Types Of Moxibustion (and How It Works) - Health Coach

Types of Moxibustion and How Moxibustion Works with The Different Types of Sticks and Cones from Health Coaches

I’m here to talk about the various advantages of moxibustion in my capacity as the primary health and wellness advisor at FindItHealth.com. Moxibustion is a therapy with low risk and demonstrated effectiveness for pain, infertility, and abnormalities of the body’s systems. Moxibustion can be used either by itself or in conjunction with other therapies.

The next time you want to try an alternative therapy for improving your health and wellness or you’re looking for a safe birthing, ask around for a moxibustion expert near you. Let this article be your introduction.

Types of Moxibustion and How Moxibustion Works with The Different Types of Sticks and Cones from Health Coaches

How Does Moxibustion Work?


By burning of mugwort leaves and compressing the powder, heat is applied to acupoints in a process known as moxibustion. The idea is that to increase the effectiveness of acupuncture, moxibustion is frequently combined with acupuncture.

Moxibustion techniques come in a variety of forms, but they always work by employing heat to produce smoke, herbal effects, and biophysical effects, to encourage the body’s recovery and harmony.

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Types of Moxibustion


The following are popular types of moxibustion you’d find in alternative health and wellness clinics.

Moxa Sticks

Moxa sticks are safe, easy to apply and beneficial for enhancing therapy.

But for a successful treatment, the moxa stick’s purity and quality are essential.

Moxa sticks are adaptable!

You can apply them to yourself at home, although we recommend you consult your primary care physician first.

Moxa Cones

Ginger and moxa cones are used to treat a variety of illnesses, including osteoarthritis, diarrhea, and infertility. Additionally, it is utilized to restore blood circulation, flow of Qi, and treat related conditions like kidney deficiency, pelvic pain, and bedwetting.

Walnut-Shell Moxa Glasses

Another variety of moxa that is frequently used contains walnut shells. It is frequently used to improve cognitive functioning, including eradicating brain fog, sleeplessness, loss of smell, and hyperactivity.

Heat Sensitive Moxibustion

In this form, the moxibustion treatment is customized based on the patient’s feedback. Finding the heat-sensitive acupoints and applying the right amount of moxibustion in a precise, scientific way are the main goals of this treatment. Where heat-sensitive sites are present, heat-sensitive moxibustion is used. Impotence, stomach discomfort, and dysmenorrhea are all treated with this method.

Turtle Salt Moxa

Turtle shells are crushed to make turtle salt moxa, which is used to nourish the kidney meridians and lengthen life. Of course, this method might not be available in areas where there are environmental protection rules. The use of this moxa treatment has widespread application for urological, gynecological, and gastroenterological health issues.

Dragon Moxa

Ginger paste and moxa wool are the ingredients in dragon moxa, which is administered to the spine. This moxa treatment was utilized in the past to alleviate chronic weakness. In modern applications, dragon moxa is found to be effective in studies for regulating the immune system as well as benefiting the nervous, digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Needle Moxibustion

This technique involves attaching small pieces of moxa to the end of acupuncture needles and then igniting them. The heat from the burning moxa is transmitted through the needle and into the acupuncture point.

Warm Needle Moxibustion

In this method, the needle is warmed with moxa before being inserted into the skin. The acupuncture point is stimulated by the needle’s heat.

Heat Lamp Moxibustion

In this method, the skin and acupuncture points are warmed using a heat lamp. When direct moxibustion is not possible or is needed for broad portions of the body, this procedure is frequently performed.

Each method of moxibustion has benefits and drawbacks, and the practitioner’s preference as well as the ailment being treated will determine which technique is going to be used.

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Indirect Moxibustion


The method of applying moxibustion to the skin is referred to as indirect moxibustion. In this method, the moxa is burned within centimeters from the body.

The practitioner will take off the moxa after the skin turns warm and red from the heat.

Using a coating of salt or garlic as an insulator is another indirect method. One of them is placed on the skin just below the moxa cone by the practitioner. This kind of moxibustion has uses in every field of medicine, including obstetrics, pediatrics, dermatology, neurology, and more.

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Direct Moxibustion


Direct moxibustion is the process of applying burning dry moxa directly to an acupoint on the skin. It is a very potent form of moxibustion even if it is regarded as a scarring moxibustion technique.

People claim that it aids in the restoration of organ function and has demonstrated efficacy. But we still would not recommend direct moxibustion for self-application.

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Frequently Asked Questions


What are the common methods of moxibustion?

Indirect moxibustion and direct moxibustion are the two methods of applying moxa.

Between the two, the indirect type comes with a lower risk of pain or burning. Although more powerful, direct moxibustion can lead to blistering or scarring because the moxa is placed on top of the acupoint and burned.

How does moxibustion work for breech babies?

Moxibustion has been shown in research trials conducted in the United States and Europe to improve the likelihood that a breech presentation infant would turn to a head-down position. Moxibustion is most effective between 33 and 34 weeks of pregnancy when performed daily before bedtime until the baby turns on its own.

What are the different types of moxa?

As previously mentioned, the following are the most popular moxibustion techniques:

  • Moxa Sticks
  • Moxa Cones
  • Walnut-Shell Moxa Glasses
  • Heat Sensitive Moxibustion
  • Turtle Salt Moxa
  • Dragon Moxa
  • Needle Moxibustion:
  • Warm Needle Moxibustion
  • Heat Lamp Moxibustion

From a traditional Chinese medicine standpoint, all these types of moxibustion can be utilized for treating yin, cold, and deficiency syndromes as well as yang Qi conditions like chronic diarrhea, dysentery, malaria, impotence, and enuresis.

When should you not use moxibustion?

The following are situations when you should not undergo moxibustion therapy:

  • A mugwort allergy
  • Smoke sensitivity
  • A lung condition, such as asthma

Moxibustion is often used by pregnant women, but be sure to tell your practitioner in advance of your medical circumstances and treatment objectives.

When done by an acupuncturist or other skilled specialist, moxibustion is typically safe. Scarring and skin-surface burning pose the greatest risk. However, expectant mothers should exercise caution because you can encounter serious negative consequences including fetal distress or premature birth. Moxibustion must be administered to expectant mothers under a doctor’s supervision.

Can I do moxibustion on myself?

If you are going to apply moxibustion on yourself we recommend indirect moxibustion. The biggest risk of this type of therapy is how easily you can burn your skin. Indirect moxibustion creates a barrier between your skin and the moxa that is burning.

While it is possible to use moxibustion on oneself, it is crucial to use caution and follow the right procedures in order to ensure your safety and avoid injury. To make application simpler, you might also want to check out moxa equipment like moxa boxes.

If you do choose to do moxibustion on yourself, be sure to use high-quality moxa from a trusted supplier, maintain a clean, dry environment devoid of anything flammable, and take the necessary safety precautions like using a fire-resistant surface.

What is the success rate of moxibustion?

In a study, moxibustion is effective for turning babies in a breech position with a success rate of 88% of mothers having normal deliveries and 12% having a cesarean section.
The ailment being treated, the competence and expertise of the practitioner, and the unique response of the patient all affect the success rate of moxibustion. Moxibustion is generally regarded as a secure and efficient treatment for a variety of ailments, notably those connected to pain, gastrointestinal problems, and gynecological problems.

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Conclusion – Research by Findithealth.com

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If you’re ready to try moxibustion make sure to look for a reputable clinic near you.

Determining the best type of moxibustion for you requires a thorough assessment by a qualified and experienced practitioner, such as a licensed acupuncturist or a medical practitioner. During the assessment, the practitioner will consider your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and other factors to determine the most appropriate type of moxibustion for your individual needs.

The practitioner may also perform a physical examination and take your pulse and examine your tongue to identify any imbalances or blockages in your body’s energy flow, known as Qi. Based on this information, the practitioner can then create a customized treatment plan that may include moxibustion with acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary, and lifestyle recommendations.

That being said, many practitioners use indirect moxibustion, as it is generally considered to be safer and less invasive than direct moxibustion. This method is less likely to cause burns or other effects of moxibustion and is suitable for a wide range of conditions.

Thank you for reading this article. Please check back for more advice on health and wellbeing as we update.

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Find It Health Editor in Chief Luz Chacon Health and Wellness Coach Giving You Advice

Luz Chacon

Luz Chacon is a Health Educator, Wellness Coach, and EFT Tapping Practitioner with 30+ years in health advocacy. Specializing in stress management, wellbeing, and holistic health, she created a 40% stress reduction employee program. Luz is dedicated to helping busy individuals prioritize self-care, break patterns, and reach goals. She offers programs for organizations and individuals. Luz is passionate about sharing her health research and guiding informed choices!

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