Ginger-Partitioned Moxibustion for Male Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia

Ginger-partitioned moxibustion is a commonly used and relatively gentle external therapy for regulating men's health. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, the priority is often to stabilise the foundation of vital qi and kidney essence: by supporting the body and strengthening the root; and secondly, by facilitating the smooth circulation of qi and blood to warm and invigorate the lower jiao. With Guanyuan (CV4) as the principal point, the following guide outlines the point location, method of operation, treatment frequency, course, and precautions, allowing for a step-by-step, standardised home treatment.

Point Selection: Guanyuan (CV4)

1. Location and Rationale for Guanyuan (CV4)

Guanyuan is located on the midline of the lower abdomen, two-fifths of the way down from the umbilicus (navel) to the pubic symphysis. It belongs to the Ren Vessel (Conception Vessel). Traditionally, the Ren Vessel is understood to "regulate yin qi and essence-blood as a whole" and is closely linked to reproduction, endocrine function, and the lower jiao. Guanyuan is also the Front-Mu point of the Small Intestine and a crucial point for "reinforcing the root and consolidating original qi". It is widely used in clinical practice; for many conditions involving the gastrointestinal tract, pelvis, urinary system, and reproductive system, Guanyuan is employed to warm and nourish, secure and consolidate, and support the body's upright qi.

Common indications include erectile dysfunction, seminal emission, male infertility, fatigue, low vitality, neurasthenia, deficiency-cold in the lower abdomen, damp itching in the perineal region, and gynaecological issues (amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, etc.). In the context of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, the focus is on warming and tonifying the lower jiao, strengthening the root, consolidating essence, and improving the nourishment of qi and blood as well as the functionality of the reproductive system. Consistent, standardised ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Guanyuan is often used to improve male sexual function (particularly where erectile difficulties are associated with deficiency-cold and insufficient qi and blood), enhance stamina and energy, and ease discomfort related to coldness and weakness in the lower abdomen.

2. Materials to Prepare

Moxa wool, fresh ginger, toothpicks, tweezers, a bowl of clean water (for extinguishing and cooling), and a heat-resistant or fire-retardant cloth.

3. Procedure

(1) Prepare the ginger slice.

Cut a slice of fresh ginger approximately 2 cm in diameter and roughly the thickness of a coin (approx. 3mm). Pierce the slice densely with a toothpick to create numerous small holes; this allows the heat, combined with the ginger’s pungent-warming properties, to penetrate more evenly.

(2) Shape the moxa cone.

Place an appropriate amount of moxa wool in your palm. First, roll it into a fairly compact ball, then gently roll it into a spindle shape, adjusting it until it forms a cone. Key points: Ensure the cone is neither too tight (overly tight cones do not burn easily and may distribute heat unevenly) nor too loose (loose cones may crumble and burn unstably). A finished cone roughly the size of a peanut kernel is suitable. One cone counts as one "zhuang" (dose).

(3) Locate Guanyuan and begin moxibustion

Lie flat or recline comfortably, exposing the lower abdomen to locate Guanyuan. Place the ginger slice directly over the acupoint, then stand the moxa cone on top of the ginger slice. Arrange a heat-resistant or fire-retardant cloth around the area to protect the skin and clothing. Light the tip of the cone with a lighter and allow it to burn naturally.

(4) Replace the moxa cone promptly

When the cone has nearly burnt out and you feel a distinct sensation of warmth locally, use tweezers to remove the remaining ash and cone, placing them into the bowl of water to extinguish and cool. Immediately replace it with the next cone and continue the process.

4. Suggested dosage, frequency, and treatment course

Dosage per session: 15–21 cones (zhuang).

Frequency: Initially once daily; after 7–10 days, this may be reduced to every other day.

Course: One month constitutes a single stage; three months is considered a complete course.

5. Precautions

• Open-flame safety: Ensure constant supervision throughout, keep flammable items at a safe distance, and keep the bowl of water within easy reach.

• Blister management: If blisters occur, do not lance them yourself; if they are significant or obvious, seek prompt medical treatment.

• Signs of "heat" (e.g., dry mouth and throat): Moxibustion at Yongquan (KI1) may be used to guide heat downwards. Alternatively, reduce the dose or increase the interval between sessions.

• Avoid wind-cold and raw/cold foods: Keep warm during the course of treatment. Maintain a light diet and avoid raw, cold, spicy, or overly stimulating foods.

• Moxibustion fainting: Although rare, this must be handled correctly. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, pallor, palpitations, sweating, or even fainting may occur—most often during a first treatment, when fasting/having low blood sugar, or due to overly strong stimulation. If this happens, stop immediately and have the person lie flat; adjust the treatment plan once symptoms resolve.

Clinical Note: One study demonstrated that progressive motility (PR) improved in both groups compared with the baseline. However, the treatment group showed a more marked improvement in PR and total motility (NP+PR), alongside a higher overall effective rate (94.4% vs 79.5%). This suggests that moxibustion combined with medication may be more beneficial than medication alone for improving sperm motility indicators and overall outcomes in cases of kidney Yang deficiency-type asthenozoospermia.

Regulating abnormal semen parameters rarely yields results after only one or two sessions; the priority is to maintain a steady pace and adhere to the correct method. The advantage of ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Guanyuan lies in its gentle, sustainable approach, centred on reinforcing the root and consolidating the foundation. When practised safely and in a standardised manner, following a consistent course—combined with good sleep routines and dietary habits—can more effectively facilitate the body’s gradual return to a state that supports reproductive function. Provided you avoid rushing or excessive dosing, whilst paying close attention to safety and your body’s feedback, ginger-partitioned moxibustion at Guanyuan serves as a dependable option for long-term regulation.

Shao, X., Chang, D.-G., Tan, K., Yin, J., Hou, X.-M., & Zhang, P.-H. (2019). Therapeutic observation of moxibustion plus medication for asthenospermia due to kidney-yang insufficiency [Article in Chinese]. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 38(7), 767–771. https://doi.org/10.13460/j.issn.1005-0957.2019.07.0767