Acupuncture is used preventively to regulate Zang-Fu organ function, move Qi and Blood to prevent stagnation, tonify deficient patterns, calm the Shen (mind/spirit) and support Wei Qi (defensive Qi)
Fatigue / Qi deficiency
ST36, CV6, SP6, BL20
Emotional stress / Qi stagnation
LR3, PC6, Yintang, GB34
Immune weakness / seasonal change
ST36, LU9, BL13, with optional moxa
Yin deficiency / early night sweats
SP6, KI3, HT6, CV4
Yang deficiency / cold limbs
GV4, BL23, KI3, CV4, moxa recommended
Sleep disturbance / early Shen signs
HT7, Yintang, Anmian, KI6
Tonification techniques and gentle needling are emphasized for prevention.
Acupuncture
Moxa (mugwort) is burned over specific points to warm meridians, tonify Yang, dispel Cold, and support immunity.
Strengthen Yang / prevent winter illness
ST36, GV4, CV4, BL23
Prevent colds / boost immunity
LU1, ST36, BL13
Deficiency-type menstrual irregularity
SP6, CV6, BL20
Weak digestion / Spleen Yang decline
CV12, ST36, SP3
San Fu Moxa (summer) and San Jiu Moxa (winter) are seasonal early interventions to treat chronic patterns (e.g., asthma, cold-induced syndromes).
Moxibustion
Early Intervention
Early intervention (早期干预) refers to detecting subclinical patterns or minor disharmonies, applying appropriate TCM methods to reverse or stabilize them and preventing progression into chronic syndromes. It is a central idea in Zhi Wei Bing (治未病) prevent disease before it starts (未病先防), treat incipient imbalance (已病防变) and prevent relapse (病后防复).
Herbal formulas are used proactively to:
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Tonify Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang
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Harmonize organ systems.
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Clear latent Heat or Dampness
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Support seasonal adaptation
Weak immunity
Yu Ping Feng San
Qi and Blood deficiency
Ba Zhen Tang, Gui Pi Tang
Stress and Liver Qi stagnation
Xiao Yao San, Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Yin deficiency / early Heat signs
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Early Damp accumulation
Ping Wei San, Er Chen Tang
Herbs are often given in lighter, harmonizing doses for prevention
Herbal Medicine
Gentle movement practices that combine breath regulation, postural alignment, and intentional focus. Used for:
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Regulating Qi flow
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Preventing stagnation
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Calming the mind
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Balancing Yin and Yang
Qi deficiency
Ba Duan Jin (Eight Brocades)
Liver Qi stagnation
Tai Chi, Dao Yin
Kidney Jing deficiency
Zhan Zhuang (Standing meditation)
Shen disturbance
Liu Zi Jue (Six Healing Sounds)
Qi Gong and Tai Chi
Used early to:
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Support organ Qi and digestion.
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Clear mild pathogenic factors
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Prevent phlegm, Dampness, or deficiency
Cold & Yang deficiency
Warm, cooked foods: lamb, ginger, bone broth
Qi deficiency
Sweet, neutral foods: rice, sweet potato, oats
Yin deficiency
Moistening foods: pears, spinach, sesame
Damp accumulation
Avoid greasy, raw foods; use barley, adzuki
Seasonal transitions
Use millet congee, light soups, simple meals
Dietary Therapy
Emotional patterns often precede physiological imbalance. Early intervention includes:
Anger / Liver Qi rising
Journaling, art, Liver-soothing herbs
Worry / Spleen strain
Mindful eating, breathing, Gui Pi Tang
Grief / Lung weakness
Breathwork, Lung-tonifying diet & herbs
Fear / Kidney depletion
Still meditation, Zuo Gui Wan
Insomnia / Shen disorder
Sleep hygiene, HT7 + SP6, calming formulas
Emotional Regulation
Daily habits form the foundation of early preventive care:
Qi deficiency
Earlier sleep, reduce screen time, pacing
Damp retention
Morning movement, avoiding cold/raw foods
Yin deficiency
Avoid late nights and overexertion
Emotional imbalance
Routine, support system, seasonal retreat
Seasonal sensitivity
Dress appropriately, seasonal sleep schedule
Lifestyle Adjustment
Used preventively to regulate organs and calm the Shen:
General tonification
Shenmen, Kidney, Spleen, Lung
Emotional balance
Sympathetic, Heart, Subcortex
Immune regulation
Lung, Adrenal, San Jiao
Often combined with seeds, magnets, or low-level laser for at-home care