 (supreme Stream)
This is an important point to use in any kidney deficiency pattern - both of the main organ and the channel. As it is a “stream” point it affects the flow of energy along the kidney channel strongly alleviating pain. As the kidney circulates the genitals and travels up inside the body to the vertex of the head (All meridians meet at this point - BaiHui, Du-20) so is clinically used to bring down headaches, dizziness, toothache, deafness, tinnitus, lumbar pain, (kidneys control the teeth, bones & lower back) insomnia (as there is a relationship between kidney & heart), It benefits the lungs as the kidney is said to “grasp the Qi” so cough, shortness of breath, cough, asthma. By treating the kidney it is seen as treating thes “root” of many conditions. It is the “fire” of the kidney which can be likened to the pilot light that keeps the fire function of all the organs going - The kidney can be seen as a reserve of energy our savings - so in times of stress we pull on our savings, signs of old age is decline in kidney energy so protecting the kidney and strengthening this energy is vital for preserving our health.
Yongquan KID-1 (Gushing Spring)
Kidney Meridian (Channel)
The location of Yongqian Kidney-1 is found on the sole - approx 2/3rds up from the heel at the midpoint a small depression is seen just behind the “pad” of the “ball” of the foot.
General functions of Yongqian Kidney-1 (Gushing Spring)
YongQuan Ki-1 (Gushing Spring) is the lowest point on the body, being the only recognised point on the sole of the foot. It is well known for its calming and descending properties – as the Manual of Acupuncture puts it, it ‘returns the unrooted back to its source’ It is commonly used to quieten the mind, and for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes & night sweats. It brings down “liver yang /wind or fire” It is seen to return the “unrooted” to its source” These concepts manifest in western terms as- loss of consciousness, headache, stiff pain of the neck, dizziness, hypertension, epilepsy, infantile convulsions, manic psychosis. it calms the mind - agitation, insomnia, poor memory, propensity for fear, as examples.
Guanyuan REN-4 (Gate of the source/origin)
Do not needle or Moxa this point in pregnant women
Ren Meridian (Channel) or Conception Vessel
Location of Yongqian Kidney-1 (Gushing Spring)
The point is found on the sole - approx 2/3rds up from the heel at the midpoint a small depression is seen just behind the “pad” of the “ball” of the foot.
General functions of Guanyuan REN-4 (Gate of the source/origin)
This point has a direct effect on the small intestine & is a crossing point for the Liver, Spleen & Kidney. It strengthens and nourishes especially both Kidney “yin “& “yang” (fire & water) - nourishes “essence” our core ancestral qi & warms and fortifies both the spleen & Kidney which is why we have included it here! - additionally it calms the spirit (mind) benefits menstruation & the uterus, raises collapse so can be used for to benefit diarrhea, prolapse of the rectum or uterus, Irregular menstruation, painful periods, Irregular menstruation & infertility.
Moxa is excellent on this point for patients who are weak & lost their strength either through old age or illness.
Qihai REN-6 (Sea of Qi)
Ren Meridian (Channel) or Conception Vessel
Do not needle or Moxa this point in pregnant women
On the midline of the lower abdomen, Midway between the umbilicus & Ren 4.
General functions of Qihai REN-6 (Sea of Qi)
This point is said to “Fosters original qi”, tonify qi, strengthen the kidneys and collapse of yang energy & regulate qi & blood. Its name indicates it has access to what is referred to “sea of Qi” - There is a concept in Chinese medicine that we have a hidden reserve of vital qi called the sea of qi that can be accessed via this point. In martial arts this part of the body is known as the “Dan Tian” and one is taught in “Qi Kung” to develop this powerhouse of energy to operate - move from rather than the head which is what mistakenly drives most of us. This point accesses and augments this “sea of qi”!
Zhongwan REN-12 (Middle Cavity)
Ren Meridian (Channel) or Conception Vessel
Ren channel / Conception vessel. Ren is where the yin fluids from the entire body get collected.
Location of Zhongwan Ren-12 (Middle Cavity)
On the midline of the abdomen, midway between the umbilicus & the sternocostal angle.
General functions of Zhongwan Ren-12 (Middle Cavity)
This point is included as it has a direct effect on the stomach (& fortifies the Spleen) & thus digestion which is the source of our “current account” of energy - “we are what we eat & what we think”! Both are digestive functions from an Oriental perspective - Our reserve of energy - deposit account of energy is stored in the kidneys - so by treating along this Ren / Conception vessel Channel (including Ren 4 & 6) we are strengthening both how we make qi/energy & how we can store qi/energy
Work with Nona:
Nona is currently offering 1:1 online Herbal Consultations through Zoom
Moxa Can be brought on line from www.docsave.com
References
The Web that has no Weaver - Understanding Chinese Medicine - Ted Kapchuk
A Manual of Acupuncture - Peter Deadman & Mazin Al-Khafaji with Kevin Baker