The Dragon Gate Stone Inscription prescriptions are the earliest surviving stone inscriptions of medical formulas in China

covering various departments such as internal medicine

surgery

gynecology

pediatrics and ophthalmology.By reviewing 28 moxibustion prescriptions recorded in the Dragon Gate Stone Inscriptions

the following application characteristics are summarized: moxibustion mainly treats acute diseases such as mania

deficiency-cold syndrome

and jaundice; in terms of point selection

specific points such as the thirteen ghost points

eight influential points

and front-

mu

points are used

emphasizing the extraordinary meridians such as governor vessel and conception vessel

as well as specific single acupoints with unique therapeutic effects; in clinical application

it follows the principle of treating according to syndrome differentiation

uses multiple acupoints simultaneously

employs food-medicine homology

and adjusts the moxibustion dosage according to individual conditions.The Dragon Gate Stone Inscription prescriptions reflect that the application of moxibustion therapy during the Northern Wei to Tang Dynasty period had already reached a relativ

ely mature level

indicating a high level of proficiency in moxibustion techniques during that time.