Guiding Theory and Clinical Application Strategy of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Medicine Combination Therapy

This article discusses the history and current situation of acupuncture-moxibustion and medicine combination therapy, and believes that the combination therapy has been applied since ancient times, but its direct guiding theory has not been clear. By analyzing the relevant literature in previous dynasties, it is believed that the meridian theory is its direct guiding theory. The clinical application strategy of acupuncture-moxibustion and medicine combination therapy should first follow the treatment principles of early treatment and prevention of changes, syndrome urgency, and adaptation to three conditions. Starting from the location and property characteristics of the disease, the severity of the condition, and the expectation of disease development, different clinical strategies should be adopted based on disease conditions, e.g., the location of the disease in the organs, limbs, or meridians, to achieve the goal of increasing efficacy and/or reducing toxicity. Finally, the role characteristics of acupuncture-moxibustion and medicine therapy in the combination of acupuncture-moxibustion and medicine were analyzed.