Indications and Precautions for Du Meridian Moxibustion (Governor Vessel Moxibustion)

Du Meridian Moxibustion, also known as Spread Moxibustion, Long Snake Moxibustion, or Governor Vessel Moxibustion, is a type of traditional acupuncture therapy. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), "yang qi" is considered the foundation of the human body. Yang qi warms and propels the internal organs; weakness or insufficiency of yang qi can lead to various diseases. The Du Meridian is a meridian located along the midline of the back, governing all yang meridians and is thus called the "Sea of Yang Meridians." The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic records: "For diseases in the bones, treat the Du Meridian. For deficiency-cold diseases, treat with medicated moxibustion." This indicates that Du Meridian Moxibustion can warm and supplement the Du Meridian, strengthen the primordial qi, harmonize yin and yang, and warm and circulate qi and blood to treat diseases.

"Du Meridian Moxibustion" is a characteristic TCM therapy. In the area from Dazhui (GV14) to Yaoshu (GV2) on the Du Meridian, warm ginger juice is first applied to the skin around the spine. Then a special herbal powder (auxiliary moxibustion powder) is sprinkled on. A piece of poplar cloth of appropriate width is placed over the back, and ginger paste is evenly spread on the cloth (10 cm wide, 2 cm high). Then a long strip of Qiai mugwort floss is placed on top, resembling a black-tail snake lying on the back. The three points — head, body, and tail — are lit separately.

Compared with traditional moxibustion, Du Meridian Moxibustion has a larger moxibustion area. It stimulates the Du Meridian, the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, and other meridians, combining multiple meridians and points. With more moxa cones, strong firepower, and powerful warming and unblocking effects, it surpasses ordinary moxibustion methods. It is the strongest warming and unblocking moxibustion method, with no toxic side effects.

I. Indications
This method is suitable for various Du Meridian disorders and chronic deficiency-cold diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic arthritis, and sub-healthy individuals with yang deficiency constitution. Specific examples include:
1. Cervical spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, lumbar muscle strain.
2. Kidney yang deficiency, qi and blood stasis, cold-dampness conditions, low immunity, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.
3. Uterine cold, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, postpartum disorders, prolonged lochia, etc.
4. Chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic hepatitis, chronic gastroenteritis, chronic diarrhea, neurasthenia, recurrent viral colds.

II. Precautions
1. During moxibustion, if the patient feels burning heat on the skin, inform the practitioner to add a gauze pad on the hot area to prevent skin burns.
2. If blisters occur, after three days use a sterile syringe to aspirate the blister fluid, apply gentian violet to protect the wound, or consult our department.
3. After Du Meridian Moxibustion, the body's pores are open, so avoid bathing and exposure to wind to prevent catching a cold.
4. Avoid cold foods and drinks, as they may allow cold-dampness to remain in the body and affect the effectiveness of the moxibustion.

References

1. The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic (Huangdi Neijing). 2. Traditional Chinese Medicine textbooks on moxibustion therapy.