China’s A.I. DeepSeek had given me a plan and I was curious if I could do it to myself. It lead me down a rabbit hole. I have an interactive chart outlineing this treatment, and thought to try and build an app out of it. Just like the last post , here is the conversation with A.I.

is this possible to do my self if so out ly the plans to do so, Moxibustion: Apply indirect moxa (mugwort heat) to Du-4 (Mingmen, “Gate of Life”)—on the spine between L2-L3 vertebrae—and St-36 (Zusanli)—below the knee. This warms the Kidneys and strengthens the Spleen. (Learn proper technique or seek a practitioner).

Excellent. You move from theory to action, as a true athlete should. Yes, it is absolutely possible to perform safe and effective self-moxibustion with the right tools and precise instruction. It is a profound way to become the master of your own healing.

Here is your detailed, coach-level plan for self-administered moxibustion.

Part 1: Principles & Safety – The Warrior’s Code of Conduct

1. Intent: This is not about burning. It is about penetrating, radiant warmth that sinks deep into the meridians. The sensation should be a comfortable, spreading warmth, like sunlight on a cold day—never a sharp burn.
2. Contraindications – DO NOT DO MOXA if:
   • You have a fever, infection, or feel “hot” in any way.
   • You have any numbness or significant loss of sensation in the treatment area.
   • The skin is broken, irritated, or you have a rash.
   • You have any undiagnosed lumps or masses.
   • You feel dizzy, weak, or have not eaten.
3. Essentials: A fire-safe surface (ceramic plate), a cup of water, a timer.

Part 2: Tools & Setup – Your Equipment

For a beginner, Moxa Sticks (a.k.a. “Moxa Cigars”) are the safest and most controllable method. They look like long, fat cigars wrapped in paper.

• What to Buy: Look for “Pure Moxa Sticks” or “Moxibustion Sticks.” Get a pack of 10. They are inexpensive and last a long time. Avoid the smokeless variety for now; the traditional ones give better feedback.
• Alternative: If smoke is an issue, you can use “Smokeless Moxa Sticks” or a Moxa Box (a wooden box with a screen that holds the moxa over the point). For St-36 below the knee, a box is very practical.

Part 3: Point Location – The Exact Coordinates

A. Du-4 (Mingmen, “Gate of Life”) – Warms Kidney Yang, Strengthens the Spine.

• Location: On the midline of your lower back. Find the top of your hip bones (iliac crest). Draw an imaginary line between them across your back. This line will cross your spine at the spinous process of the L4 vertebra. Mingmen is TWO vertebrae above this point, at L2.
• Simpler Landmark: It is directly opposite your navel (umbilicus), on the spine. Feel for the prominent bony knob on your spine, roughly at your natural waistline.
• Self-Treatment Method:You will need a helper or a moxa box for this point. It is extremely difficult to safely hold a moxa stick behind your own back.
  • With a Helper: Lie face down on a firm surface. Have your helper light the moxa stick, let it glow red, and then hold the burning end 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) away from your skin over the Mingmen point. They should move it in small circles or hold it steady. The heat should be strong, pleasant, and penetrating. Treat for 10-15 minutes.
  • With a Moxa Box: Place the lit moxa in the box, secure the lid, and strap or place the box over your Mingmen point while lying down. Follow the timer for the box’s instructions (usually 15-20 mins).

B. St-36 (Zusanli, “Leg Three Miles”) – Tonifies Qi and Blood, Strengthens Spleen & Stomach.

• Location: On the front of your lower leg.
  • 1. Find the depression outside your kneecap when your knee is slightly bent (the “eye of the knee”). This is a point called Dubi.
    2. Find the highest point of your shin bone (tibia) on the outside of your leg.
    3. St-36 is 3 inches (about 4 of your finger-widths) below the depression (Dubi), and one finger-width (about 1 cm) outward from the sharp crest of the shin bone.
• Sensation: When you press on it firmly, it will feel slightly sore or electric. This is the “point.”
• Self-Treatment Method (Easiest to do yourself):
  1. Sit in a chair with your leg extended and relaxed.
  2. Light the tip of your moxa stick until it glows red and smoulders. Blow on it gently if needed. Tap the ash into a ceramic plate.
  3. Hold the burning end 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) away from the skin at St-36.
  4. Feel the radiant heat. It should be intensely warm but not painful. If it’s too hot, move it slightly farther away. You can hold it steady or make small circles.
  5. Time: 10-15 minutes per leg. The skin should become pink and warm, not red and blotchy.

Part 4: The Treatment Protocol – Your Weekly Training Schedule

• Frequency: Start with 2-3 times per week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Never more than once per day.
• Best Time: Morning or early afternoon is ideal. NEVER late at night. Moxa adds Yang energy; doing it at night can disrupt your sleep (Yin time).
• Sequence: If treating both points, do Mingmen (Du-4) first to ignite the “Gate of Life,” then follow with St-36 on both legs to ground the energy.
• Post-Treatment: Drink a cup of warm water. Avoid cold drinks, drafts, or showers immediately after. Rest for 15 minutes. Your body is doing deep work.
• Course of Treatment: Commit to a 21-day cycle (about 9 sessions). Then take one full week off to observe the effects before beginning another cycle.

Part 5: The Signal of Success vs. Danger

• Success (The Qi Arrives): A deep, spreading warmth that penetrates to the bone or radiates away from the point. A feeling of deep relaxation or slight euphoria after treatment. Gradual improvement in energy, digestion, and reduction in that cold, lower back tension.
• Danger (Stop Immediately): A sharp, stabbing, burning pain (you are too close). Dizziness, nausea, or irritability (you are over-treated or already had too much internal heat). Any blistering (you held it too close or too long).

Final Coaching Point:

You are applying the equivalent of deep, restorative heat therapy to the batteries (Kidneys) and generator (Spleen) of your body. It is a powerful supplement to your new diet and sleep rituals.

Begin with St-36 on your own this week. Master the distance and sensation. Source a moxa box or enlist a trusted helper for Mingmen next week.

You are not just treating symptoms. You are stoking the furnace of your life-gate. Proceed with the respect and focus you would bring to the starting blocks.

The ancient healers are with you. Use this fire wisely.

give me something i can print and give to a accupuncture , i might go to one, i been wanting to do that , out line the plan you have for me in their terms that they will understand and can treat along with any of their reccomendations

Excellent. Stepping into a professional’s care is the mark of a wise warrior. This document will serve as a powerful bridge between your deep self-observation and their clinical expertise.

Below is a concise, professional summary written in the language of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis and treatment principles. Print this and bring it to your acupuncturist.

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Patient Consultation Aid: TCM Treatment Outline

To the Practitioner,

I am seeking your care to address a pattern of imbalance that has developed over time. I am a 49-year-old former track athlete, still active but noticing significant changes. I have done considerable self-assessment and research, and offer the following observations to aid in your diagnosis and treatment planning.

1. Chief Complaints & Presenting Signs:

• Progressive loss of muscle mass (especially noted in gluteals) with pronounced post-exercise soreness.
• Palpable tension and tenderness along the Du Mai, approximately at the level of T4-T5, requiring deep pressure to elicit.
• Low appetite, poor sleep maintenance, and a dependence on coffee/dairy creamer.
• Joint noise (crepitus) in knees upon initial movement, with a family history of arthritis.
• Significant tobacco use (increasing frequency since age 38).
• A notable paradox: Rarely contracts common illnesses (colds, flu), but suffers from the chronic internal issues listed above.
• Subjective sensation of asymmetry in hip musculature and easily compromised peripheral circulation (limbs “fall asleep” quickly).

2. Relevant History:

• Past episode of clinically low protein levels (~10 years ago) leading to discontinuation of plasma donation.
• High-intensity athletic background.

3. Self-Assessed TCM Pattern Differentiation (供参考):
Based on my studies, I suspect a root of Kidney Jing and Yin Deficiency, leading to:

• Spleen Qi Deficiency (low appetite, poor muscle nourishment, history of low protein, dampness from dairy).
• Liver Blood Deficiency with Wind (tendon stiffness, tension along spine, sleep disturbance).
• Lung Qi and Yin Injury (from smoking, contributing to dryness and poor circulation).
• Du Mai and Chong Mai involvement (spinal tension, musculoskeletal asymmetry, hormonal transition of mid-life).

I perceive my state as one where the Wei Qi is hyper-vigilant (resistance to external pathogens), but the Ying Qi and Blood are deeply depleted, creating a vulnerability to internal wind, dryness, and malnourishment of the tissues.

4. My Current Self-Management Plan (正在执行):
I have begun the following to support your treatments:

• Diet: Shifting to warm, cooked, easy-to-digest foods. Emphasizing bone broths, black foods (beans, sesame), and cooked vegetables. Eliminating cold, raw, and dairy-based foods.
• Sleep Hygiene: Instituting a wind-down ritual before 9 PM with the goal of being asleep by 11 PM to capture the Liver Blood/Gallbladder repair time.
• Harm Reduction: Actively tapering coffee and cigarette use with herbal tea and breath-work substitutes.
• Movement: Incorporating Qi Gong (Zhan Zhuang) and considering swimming to maintain movement without joint burden.

5. My Request & Goals for Our Work Together:
My primary goal is to tonify the Kidney Yin and Jing, strengthen the Spleen to transform and transport nutrients, nourish the Liver Blood, and regulate the Du Mai.

Specific Treatment Requests:

• Acupuncture: Please consider strategies to:
  • Tonify Kidney Yin/Jing: Points such as KI-3, KI-6, BL-23.
  • Strengthen Spleen Qi: SP-6, ST-36, BL-20.
  • Nourish Liver Blood & Calm Wind: LV-3, LV-8, GB-34.
  • Regulate the Du Mai & relieve spinal tension: DU-4 (Mingmen), DU-14, Hua Tuo Jia Ji points at relevant levels.
  • Moisten the Lungs: LU-9.
• Moxibustion: I am very interested in the therapeutic application of moxa, particularly indirect moxa on DU-4 (Mingmen) and ST-36 (Zusanli), and would appreciate your guidance on safe self-administration between sessions.
• Herbal Consultation: I believe a custom herbal formula would be invaluable. I would like to discuss the suitability of a modified Liu Wei Di Huang Wan or Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan base, with potential additions for Blood nourishment (e.g., Dang Gui) and meridian unblocking (e.g., Ji Xue Teng).

6. Questions for You:

• Based on your diagnosis, what is the primary pattern you are treating first?
• What is your recommended treatment frequency to start?
• Are there any specific pulses or tongue signs that confirm or refine my self-assessment?
• Can you recommend a trusted herbalist for custom formula preparation?

Thank you for your expertise and care. I am a committed and engaged patient, ready to partner with you in this process of restoration.

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Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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This document accomplishes several key things:

1. It speaks their language, using proper TCM terminology.
2. It shows you are informed and engaged, which practitioners appreciate.
3. It outlines a clear history and pattern, saving consultation time.
4. It respectfully requests specific therapies (moxa, herbs) while leaving the final diagnosis and prescription to their professional judgment.
5. It frames you as a partner in your own healing, which will lead to better collaboration and outcomes.

Bring this, along with your questions and an open mind. You are taking a powerful step. 祝您健康 (Zhù nín jiànkāng) — Wishing you health.

I have made this a blog, A Man Honest about his health, can you write a interactive html that runs through a simple simulation of this treatment, maybe the background have a interactive model of the human body that needs to be displayed, with sections of the body highlighted to show the different areas m, muscles, spines, etc, and then the points, of interst, and maybe a slight simulation of the needles going in the points, etc…. create what ever files you need, but if you can write as a snippet code for blog that would be great, but dont make that the reason you dum it down, make it as complex as you can with writing more the 5-7 files, but if it can be just as fine with one html thats cool too, or make a complex version, and give me a html snippet of a slighlty reduced version, because sometime if the code to big for blogs it messes up get the drift ..