Which Body Parts Should Be Moxibusted for Best Results When Having a Cold?

The effectiveness of moxibustion for colds depends on the underlying cause, which can include wind-cold, wind-heat, summer-heat dampness, and gastrointestinal types of colds. When necessary, patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly.

1. For wind-cold colds caused by exposure to cold, moxibustion can be applied to points such as Dazhui (GV14), Fengchi (GB20), and Zhongfu (LU1), which can warm Yang and disperse cold, effectively improving symptoms like runny nose and nasal congestion.

2. For wind-heat colds, moxibustion can be applied to points such as Quchi (LI11), Hegu (LI4), and Baihui (GV20), which can help treat febrile diseases, malaria, cough, and asthma.

3. For summer-heat dampness colds, moxibustion can be applied to points such as Feishu (BL13), Zusanli (ST36), and Zhiyang (GV9), which can regulate Qi, descend adverse Qi, resolve phlegm, and improve blood circulation, alleviating symptoms like cough and sneezing.

4. For gastrointestinal colds, which typically present with diarrhea, moxibustion can be applied to points such as Shenshu (BL23), Yongquan (KI1), and Zhongwan (CV12), which can accelerate gastrointestinal motility, relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, and improve digestive function.

Additionally, colds may also be caused by influenza, for which acupuncture and moxibustion can be applied to points such as Fengfu (GV16), Touwei (ST8), and Taiyang (EX-HN5), which can improve symptoms like headache and muscle soreness in the limbs.

In daily life, it is important to observe changes in symptoms and regularly visit the hospital for follow-up checks to facilitate recovery.