Moxibustion Treatment

Senile osteoporosis is a degenerative, systemic bone disorder characterized by a metabolic disorder of the bones throughout the body, often caused by advanced age, an increase in the inorganic content and a decrease in the organic content of the bone tissue. Patients have increased bone fragility and a significantly higher risk of fractures, which can occur with minor trauma.

Pain in the back and waist is the most common symptom of senile osteoporosis. The pain can be dull or severe, spreading along the spine to both sides, alleviating when lying on the back, and worsening when extending backward. The pain is typically less during the day and more severe at night, and it intensifies with bending, coughing, and straining during bowel movements. There is limited mobility of the spine, leading to a stooped posture. Fractures are prone to occur, especially in the vertebral bodies, the proximal femur, and the distal radius.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidney is considered the foundation of congenital essence, storing vital essence that is the driving force for growth and development of all parts of the body. In the elderly, kidney qi is deficient, and there is a lack of essence and blood, resulting in insufficient transformation of qi and blood. The bones are governed by the kidney, and when the kidney is deficient, the bones lose their support, leading to osteoporosis.

It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes.   Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course.

(If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion.   The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)