What is moxibustion therapy?

Moxibustion, also known as moxa therapy, is one of the key therapeutic methods used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Although it originated in the Far East, its popularity is also growing in the West, where it is increasingly used as a complement to conventional therapies. In Chinese medicine, moxibustion was frequently used to support acupuncture or, in some cases, as a substitute for needle therapy. In this article, we will discuss what moxibustion is, what moxa is, how it works, the different types of moxa, and the contraindications for its use. We will also cover the techniques for applying moxa.

Table of Contents:
1) What is moxibustion therapy?
2) What is moxa?
3) Moxa and Traditional Chinese Medicine
4) Characteristics of moxa in chinese medicine
5) Types of moxa: smoky and smokeless moxa  
- Smoky moxa  
- Smokeless moxa
6) Moxibustion techniques in chinese medicine  
- Direct moxa  
- Indirect moxa  
- Moxa cigar  
- Moxa on needle
7) Moxibustion techniques
8) Contraindications for moxibustion
9) Summary

What is moxibustion therapy?

Moxibustion therapy involves heating specific points on the body (acupuncture points) using burning moxa. Similar to acupuncture, the points on the body where moxa is applied are closely linked to meridians, or energy channels. These points are selected based on the patient’s condition. The aim of moxibustion is to heat these points, which, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, stimulates the flow of life energy (Qi) and Blood (Xue), thereby supporting healing processes. In this context, moxibustion is believed to harmonize the body’s internal energies and improve the patient’s overall health.

What is moxa?

Moxa is an herbal mixture in which the key ingredient is mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.). When moxa is burned, it releases heat that is transferred to acupuncture points. Mugwort is known as Ai Ye in Chinese and mogusa in Japanese (likely the origin of the term "moxa"). Mugwort has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries due to its content of essential oils, resins, and bitters. The greatest advantage of mugwort in heat therapy is its widespread availability and its narrow range of burning temperature, meaning the temperature remains stable throughout the treatment, which is crucial for effectiveness. Moxa is most commonly processed into pressed and dried forms, then shaped into cigars, cones, or other forms that are burned during moxibustion treatment.

Moxa and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Moxibustion is often used as a complement to other Traditional Chinese Medicine methods, such as acupuncture. Heating certain points with moxa is recommended over needle stimulation in some cases, for example, at the Stomach 36 point, known as the "Longevity Point." It is also recommended when a patient cannot undergo acupuncture due to a fear of needles. Moxa use in Chinese medicine covers a range of conditions, from digestive issues (abdominal pain, indigestion) to joint and muscle pain (back pain, muscle aches), headaches, and emotional disorders (insomnia). It is also used to boost the immune system, particularly during times of the year when immunity is lowered.

If you want to learn more about how to choose the best quality moxa, we encourage you to read the article Moxa - how to assess its quality?

Characteristics of moxa in chinese medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, moxa is considered an herb with a pungent and bitter taste and a hot thermal property, linking it to the Lung, Liver, Spleen, and Kidney channels. Therefore, moxibustion in Chinese medicine is indicated for dispersing external and internal Cold to relieve pain, warming channels to stop bleeding, replenishing Qi and Yang deficiencies, and dispersing Dampness and resolving Phlegm (which helps combat coughs and breathlessness).

Types of moxa: smoke and smokeless moxa

There are two main forms of moxa: traditional smoky moxa and smokeless moxa. Each has unique characteristics and applications, depending on therapeutic needs and patient preferences.

Smoke moxa

Smoke moxa is the most traditional form. During the burning of smoky moxa, thick, aromatic smoke is produced, which has therapeutic properties. The smoke, in addition to the thermal effect, has antiseptic and cleansing properties, making it valued in many therapeutic practices. Smoky moxa can be used in the form of cigars, cones, or directly on the skin using special techniques, such as Dragon Moxa.

Smokeless moxa

Smokeless moxa is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in settings where traditional smoky moxa may be difficult to use due to smoke-related constraints. Smokeless moxa is an alternative for those who wish to avoid the smoke and smell of smoky moxa while retaining most of the therapeutic properties of traditional moxa. Smokeless moxa consists of herbs that undergo a preliminary carbonization process, preventing them from emitting intense smoke and odor when burned.

While some therapists believe that smokeless moxa may be less effective, it is appreciated for the absence of bothersome smoke and reduced odor emissions, creating a more comfortable therapy environment for both the patient and the therapist. The techniques for using smokeless moxa are similar to those for smoky moxa. It is most commonly used in the form of cigars or adhesive moxa.

Moxibustion techniques in chinese medicine

In Chinese medicine, there are several techniques for applying moxa, depending on the type of moxa and the desired therapeutic effect. The most commonly used techniques include:

Direct moxa

Direct moxa is a technique in which small cones of loose moxa are placed directly on the acupuncture points on the patient’s skin. The cones are then ignited, causing the moxa to burn gradually and transfer heat to the body. Direct moxa can be performed in two ways: by allowing the moxa to burn completely, which results in direct heat contact with the skin, or by extinguishing the moxa before it fully burns to avoid burns. Due to the risks associated with this technique, it is not commonly chosen today.

Indirect moxa

Indirect moxa involves placing the moxa at a certain distance from the skin, usually on pads made of ginger, garlic, or salt. This technique reduces the risk of burns.

Moxa rolls

Moxa rolls is the most commonly used form of moxa in Western practices. The cigar, made of pressed herbs, is ignited at one end and held a few centimeters from the skin, allowing for gentle and controlled heating of acupuncture points.

Moxa on acupuncture needle

Moxa on an acupuncture needle is a technique that combines acupuncture with moxibustion. In this technique, moxa is placed on acupuncture needles inserted into acupuncture points. The moxa is then ignited, transferring heat directly through the needle to deeper tissue layers, allowing the benefits of both acupuncture and heat therapy.

Moxibustion techniques

There are three main moxibustion techniques, which can be described as "stroking with moxa," "pricking with moxa," and "stable moxa heating." Each of these methods has a different therapeutic goal: dispersing, harmonizing, and strengthening, and each influences the flow of Qi in the body differently. Although mastering these techniques is not difficult, it is important to understand the principles and application of each to achieve optimal results in moxibustion.

If you would like to learn more about these techniques, we encourage you to read the article Moxibustion techniques.

Contraindications for moxibustion

While moxibustion is generally safe, there are certain contraindications for its use. Moxa should not be applied to individuals with fever, skin infections, or on damaged skin. Additionally, moxa may not be suitable for pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, due to the risk of excessive body heat. There are also specific acupuncture points that should never be heated with moxa. In case of any doubts before starting moxibustion therapy, it is always advisable to consult with a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.

Summary

Moxibustion, one of the fundamental methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is gaining popularity in the West as an effective complement to conventional therapies. Moxibustion involves heating acupuncture points with burning moxa, which, according to TCM, aims to stimulate the flow of life energy (Qi) and blood (Xue), supporting the body's healing processes. The main ingredient in moxa is mugwort, a plant with a hot thermal nature, making it an ideal tool for harmonizing the body’s energy.

Moxa comes in traditional smoky moxa and the increasingly popular smokeless moxa, which is preferred in places where smoke might be an issue. The most well-known moxibustion techniques in Chinese medicine include direct moxa, indirect moxa, moxa cigars, and moxa on acupuncture needles. Each method has its unique applications depending on therapeutic needs and patient preferences.

Moxibustion allows for less invasive stimulation of acupuncture points than needle-based acupuncture. While it is generally a safe method, it requires appropriate knowledge and caution.