10　The Four Basic Rules of HSM

The rules of medicine should be in accordance with the rules of nature, which are harmony and unity. The four essential elements that influence the therapeutic effect are material, place, amount and indications.

The four rules of HSM, formed over two decades of clinical practice, can help enhance the therapeutic effect of moxibustion.

First rule is regarding material. Material used in moxibustion should be one that effectively stimulates the channel qi. In our research, we tested many different materials and compared their abilities to induce channel qi transmission and the therapeutic effect achieved with them. We found that ài yè (mugwort leaf) had the best therapeutic effect and was most likely to stimulate the channel qi. The best heat stimulation to be used in HSM, therefore, is the stimulation produced by the heat of burning ài yè.

The second rule is regarding location. In our experience, the best place to administer moxibustion is on heat-sensitive acupoints. Comparing the therapeutic effect achieved when suspended moxibustion is used on heat-sensitized acupoints with the effect with non-heat-sensitive acupoints showed that heat-sensitive acupoints produced the best effect, because using them led to better stimulation and transmission of channel qi. Our research covered diseases such as osteoarthritis of the knee, myofascial pain, cervical spondylosis, prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc, common cold, facial paralysis,functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, male sexual dysfunction, dysmenorreha,pelvic inflammation, bronchial asthma and stroke.

The third rule is regarding amount. The optimal moxibustion dosage at each acupoint is the amount that causes the heat-sensitization to disappear. This amount varies depending on the person, disease and acupoint, and is crucial to ensuring a positive therapeutic effect. The amount of heat stimulation is the amount needed to eliminate the heat sensitization, and administering this amount obviously improves the therapeutic effect. It also changes the acupoints from sensitized ones into tranquilized ones.

The fourth rule is regarding indications. HSM is indicated in any disease in which heat sensitization appears. Our research over the past two decades has shown the validity of the saying, “The essence of moxibustion lies in the arrival of qi, because it ensures the therapeutic effect.”[26] Suspended moxibustion, just like acupuncture, can activate the channel qi. Indeed, this is the only way to ensure the optimal therapeutic effect. Since suspended moxibustion on heat-sensitive acupoints can effectively activate the channel qi and induce its transmission, HSM can be used in any disease in which heat sensitization is present. Our research revealed that although a therapeutic effect can be achieved with suspended moxibustion on non-heat-sensitive acupoints, the effect was not as good as when used on heat-sensitive points. This was especially obvious in the first moxibustion treatment.