Menstrual Irregularities and Infertility

Conception Vessel 4, called guan yuan or “origin pass”is located approximately two inches above the top of the pubic bone on a straight center line down from the navel. It is approximately directly opposite Governing Vessel 4 located between the 2^nd and 3^rd lumbar vertebrae on the spine of the back. Like Governing Vessel 4 with which it is often used, it is a foundation point for the entire body and an intersection point for the Conception, Spleen, Liver and Kidney meridians.

Conception Vessel 4 treats all deficiencies of Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood. A major point for Kidney-adrenal deficiencies, it treats low back pain, bone disorders, early morning “cock-crow” diarrhea, rectal and uterine prolapse, incontinence, and frequent night-time urination. It treats all menstrual irregularities with Deficiency, Cold and/or stagnation (pain), scanty menstruation, and pale blood. It also treats infertility, impotence, seminal emission, amenorrhea, and bleeding during pregnancy. Finally, restoring warmth and Qi to the dan tian below the navel is used for chills, profuse sweating, shortness of breath, and unconsciousness.

While it should not be used by the untrained on women who are pregnant, it is used near or during the time to ease delivery.

Insomnia

The last point I will discuss in this series about moxa is an “extra” point, meaning it is not on a meridian. It is called Shimian, meaning “lost sleep,” and is located in the middle of the sole of the heel of the foot. This is a point where stick-on moxa is best applied. It is used primarily for insomnia. It restores the natural circadian rhythm of the body, treating difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep through the night, and assuring sleep that is adequate and refreshing. This point happens to be in a direct physiological line with the pineal gland, enabling the production of melatonin to induce a deep, sound and restful sleep. It can be used for insomnia issues caused by stress, noise, extreme temperatures, environmental change, sleep schedule problems, jet lag, certain medications, caffeine, and general overstimulation of nervous energy.

This works as an ongoing or as needed treatment and in my experience is more effective than drugs, sleeping pills or herbal sedatives. It can be safely used in combination with either of these.

This point could threaten the profits of the pharmaceutical sleeping pill industry if more came to realize is value. Sleep is golden and is, along with food, drink and activity, one of the pillars of healing and health. This simple treatment alone, which anyone can do just before retiring to bed at night, will prove of tremendous benefit.

I sincerely hope that I’ve done an adequate job describing the value of moxabustion for self-use and clinical use. For many conditions, it is more powerful than acupuncture, and with the modern advances of smokeless moxa and stick-on moxa it is very easy to administer. Please see my previous blogs on moxa for back pain, colds and flu and moxa on Stomach 36 for energy and increased immunity (this latter blog includes links for purchasing moxa).

Following are some Youtube videos you might want to check out to see moxa applied on a live person.

General smokeless moxa demonstration

Moxa on Urinary Bladder 67 for turning the fetus for breech presentation

Moxa on Stomach 36

Moxa on Governor 4 and Kidney points on the back