Objective: To analyze the features of preventive treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion to provide guidance for practice.
Methods: Induction and comparison methods were adopted to summarize the features of preventive treatment from the literatures of different ages.
Results: Preventive treatment has the distinctive features: (1) strengthening and protecting the vital-qi is paid much attention to; (2) the intervention time is well grasped; (3) tonification points are importantly used; (4) the action of moxibustion is stressed on; and (5) the change of disease is judged.
Conclusion: With the principle to reinforce the vital-qi, acupuncture and moxibustion are applied to meridians and acupoints to treat before the occurrence of diseases, being advanced and significant in clinic, worthy spreading.