Techniques of stimulation of the acupuncture points
MOXIBUSTION (JIU = FIRE)
One of the most ancient forms of treatment is to apply fire (Jiu) to various parts of the body. Many methods were employed, irons treated in a fire being used for centuries in human and animal medicine. In vet practice, line and point firing (using hot irons) is still used for tendon problems in some countries but many Vet Associations have banned this type of treatment on humane grounds.
Moxibustion: In China, a dried preparation of Artemisia vulgaris, rolled into cigar or cigarette shape has been used to heat the points since before the time of Christ. The preparation is called the Moxa and the process of using it is called moxibustion. It is used in human and animal medicine. When moxa is ignited, it burns slowly like a cigar. It is used in 4 ways (a) Non-scarring method, (b) moxa-needle, (c) scarring method and (d) festering method.
a. Non-scarring method: The moxa is held at a distance of about 25 mm from the skin until the patient feels pain (human) or reacts defensively. It is removed for a few seconds and the process is repeated 10-20 times. Alternatively a slice of garlic or ginger is put on the point and a small ball of moxa the size (if a pea, is put on the slice. This prevents severe burning but care must be taken that the moxa does not touch the skin.
b. Moxa-needle: Using moxa to heat the needles, has been mentioned earlier. This method is most suitable for vet use. Moxa emits an acrid irritating smoke and must not be used near the eyes.
c. Scarring method: The moxa is burned directly on the skin, causing intense pain, with second or third degree burns. This method is not acceptable in western medicine or vet practice.
d. Festering moxa: This is also a scarring method. An irritant blister paste is applied to the heated area to increase further the stimulation of the area. Alternatively, garlic juice or crushed garlic is rubbed into the points before moxa is applied. Pustules form within a few days. These are drained and dressed with antiseptic cream until they heal. Festering moxa often causes severe skin damage and is not recommended except in very difficult chronic diseases, such as human rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, in which GV points from GV14 to GV03 are used.
In vet AP texts, another method uses alcohol which is ignited and allowed to burn on the skin. This is also not recommended.
Thermostatically heated probes at 80oC have been used to heat the points. They are safe if checked regularly and not applied too strongly or too long.
Other methods of heating the points include ultraviolet rays, infrared rays and microwaves. Special instruments are available for these purposes but they appear to be used in humans rather than in animals.
If heat is to be used in therapy, care should be taken to avoid burning the patient and to avoid sensitive areas such as the eyes, major blood vessels and mucous membranes. Moxibustion should not be repeated in the same area more than once unless the area is perfectly free from burns or blisters. Moxibustion can be used in "cold diseases" (chronic diseases), such as in chronic cases of muscular rheumatism, arthritis, asthma, abdominal pain, severe enteritis and vomiting, pyometra and metritis; chronic tendinitis, chronic lymphangitis and chronic pain.
COLD
Cryostimulation or stimulation of the AP points by the application of cold is effective in many pain conditions. Modern cryosurgical instruments, solid carbon dioxide and ethyl chloride spray may be used. Care is taken to avoid "burning" the skin by reducing the time of application. The idea is to induce numbness and coldness of the tissues near the AP points. It is especially useful in human acute painful conditions. In fever, cold applied to GV14 helps to reduce the fever.
A very useful first-aid treatment of acute human toothache is to massage the LI04 points in the 1st-2nd inter-metacarpal area with ice-cubes until the area seems numb. This requires about 5 minutes. The toothache usually disappears within minutes. Occasionally it may be necessary to add Chia Che (ST06). The method is ideal for treating children. For headaches try GB20, LI04 and Lieh Cheuh (LU07).
The method has not been used widely in vet medicine but applications could include acute myositis and lowback syndromes. If the vet wishes to show the owner the correct points to work on, the owner could use the ice or dry-ice method between therapy sessions, thereby making the vet's work easier.