Moxibustion
Common Moxibustion Methods and Their Application Techniques
I. Moxibustion with Moxa Cones
Moxibustion involves applying the heat generated from burning moxa cones or moxa sticks directly or indirectly to acupuncture points or affected areas to prevent and treat diseases.
According to the method of application, it can be divided into two main categories:
1. Direct Moxibustion
Placing a moxa cone directly on the skin for burning. It is further divided into:
(1) Scarring Moxibustion
Commonly used for suppurative moxibustion, usually with small moxa cones.
Ginger juice or garlic juice may be applied to the skin to enhance adhesion.
Burn the moxa cone until it reaches the base, remove the ash, and continue with new cones until a scar forms.
May cause blisters, ulcers, or scarring; contraindicated for thin-skin areas such as the face.
Mostly applied to the abdomen, back, or areas with thicker muscle mass.
✅ Note: Scarring moxibustion is a controlled, non-infectious stimulation.
(2) Non-Scarring Moxibustion
The moxa cone is removed when half or two-fifths burned to avoid skin injury.
Typically performed with small or medium-sized moxa cones.
After treatment, sesame oil may be applied to moisturize the skin.
Can be used on areas with mild redness to maintain warmth.
2. Indirect Moxibustion
A barrier such as herbs, ginger, garlic, salt, or medicinal cakes is placed between the moxa cone and the skin to avoid direct contact.
(1) Ginger Moxibustion
Place a ginger slice (0.1–0.3 cm thick) on the selected acupoint.
When the heat becomes intense, replace the moxa cone.
Functions: Warms the middle, stops nausea, strengthens the spleen, dispels cold, and unblocks meridians.
(2) Garlic Moxibustion
Garlic slices (0.2–0.3 cm thick) are used.
Garlic is pungent and warm, disperses cold-dampness, and expels toxins.
Commonly used for carbuncles, abscesses, and even venomous snake bites.
(3) Salt Moxibustion
Commonly applied to Shenque (CV8, navel).
Finely ground salt is placed in the navel, and a moxa cone is burned on top.
Used for diarrhea, rectal prolapse, and cold-type abdominal pain.
(4) Medicinal Cake Moxibustion (Cake Moxibustion)
A small cake (1–2 cm in diameter, 0.3–0.5 cm thick) is made from aconite powder mixed with yellow wine.
A moxa cone is placed on top for burning.
Suitable for yang deficiency syndromes, decline of Mingmen fire, premature ejaculation, and cold limbs.
II. Moxa Stick Moxibustion
Moxa sticks are made by rolling moxa wool into stick form. After ignition, the stick is used to warm acupuncture points or affected areas.
The main techniques include:
Suspended Moxibustion: Holding the burning moxa stick 2–3 cm away from the skin.
Mild-Warm Moxibustion: Applying steady heat until a comfortable warmth is felt without burning the skin.
Circular (Rotary) Moxibustion: Moving the burning moxa stick in circular motions above the area to evenly distribute heat.
