What Is Moxibustion? A Simple Guide to Acupuncture’s Companion

Have you seen moxa mentioned together with acupuncture and wondered what it is?

Moxa is a traditional heat therapy material, and moxibustion is one of the oldest treatments in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The Basics

Moxa is the dried form of the mugwort plant. It is often known as Japanese or Chinese mugwort, or Ai Ye in Chinese medicine. Frequently used together with acupuncture, moxa is a holistic therapy whose purpose is to improve the flow of Qi.

Moxibustion is the act of burning moxa, directly or indirectly, to create heat – often along the body’s meridian channels. This warmth is the foundation of moxibustion.

What is moxibustion used for?

As part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, moxibustion follows the concept of meridian lines in the body, through which Qi is said to flow.

Qi is described as the body’s life force. When it flows incorrectly or is blocked, imbalances can develop.

The earliest recorded mention of moxibustion dates from around 580 BC in China, and it has been an important part of Chinese medicine ever since.

Moxibustion is traditionally used for many conditions. Common areas of use include digestive complaints, gynaecological complaints and pain management, as well as osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries.

How does moxibustion work?

Just like acupuncture, moxibustion works by stimulating the acupoints it is applied to. Moxa is applied either directly or indirectly, including via an acupuncture needle.

By warming the point and reducing excess cold, moxibustion aims to rebalance the body and promote the flow of Qi.

Traditional Chinese Medicine views the body as a whole rather than focusing only on the affected area. When something is wrong, it is seen as an imbalance or blockage of Qi rather than a single isolated issue.

Types of Moxibustion

Direct – In direct moxibustion, a small cone of moxa is placed directly on the skin and lit. It is removed before it burns down completely. Because of the risk of burns, more and more practitioners prefer the indirect method.

Indirect – In indirect moxibustion, the moxa is burnt near the skin to create heat without touching it. This reduces the risk of burns. It is also often used with acupuncture needles: moxa is placed on the handle of a needle that has been inserted into the acupoint.

Is there evidence for moxibustion?

Mugwort is traditionally known as an emmenagogue, a herb that stimulates menstrual flow. In moxibustion, it is used not only to support delayed menstruation, but also to increase blood flow to other areas of the body to support healing.

The scientific evidence is still limited, mainly because many studies have been small and not always randomised or double-blinded.

Nevertheless, moxibustion remains a very popular therapy, not only in Korea, China and Japan but also across Europe and the rest of the world. Together with acupuncture, it is used internationally in practices and physiotherapy clinics.

What does moxa smell like?

Traditional moxa has a strong, earthy, herbal smell and produces smoke when burnt. For this reason, many practitioners today use smokeless moxa, which has a much milder smell and is better suited to indoor clinics.

Where can I go for a moxibustion session?

Moxibustion should be carried out by a trained and qualified practitioner, such as an acupuncturist or TCM therapist. Always make sure your practitioner is a member of a recognised professional association in your country.

Looking for moxa products for your practice? See our full Heat & Moxa range.