Types of moxa
Moxibustion is one of the key techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), gaining increasing popularity worldwide. Burning moxa generates heat, which stimulates acupuncture points, leading to improved health and balance in the body. In this article, we will explore what moxa is and the various types of moxa used in moxibustion. We will focus particularly on forms such as moxa sticks, loose moxa, cut moxa, adhesive moxa, and compressed moxa. Additionally, we will look at a modern alternative for heating acupuncture points—electronic moxa—and compare it with traditional methods. The aim of this article is to provide comprehensive knowledge about the different types of moxa, their uses, and specific features that may be important for both therapists and patients.
Table of contents:
1) What is moxibustion?
2) What is moxa?
3) Smoky and smokeless Moxa
4) Types of moxa
- Moxa sticks
- Loose moxa
- Cut moxa
- Adhesive moxa
- Compressed moxa
5) Electronic moxa as an alternative to traditional moxa
6) Conclusion
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is an ancient technique originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine, involving the heating of acupuncture points by burning moxa. Smoky moxibustion is one of the oldest treatment methods in TCM, aimed at stimulating the flow of Qi energy and improving Blood (Xue) circulation. Moxibustion involves the precise application of heat generated by burning moxa, which stimulates specific acupuncture points on the patient's body, in the same way that acupuncture stimulates these points with acupuncture needles.
If you would like to learn more about moxibustion, we encourage you to read the article What is moxibustion therapy?
What is moxa?
Moxa is made from dried leaves of the common mugwort plant (Artemisia vulgaris), which grows widely in China and also in Europe. In the production process, the mugwort leaves are harvested, dried, and stored in special vats. The storage of mugwort leaves in vats, known as the moxa aging process, can last several years, depending on the desired quality of the final product. Five-year-old moxa, which has undergone a longer aging process, is considered particularly high quality. The highest quality moxa is eight or ten years old, often referred to as "golden moxa." Those who prioritize the quality of the moxa they use may be especially interested in this type. Traditional moxa is available in various forms, including moxa sticks, loose moxa, cut moxa, adhesive moxa, and compressed moxa.
If you want to learn more about how to choose the best quality moxa, we encourage you to read the articles Moxa - how to assess its quality? and Mature and immature moxa - what are the differences?
Smoke and smokeless moxa
Moxa can be used in two main forms: smoke moxa and smokeless moxa. Smoke moxa is the traditional form, which, when burned, emits a characteristic, intense smell and smoke. This smoke, though not always pleasant, is considered part of the therapeutic properties of moxa. The burning of smoke moxa stimulates acupuncture points through heat that penetrates deeply into the patient's body, influencing the flow of Qi in the meridians just like acupuncture treatments.
Smokeless moxa, on the other hand, is a modern version of moxa designed to reduce the discomfort associated with the smoke produced when burning smoky moxa. Compressed smokeless moxa is made from moxa that has undergone a special carbonization process, allowing it to burn without emitting large amounts of smoke. This type of moxa is ideal for people sensitive to smoke or when used in enclosed spaces.
Types of moxa
Moxa rolls
Moxa rolls (moxa cigars) are one of the most commonly used forms of moxa. A moxa roll is made by rolling mugwort leaves into a long, narrow cylinder, wrapped in rice paper, making it resemble a cigar. Moxa sticks are used for indirect moxibustion, meaning they are not applied directly to the patient's skin. Instead, the moxa stick is held a short distance above a specific acupuncture point, warming it with gentle heat. Moxibustion with moxa sticks is appreciated for its ease of use and effectiveness in stimulating acupuncture points. Moxa sticks can be easily handled by patients or beginners learning moxibustion.
Loose moxa
Loose moxa is a form of moxa used in more traditional moxibustion methods. It can be shaped into a moxa cone, which can be placed directly on the skin (direct moxibustion) or on a slice of ginger or garlic. The moxa cone can also be placed on a special pad or in a moxa box.
Cut moxa
Cut moxa is a form of moxa available in small, evenly cut pieces, resembling moxa sticks. Moxibustion with cut moxa involves placing it in a moxa box or on a special spike.
Adhesive moxa
Adhesive moxa is an innovative form of moxa. Adhesive moxa applied directly to the patient's skin is convenient to use, eliminating the need to hold the moxa by hand throughout the therapy session or to use insulation like ginger or garlic slices or a pad. Each piece of adhesive moxa has a self-adhesive base that also protects the skin from burns. This makes it convenient in Chinese medicine treatments to stick the moxa directly to the appropriate acupuncture point.
Moxa sticks
Moxa sticks is powdered moxa that is compressed into a cylindrical shape. Smokeless compressed moxa is often chosen by those who prefer smokeless moxibustion techniques, offering similar therapeutic benefits without the unpleasant odor. Compressed moxa is used in various moxibustion techniques, and it can be held by the therapist like a moxa stick or used in dedicated moxa rollers.
Electronic moxa as an alternative to traditional moxa
Electronic moxa is a modern alternative to traditional forms of moxa, gaining popularity among TCM practitioners. Electronic moxa stimulates acupuncture points with heat generated by an electronic device, eliminating the need to burn moxa. This form of moxa is particularly beneficial in situations where smoky moxa cannot be used, such as in enclosed spaces or with patients sensitive to smoke.
Conclusion
Moxa is an incredibly versatile tool in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offering many health benefits through the stimulation of acupuncture points. In this article, we discussed various types of moxa, such as moxa sticks, loose moxa, cut moxa, adhesive moxa, and compressed moxa. Each of these forms has its unique applications and is chosen depending on the specific needs of the patient and therapeutic conditions. Smoky and smokeless moxa offer different benefits, while electronic moxa provides a modern alternative to traditional methods. Regardless of the form of moxa chosen, understanding its properties and techniques is key to fully harnessing its therapeutic potential. Moxa, in both its traditional and modern forms, remains an important element of TCM treatments and an effective tool in moxibustion therapy.
