"Moxibustion"
🌿 The Benefits of Moxibustion and the Selection of Moxa Leaves
An Essential Healing Tool for Nurturing Vital Qi in Cancer Patients
Ⅰ. How to Select High-Quality Moxa Leaves
The effectiveness of moxibustion depends greatly on the quality of moxa. This is especially true in cancer-supportive therapies aimed at regulating immunity and warming yang energy. The quality of the leaves can be evaluated from four key aspects:
1. 🌍 Origin
High-quality moxa leaves are mainly produced in regions between 29°–39° north latitude in China, such as Nanyang (Henan), Qichun (Hubei), and Bozhou (Anhui).
These sun-rich, temperate mountainous areas yield moxa leaves with optimal medicinal properties. The best harvest occurs around the Dragon Boat Festival (May–June), with processing in July–August.
2. 📅 Aging
Traditionally, moxa aged for over three years (“Chen Ai”) is preferred.
With aging, its harshness diminishes, and its therapeutic warmth becomes gentle and stable—ideal for chronic or deficiency-related conditions.
As Mencius said:
“For an illness of seven years, seek moxa aged three years.”
This reflects the classical wisdom that aged moxa is more suitable for slow-developing, deficiency-based disorders.
3. 👃 Aroma and Texture
Premium moxa is yellow-green or golden in color, with a soft, clean aroma.
When compressed, it feels compact yet slightly fluffy, and when released, it reveals fine fibers.
Inferior moxa, by contrast, smells sharp or unpleasant, feels hard or grainy, and lacks softness.
4. 🔥 Burning Characteristics
High-quality moxa burns evenly and gently, producing light, non-irritating smoke, and leaving soft, white-gray ash.
Low-grade moxa burns with harsh smoke, uneven combustion, and leaves hard, black ash.
Ⅱ. Historical Records of Moxa in Healing
Moxa (mugwort) has been highly valued since ancient times for its meridian-warming and cold-dispelling effects.
Famous Physicians’ Records (名医别录):
“Moxa is mildly warm and non-toxic; it is suitable for treating a hundred diseases.”
Compendium of Materia Medica (本草纲目):
“With its pure yang nature, moxa can restore those who are near collapse.”
Especially effective for deficiency and cold-related conditions.Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (针灸大成):
“Moxa can unblock the twelve meridians, regulate qi and blood, and dispel cold and dampness.”
For this reason, moxa has long been revered as “Divine Moxa” or “Immortal Herb.”
Ⅲ. The Value of Moxibustion for Cancer Patients
Moxibustion utilizes the gentle heat generated from burning moxa, combined with the conduction of meridians, to achieve the following therapeutic effects:
✅ Warming the Meridians and Dispelling Cold
The heat of moxa penetrates deep into tissues, unblocking stagnation and relieving cold-induced obstructions in the meridians.
✅ Strengthening Vital Qi
For patients with qi or yang deficiency, moxibustion stimulates the body’s internal yang energy and enhances immunity.
Ancient wisdom states: “True qi is what life depends on; moxibustion comes first.”
✅ Alleviating Cancer-Related Discomfort
Moxibustion may help relieve cold intolerance, fatigue, abdominal distention, constipation, and insomnia often seen after chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
✅ Disease Prevention and Longevity
Regular moxibustion at points such as Guanyuan (CV4), Mingmen (GV4), and Zhongwan (CV12) promotes smooth qi and blood circulation, boosts resistance, and supports longevity.
As stated in Bian Que’s Heart Book (扁鹊心书):
“Frequent moxibustion on Guanyuan, Mingmen, and Zhongwan may not grant immortality, but it can ensure a life free of major illness for over a hundred years.”
📚 Source Acknowledgment
This content is adapted from the book “Moxibustion: A New Lifespan Guardian for Cancer Patients”.
All rights belong to the original publisher and author. This translation has been restructured into clear, patient-friendly language while retaining the core therapeutic principles and traditional wisdom of Chinese medicine. For further in-depth learning, please support the original publication.
