Moxibustion

Moxibustion burns processed mugwort floss to deliver steady heat to points or lesions, warming the channels. Clinically the dominant forms are suspended moxa (a stick held 2–3 cm above the skin) and indirect moxa (ginger, salt or other media between cone and skin); direct moxa is now rare.

Chinese pairs needles and moxa as “zhen jiu”, but the mechanisms differ: needles stimulate physically, moxa works through heat — needle-averse patients can do moxa alone.

Moxibustion targets “cold” and “deficiency” patterns plus supportive pain relief:

Heat conditions and yin-deficiency constitutions need caution; the physician judges via tongue and pulse.

• Cold-type pain in neck, shoulder, back or abdomen that eases with warmth
• Period pain and weak digestion as supportive care
• Early-stage wind-cold colds
• Post-operative and post-partum constitution support (under supervision)

A session runs 20–40 minutes. The physician holds the lit stick above the point; the correct sensation is penetrating warmth without burning. If it stings, say so — distance will be adjusted.

Many hospitals use moxa boxes or racks that cover several points at once; smokeless sticks suit smoke-sensitive patients.

The main risk is low-temperature burns — prolonged moderate heat damages skin just as much as brief intense heat. Licensed settings watch the distance throughout, use insulating media, and inspect the skin afterwards.

Self-treatment at home is not recommended: distance control and constitution assessment both need training. Avoid moxa on the lower abdomen or sacrum during pregnancy, and on skin with reduced sensation (e.g. diabetic neuropathy).

At Grade 3A hospitals a session commonly costs a few tens to two hundred RMB; indirect and box moxa cost more for consumables. Moxa is often bundled with acupuncture into a combined protocol.

Expect herbal smoke in the treatment room — it is normal; ask for smokeless moxa or a better-ventilated area if you are sensitive.