TCM Acupuncture and Massage

Chapter 33 Common Acupuncture and Moxibustion Methods (4)
(1) Gentle moxibustion: When applying moxibustion, ignite one end of the moxa stick, point it at the acupoint or affected area to be moxibustion, and smoke and bake it about 2-3cm away from the skin, so that the patient can feel warm locally without burning pain. Generally moxibustion for 10 to 15 minutes at each site until the skin appears flushed.For patients or children with fainting or local loss of consciousness, the doctor can place the index and middle fingers on both sides of the moxibustion site, so that the degree of local heating of the patient can be detected by the feeling of the doctor's fingers, so as to adjust the moxibustion time at any time and distance to prevent burns.It has a wide range of clinical applications and is suitable for all moxibustion treatments.

(2) Bird pecking moxibustion: When moxibustion is applied, the ignited end of the moxa stick is not fixed at a certain distance from the skin of the moxibustion site, but moxibustion is applied moving up and down like a bird pecking at food.Generally, each point is moxibustion for 5 minutes.It is mostly used for first aid of fainting, children's diseases, abnormal fetal position, agalactia, etc.This method has a strong sense of heat, so pay attention to prevent burns to the skin.

(3) Rotating moxibustion: During moxibustion, although the ignited end of the moxa stick is kept at a certain distance from the skin of the moxibustion site, it is not fixed, but moxibustion is performed by moving to the left and right or repeatedly rotating.Make the skin feel warm without burning pain.Generally, each point is moxibustion for 10 to 15 minutes.The moving range is about 3cm.It is suitable for wind-cold-damp arthralgia and paralysis.

2. Massage moxibustion. Press moxa sticks or tissue paper several layers on the acupoints to make the heat penetrate deep into the skin. After the fire is extinguished and the heat is reduced, re-ignite the moxibustion. This is called massaging moxibustion.When applying moxibustion, first place several layers of cloth or paper on the moxibustion acupoints or the affected area, then ignite one end of the drug moxa roll, press it on the operation site while it is hot, and pause for 1 to 2 seconds to make the heat penetrate deep. When the moxa fire goes out, press it again; or wrap the moxa fire with 6-7 layers of cloth and iron it on the acupuncture points. If the fire goes out, press it again.The most commonly used are Taiyi acupuncture and Leihuo acupuncture, which are suitable for wind-cold-damp arthralgia, flaccidity syndrome and deficiency-cold syndrome.

([-]) Warming acupuncture and moxibustion
Warming needling moxibustion is a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion. It is suitable for diseases that require both acupuncture and moxibustion.The operation method is as follows: insert the needle into the acupoint, and give appropriate reinforcing and reducing techniques to retain the needle, pinch the pure and soft moxa on the tail of the needle, or insert a piece of moxa stick about 2cm long on the handle of the needle, and ignite it for moxibustion. .After the moxa or moxa sticks are burnt out, remove the ashes and take out the needles.Moxibustion can be applied to each point for 3 to 5 points each time, and the needles are taken out after the moxibustion is completed.This method is a simple and easy method of combining acupuncture and moxibustion. The heat of burning moxa can be transmitted to the human body through the needle body, so that it can play the role of acupuncture and moxibustion to achieve the purpose of treatment.When applying this method, care should be taken to prevent ash fire from falling off and burning the skin.

([-]) Moxibustion with moxibustion device

Moxibustion device is a kind of appliance specially used for moxibustion. The method of moxibustion with moxibustion device is called moxibustion device moxibustion. There are moxibustion box and moxibustion cylinder commonly used in clinic.When performing moxibustion, put moxa, or mixed with medicine, into the small tube of the moxibustion device. After lighting it, fasten the cover of the moxibustion device, and then place it on the acupoint or moxibustion site for ironing and moxibustion. The moxibustion time is about 15 hours. ~ 20 minutes, until the skin of the moxibustion site is rosy.It has the effect of reconciling Qi and blood, warming the middle and dispelling cold. Generally, it can be used by those who need moxibustion, and it is most suitable for children, women and those who are afraid of moxibustion.

([-]) Other moxibustion methods

Also known as non-moxibustion, it refers to the moxibustion treatment method that uses items other than moxa as moxibustion materials.Commonly used are the following:
1. Light moxibustion, also known as light grass moxibustion, light grass essence, oil twist moxibustion, 13 yuan Xiaohuo, also known as magic light, is a simple moxibustion method that has been used for a long time among the people.That is to say, take a 10-15cm long rush or paper rope, dip it in sesame oil or other vegetable oil, and dip it in about 3-4cm long. After igniting the fire, use quick movements to aim at the acupuncture points. The blanching sound can be repeated once.After moxibustion, the skin is a little yellowish, and occasionally there are vesicles.This method is mainly used for children with mumps, throat moth, vomiting and diarrhea, measles, convulsions and other diseases.

"Youyou Integration" called it "the first shortcut in children's science".

2. Sky moxibustion is also called medicinal moxibustion and foaming moxibustion.It is a method of applying some irritating drugs to acupuncture points or affected areas to promote local skin blisters.The medicines used are mostly single traditional Chinese medicines, and compound prescriptions are also useful. There are dozens of kinds of white mustard moxibustion, Asarum moxibustion, Aracea moxibustion, and garlic moxibustion.

(1) White mustard seed moxibustion: Grind an appropriate amount of white mustard seed into fine powder, mix it with water to make a paste, apply it on acupoints or affected areas, and fix it with musk ointment.Apply for 1 to 3 hours, with local skin burning pain as the degree.Generally, it can be used to treat cough and asthma, arthralgia, mouth and eye slanting and other diseases.

(2) Asarum moxibustion: Take an appropriate amount of Asarum, grind it into fine powder, add a little vinegar to make a paste, apply it on the acupuncture points, and fix it with musk ointment.Apply for 1 to 3 hours, with local skin burning pain as the degree.For example, apply Yongquan or Shenque acupoints to treat stomatitis in children.

(3) Aracea moxibustion: Take an appropriate amount of Aracea, grind it into a fine powder, mix it with water to make a paste, apply it on the acupuncture points, and fix it with musk ointment.Apply for 1 to 3 hours, with local skin burning pain as the degree.For example, apply it on the buccal car and zygomatic iliac points to treat facial paralysis.

(4) Garlic moxibustion: mash the garlic like mud, take 3-5g and apply it on the acupoints, fix it with musk ointment, apply it for 1-3 hours, and take local skin burning pain as the degree.For example, apply Yongquan point to treat hemoptysis and epistaxis, apply Hegu point to treat tonsillitis, apply Yuji point to treat sore throat, etc.

[-]. Matters needing attention in moxibustion
([-]) The sequence of moxibustion
The ancients had clear requirements on the sequence of moxibustion. "Thousands of Gold Prescriptions - Acupuncture and Moxibustion" records: "In all moxibustion, yang should be first followed by yin, first up and then down, first less and then more".Clinically, moxibustion is usually done first on the upper part, then on the lower part, first on the yang part, then on the genital part.However, in special circumstances, it can be implemented as appropriate.For prolapse of the anus, you can moxibustion Changqiang first to retract the anus, and then moxibustion Baihui to lift the trap.Therefore, don't be too rigid.

([-]) Reinforcing and reducing methods of moxibustion
Moxibustion for reinforcing and reducing was first recorded in the "Nei Jing". "Lingshu·Beishu" says: "If you use fire to supplement, don't blow the fire, it must be extinguished by itself. If you use fire to purify, blow the fire quickly, spread the moxa, and the fire must be extinguished." This is the ancient people's opinion Specific description of the operation method of moxibustion for reinforcing and reducing. "Acupuncture and Moxibustion Dacheng·Moxibustion Reinforcing and Reducing" also records: "For those who use fire tonic, do not blow on the fire, wait for it to extinguish itself, that is, press the acupoints. For those who use fire to relieve, quickly blow the fire and open the acupoints."Clinically, it can be used as appropriate according to the specific situation of the patient and in combination with the performance of the acupoints.

([-]) Contraindications to moxibustion
1. Moxibustion is generally not suitable for patients with excess heat syndrome and fever due to yin deficiency.

2. Scar moxibustion should not be used on the face, facial features, parts with large blood vessels and joint activities.

3. The abdomen and lumbosacral region of pregnant women should not be moxibustion.

([-]) Treatment after moxibustion
After moxibustion, the local skin will appear reddish and hot, which is a normal phenomenon and does not need to be treated.If excessive moxibustion is applied for too long, small blisters appear locally, as long as you pay attention not to scratch, you can let it absorb naturally.If the blisters are large, puncture the blisters with a sterilized needle to release water, or use an injection needle to draw out the water, then apply gentian violet and wrap it with gauze.If you use purulent moxibustion, you should pay attention to proper rest, strengthen nutrition, keep the part clean during the period of moxibustion sores, and use dressings to protect the moxibustion sores to prevent pollution and wait for them to heal naturally.If it is not handled properly and the pus from moxibustion sores turns yellow-green or oozes blood, apply anti-inflammatory ointment or Yuhong ointment.

In addition, moxa fire should be prevented from burning the skin or clothing during moxibustion.Used moxa sticks, Taiyi needles, etc. should be put into small-mouth glass bottles or tubes to prevent re-ignition.

Cupping

[-]. The origin and development of cupping method
Pulling the pot method is a kind of using the pot as a tool to remove the air in it with the help of heat, resulting in negative pressure, making it adsorbed on the acupoints or the body surface of the part to be pulled out to generate stimulation, causing local skin congestion and blood stasis, so as to prevent and treat diseases method of purpose.

The pot pulling method, or the suction cylinder method, was called the horn method in ancient times. It was named after the horns of livestock (such as ox horns, sheep horns, etc.) were ground into a cylindrical shape with holes in ancient times.

[-]. Types of tanks

There are many types of jars, and bamboo jars, pottery jars, glass jars, and suction jars are commonly used in clinical practice.

([-]) Pottery pot

Made of clay, there are large and small pots with smooth mouth, big and round belly, small mouth and bottom, and their shape is like a waist drum.The advantage is that the adsorption force is large; the disadvantage is that the texture is heavy and easy to break and damage.

([-]) Bamboo jars

Use strong bamboo with a diameter of 3-5cm, cut it into 6-10cm long bamboo tubes, keep one end as the bottom of the joint, and the other end as the mouth of the jar, scrape off the green skin and inner membrane with a knife, and make a cylinder shaped like a waist drum.Use sandpaper to smooth the mouth of the can.The advantages of bamboo pots are that they are easy to obtain materials, easy to make, light and cheap, and not easy to break, so they are suitable for boiling; the disadvantages are that they are easy to dry and crack, leak air, and have little adsorption force.

([-]) Glass jars
It is made of heat-resistant glass, shaped like a ball, with a big belly and a small mouth, the mouth is turned out, and the can mouth is smooth. It is divided into three types: large, medium and small. It can also be replaced by a wide-mouth can.The advantage is that the texture is transparent. When using it, you can observe the degree of skin congestion and blood stasis at the plucked part, so it is easy to grasp the situation at any time; the disadvantage is that it is easy to break.

([-]) Air extraction tank
In the past, penicillin, streptomycin medicine bottles or similar small medicine bottles were used to cut off the bottom of the bottle and grind it smooth, and the rubber stopper at the mouth of the bottle must be kept intact so that it can be used when pumping air.But such cans are easily broken.In recent years, it has been made of transparent plastic, and a piston is added on it to facilitate pumping.There are also special rubber bag exhaust tanks with different specifications and sizes.The new type of air extraction tank has the advantages of convenient use, strong adsorption force, relatively safe, and not easy to break.

([-]) Substitute tank
Cups, small bowls and glass cans, etc., can be used as long as the mouth of the bottle is smooth and undamaged.

Three, the method of suction tank
There are many methods of suction tank, which can be divided into cupping method, water tank method and air extraction method. The operation is as follows:

([-]) Cupping method
Use the heat generated when the fire burns in the can to expel the air in the can, forming a negative pressure, and sucking the can on the skin.The specific operations are as follows.

1. Flash fire method Use tweezers or hemostatic forceps to clamp 95% alcohol cotton balls, ignite it and wrap it around the middle of the inner wall of the cupping tank for 1 to 2 times, or after a short stay, quickly withdraw and buckle the tank on the operation site in time superior.This method is relatively safe, and it is not restricted by body position. It is a commonly used cupping method.But be careful not to heat the mouth of the jar to avoid scalding the skin.

2. The fire-throwing method uses flammable paper or cotton, puts it into the tank after being ignited, and the unburned end should be downward.Quickly buckle the canister on the treatment site, and it will be adsorbed on the skin.This method has a strong adsorption force, but because there are burning substances in the tank, the fireball will easily burn the skin when it falls, so it is suitable for lateral pulling. 3. Cotton sticking method Use a cotton piece with a diameter of about 2cm, moderate thickness, soak a small amount of 95% alcohol, stick it on the middle part of the inner wall of the tank, ignite the alcohol cotton piece with fire, buckle it on the operation site, and then absorb it .This method is mostly used for side pulling, and it is necessary to prevent too much alcohol from dripping and scalding the skin.

4. The fire method uses an object that is not easy to burn and heat transfer, such as a small bottle cap (its diameter should be smaller than the mouth of the tank), put it on the part that should be pulled out, put a small piece of alcohol cotton ball on it, and quickly ignite the tank. Buckle up, this method has stronger adsorption force.

5. The dripping method uses 95% alcohol or white wine, and puts 1 to 3 drops into the tank (do not drop too much wine, so as not to flow out during cupping and burn the skin), shake it along the inner wall of the tank, light it with fire, and quickly buckle it. on the surgical site.

For the above cupping methods, except for the flash fire method, there is fire in the jar, so care should be taken not to burn the skin.

([-]) Water tank method
The water tank method is to use boiling water to discharge the air in the tank to form a negative pressure, so that the tank is adsorbed on the skin.This method generally uses bamboo cans.Choose 5 to 10 intact bamboo cans, put them in the pot, add water and boil for 1 to 2 minutes, then use tweezers to pinch the mouth of the can down, quickly touch the mouth of the can with a cold towel, and immediately buckle the can on the hook part, which can be adsorbed on the skin.According to the needs of the disease, an appropriate amount of medicines for expelling wind and promoting blood circulation can be put into the pot, such as notopterygium, duhuo, angelica, safflower, ephedra, mugwort leaves, Sichuan pepper, papaya, Chuanwu, Caowu, etc., which is called medicine pot method.

([-]) Air extraction method
Fasten the prepared air extraction tank on the part to be cupped, and use the air extraction tube to pump out the air in the tank to generate the required negative pressure, which can be sucked.This method is applicable to any part of cupping.

For the above methods, the pot is generally left for 10 to 15 minutes, and the pot is removed when the skin at the treatment site is congested and bruised.If the tank has a large suction force and strong suction, the time for keeping the tank can be shortened appropriately to avoid foaming.

[-]. Application of cupping method

In clinical cupping, different cupping methods can be selected according to different conditions. The common cupping methods are as follows:

([-]) Retention tank method
The method of keeping the pot is also called the "sitting pot" method, that is, after the pot is adsorbed on the body surface, the pot is suctioned and left on the surgical site for 10 to 15 minutes, and then the pot is removed.This method is the most commonly used method in cupping.It can be applied to general diseases, and single or multiple cans can be used according to the scope of the lesion.If you have stomach pain, you can use a single can in Zhongwan; for lumbar muscle strain, you can use multiple cans in Shenshu, Dachangshu, waist and eyes, and the painful parts.

([-]) Flash tank method
The flash canning method is to pull up and down immediately after the canning is pulled out, so repeatedly pull up and down, up and down, until the skin is flushed, congested, or blood stasis.It is mostly used in places where muscles are relatively loose, suction is not tight or it is difficult to retain the pot, and local skin numbness, pain or functional decline. It is especially suitable for patients who are not suitable for retaining the pot, such as the face, abdomen, and limbs of children and young women. parts.It should be noted that the flash cupping method is mostly used for flash pots, and the pots used should not be too large.

([-]) Push can method
Also known as walking can method, flying can method.That is to say, when cupping, first apply a layer of lubricating oil such as Vaseline on the skin of the operation site or the mouth of the jar, and then hold the jar. Then, the doctor holds the jar with his right hand, and goes up, down, left, and right to the part that needs to be pulled out, and back and forth. Move on, and when the skin of the extracted part is rosy, congested, or even bruised, remove the jar.This method is suitable for parts with large area and rich muscles, such as the back, waist and hips, thighs and other parts.

([-]) Needle pot method
Acupuncture is a method that combines acupuncture and cupping.That is, when acupuncture retains the needle, pull the canister on the center of the needle and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. When the skin is rosy, congested or stagnant, remove the canister and needle.

([-]) Pricking and cupping method
Pricking and cupping method is also called blood pricking and cupping method, that is, after skin disinfection of the cupping site, prick the bleeding with a three-edged needle or tap the skin needle, then suck and pull the cupping cup on the punctured site to make it The bleeding, in order to strengthen the effect of pricking blood treatment.Generally, the cupping is left for 10 to 15 minutes after blood pricking.This method is widely used, and is mostly used for various acute and chronic tissue injuries, neurodermatitis, acne, skin itching, erysipelas, asthma, and sciatica.

([-]) Medicine jar method
There are two commonly used medicinal cupping methods.

1. Boil medicine pot Put the prepared medicine into a cloth bag, tie the bag tightly, put it in water and boil to an appropriate concentration, then put the bamboo pot into the medicine liquid and boil for 15 minutes.When in use, it is adsorbed on the treatment site according to the water tank method, and it is mostly used for rheumatic arthralgia and other diseases.Commonly used drug prescriptions are Qianghuo, Duhuo, Ephedra, Artemisia argyi, Papaya, Fangfeng, Gentiana, Sichuan Pepper, Raw Aconitum, Datura Flower, Liu Jinu, Frankincense, and Myrrh, each 10g.

2. The medicine storage tank stores an appropriate amount of medicinal liquid in the pumping tank in advance, usually about 1/2 of the pot, commonly used are chili water, ginger juice, double-sided needle tincture, rheumatism wine, etc., or medicinal liquid prepared according to needs , and then according to the operation method of the suction tank, the air is sucked out, and the tank is inverted to adsorb on the corresponding skin.This method is often used for rheumatic pain, asthma, cough, cold, indigestion, psoriasis and so on.

[-]. The function and scope of application of cupping
Cupping has the effects of dredging meridian and activating collaterals, promoting qi and blood circulation, reducing swelling and pain, expelling wind and cold, etc. It has a wide range of applications, and is generally used for wind-cold-damp arthralgia, pain in the back, shoulders, arms, and legs, joint pain, soft tissue contusion, sprain and so on. Cold and cold, headache, cough, asthma, epigastric pain, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, stroke hemiplegia, etc.

(End of this chapter)