GV 4 (in males under 20)

Comment by Chad J. Dupuis, L.Ac.

I’m assuming you are asking “why” no moxa at that point… There are a few different viewpoints on that, but generally speaking it is to avoid sexual/fertility functions being damaged later in life. I could write quite a bit on this but the general idea is that you don’t want to give strongly tonifying functions (including herbs such as ginseng) to younger patients unless it is absolutely necessary. In theory this creates a draw on the persons internal kidney jing (of which, in theory, there is a somewhat set limited amount). Over utilization of the jing at too young of an age can, in theory, create many problems later both in sexual/fertility functions and possibly in aging more quickly.