"Seasonal Moxibustion" Effectively Prevents and Treats Diseases
The Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine has achieved remarkable results with its "summer heat patch application" therapy—known as "treating winter diseases in summer"—drawing thousands of patients annually. Building on this, the hospital now offers "Seasonal Moxibustion," applying moxibustion to specific acupoints corresponding to different solar terms. Mr. Wu, aged 70, has smoked for over 40 years and suffered from chronic bronchitis and emphysema for 30 years, plus pulmonary heart disease for 10 years. He experiences shortness of breath even with minimal exertion, worsening during weather changes. In April this year, his condition flared up during Qingming and Guyu solar terms—humid weather with large day-night temperature differences. Doctors treated him with Seasonal Moxibustion, applying moxa to points such as Dazhui. Within half an hour, his breathing normalized, phlegm decreased, and respiration became smooth. On the third visit, coughing and phlegm production reduced significantly, shortness of breath disappeared, and he could walk freely. Mr. Xie, aged 80, previously suffered a stroke ten years ago, now walks independently after similar treatment. According to Director Fu Wenbin of the hospital’s acupuncture department, Seasonal Moxibustion is based on the 24 solar terms, selecting acupoints affecting organ functions during each term to prevent and treat diseases. Different solar terms correspond to different preventive and therapeutic focuses—for instance, Lichun (Beginning of Spring), Xiaoman (Grain Ripe), and Mangzhong (Grain in Ear) are ideal for treating digestive disorders, while Liqiu (Beginning of Autumn), Lidong (Beginning of Winter), and Chunfen (Spring Equinox) offer optimal opportunities for preventing and treating stroke. Seasonal Moxibustion is best performed on the exact solar term or within 15 days before or after. The upcoming Dasha (Major Heat) period (July 22–23) presents an excellent window for preventing and treating respiratory diseases. Indications for Seasonal Moxibustion include respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, genitourinary disorders, allergic rhinitis, gout, migraines, and health maintenance/anti-aging.