Moxibustion Procedures, Precautions, and Clinical Orders for Acupuncture Weight Loss

2. Moxibustion with moxa cones. [Main acupoints]Yangchi, Sanjiaoshu. [Supporting acupoints]Diji, Mingmen, Sanyinjiao, Dazhui. [Operation method]Take one main acupoint and one supporting acupoint each time. Cut fresh ginger into thin slices with a diameter of 2-3 cm and a thickness of 0.2-0.3 cm. Make several holes in the middle with a needle. Then place the ginger slice on the acupoint or affected area to be moxibusted, and place a moxa cone 1 cm high on it for moxibustion. When the moxa cone burns out, replace it with another cone for moxibustion. Moxibustion is performed 5-6 times each time, until the skin is red and moist without blistering. Once a day, one month is one course of treatment. [Location of acupoints](1) Yangchi: In the middle of the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the ulnar side of the extensor digitorum tendon. (2) Sanjiaoshu: In the waist, below the spinous process of the first lumbar vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline. (3) Diji: On the inner side of the lower leg, on the line connecting the tip of the medial malleolus and Yinlingquan acupoint, 3 cun below Yinlingquan acupoint.

(4) Sanyinjiao: On the medial side of the lower leg, 3 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, behind the medial border of the tibia. (5) Mingmen: In supine position, in the lumbar region, on the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. (6) Dazhui: On the posterior midline, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. [Precautions](1) Aim the lit moxa stick or moxa cone at the acupoint to provide a gentle heat to the local area, to the point of feeling warm and comfortable and tolerable. (2) When applying moxibustion, generally apply it to the upper body first, then the lower body and abdomen; apply it to the head and torso first, then the limbs. If the order of moxibustion is not followed, and the lower body is applied first, then the head, patients often experience symptoms such as facial flushing, dry throat and mouth. Pay attention to safety when applying moxibustion to prevent the burning moxa wool from igniting or falling off and burning the skin or clothing.

(3) The moxibustion time can be 3 to 5 minutes, with a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes. Generally, the time for health-preserving moxibustion can be slightly shorter, while the time for post-illness recovery moxibustion can be slightly longer; the time for moxibustion should be shorter in spring and summer, and longer in autumn and winter; the time for moxibustion on the limbs and chest should be shorter, while the time for moxibustion on the abdomen and back should be longer; the time for moxibustion on the elderly, women, and children should be shorter, while the time for moxibustion on young adults can be slightly longer. (4) After moxibustion, it is normal for the local skin to become slightly red and hot, which does not require treatment and will disappear on its own soon. If blisters appear, small ones can be absorbed on their own, while large ones can be punctured with a sterilized acupuncture needle to release the fluid, then badger oil or gentian violet can be applied, and then covered with sterilized gauze. (5) Moxibustion should not be applied to the abdomen and lumbosacral region of pregnant women.

Precautions for Acupuncture Weight Loss: 1. Strictly following the doctor's instructions is the fundamental guarantee for successful weight loss. Traditional Chinese medicine meridian weight loss requires treatment in courses, meaning treatment must be continuous, with no more than two days' interval between sessions. Since everyone's degree of obesity is different, if the desired results are not achieved in the first month, treatment should continue in the second and third months. 2. Because fat metabolism takes time, it is normal for weight changes to be subtle during the weight loss process. 3. To help obese individuals return to a normal weight as quickly as possible, avoid consuming fruits or foods high in sugar during the weight loss period. Try to eat sugar-free or low-sugar foods.

4. Replenish fluids, especially by drinking plenty of hot water to accelerate blood circulation and boost metabolism. 5. Appropriately increase low-intensity, high-density physical exercise and housework to inhibit fat synthesis while accelerating fat breakdown and metabolism. 6. Appropriately extend mealtimes to ensure nutritional balance, energy balance, and a balanced approach to eating. Maintain adequate sleep intervals; avoid sleeping immediately after eating. 7. Avoid wolfing down food; encourage slow and thorough chewing. Avoid eating large meals at once; while maintaining the same total energy intake, encourage smaller, more frequent meals.