Moxibustion, aka moxa, is a Chinese Medicine technique that involves the burning of a small, spongy herb, dried mugwort (artemisia vulgaris or artemisia argyi), on or near the surface of the skin. Mugwort is used because of its acrid, spicy odor, that is able to travel through all of the meridians, regulating Qi and blood, expelling cold, stimulating and strengthening the immune system and organs, and providing overall general good health. Moxibustion has been used to facilitate healing and health throughout Asia for thousands of years.
Moxibustion is usually done in conjunction with acupuncture treatments (the Chinese character for acupuncture means “acupuncture-moxibustion”), but it can be used as a stand-alone treatment. There are two types of moxibustion: indirect and direct. With indirect moxibustion, a moxa stick is lit on one and held close to the treatment area for a few minutes until the area turns red. Another form of indirect moxibustion uses both acupuncture needles and moxa. An acupuncture needle is inserted, moxa is attached to the spiral handle of the needle, and then lit. This method creates heat in the surrounding area. When the patient experiences relief, the moxa is extinguished and the needle is taken out. In direct (non-scarring) moxibustion, a moxa cone is placed on the skin at an acupuncture point, with the aid of a balm barrier to prevent burning, and is burned down close to the surface of the skin.
What can Moxibustion help with?
Research has shown that moxibustion helps with quite a few issues including pain relief, particularly for chronic pain conditions, TMJ problems, soft tissue injury, osteoarthritis, diarrhea, colitis, urinary incontinence and urinary retention, dysmenorrhea, asthma, herpes zoster, chronic kidney disease, it decreases side effects of many medications, increases white blood cells, produces infrared heat, increases hemoglobin, warms the body, and thus is great for boosting immune health! It also helps with malposition of fetus. In 1998, a landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 75.4% of women suffering from breech presentations before childbirth had fetuses that rotated to the normal position after receiving moxibustion on the little toe.
Is Moxibustion Safe?
Moxibustion is considered a safe and effective therapy, and large numbers of clinical reports have indicated that it is effective and associated with few adverse events. However, there are some precautions and contraindications. The use of moxa is NOT allowed in the last stage of cancer, during a very high fever, or extreme fatigue. Diabetic patients are given extra precautions, and may be limited to where and how much moxa can be used, if it can be used at all. Though studies have shown moxa to help with high blood pressure, it can also exacerbate it, so if your pulse pressure is greater than 40mm Hg, moxa may be limited or not used at all.
Treatment Frequency
The term for moxibustion in Chinese comes from the character “fire” plus the character “enduring” or “long-lasting”. This implies that moxibustion must be applied for some length of time, both within a session and over the course of treatment. As with acupuncture, moxibustion builds upon the previous treatment; therefore, multiple sessions are needed for the desired results. Moxibustion is normally used during acupuncture treatments, but can be used as a stand alone therapy.
What is moxibustion (moxa)?
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy that involves burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near the skin or on acupuncture points. It helps stimulate healing, improve circulation, and balance the body’s energy (Qi).
How does moxibustion work?
Moxa generates warmth that penetrates the skin, stimulating acupuncture points and meridians. This helps promote blood flow, reduce pain, strengthen the immune system, and support overall wellness.
What conditions can moxibustion help with?
Moxa can support a variety of conditions, including:
- Pain relief (arthritis, joint pain, menstrual cramps, digestive discomfort)
- Fatigue and low energy
- Cold conditions (cold hands/feet, weak digestion)
- Breech baby correction in pregnancy
- Strengthening the immune system
- Supporting digestion and metabolism
Does moxibustion hurt?
No, moxibustion is a gentle therapy. You may feel a warm, soothing sensation, but it should never be painful. If it feels too hot, your practitioner will adjust the treatment.
What are the different types of moxibustion?
Direct Moxa: Small cones of moxa are placed on the skin and removed before burning completely.
Indirect Moxa: A practitioner holds a burning moxa stick near the skin or attaches moxa to acupuncture needles.
Moxa on Salt/Ginger/Garlic: Moxa is burned on a medium (such as salt, ginger, or garlic) to enhance therapeutic effects.
Is moxibustion safe?
Yes, when performed by a trained practitioner, moxa is safe. However, it should be avoided in people with certain conditions (high fever, active infections, or specific blood pressure readings).
Can I do moxibustion at home?
Yes, with proper guidance from a practitioner. Some patients use moxa sticks or smokeless moxa at home for specific conditions, such as breech baby positioning or digestive support.
Does moxibustion have any side effects?
Most people experience no side effects, but possible reactions include temporary redness, warmth, or mild irritation. Rarely, improper use may cause burns. Always follow professional guidance.
What does moxa smell like?
Moxa has a strong, earthy, herbal scent similar to incense. Some clinics offer smokeless moxa as an alternative.
How long does a moxibustion session last?
A typical session lasts 30 minutes. It is often combined with acupuncture, as long as blood pressure is stable.
