Moxa Types

Moxibustion is the name given to the burning and application of the herb mugwort in various forms during a treatment. There is loose moxa “punk” which can be pressed around the handle of an acupuncture needle and burned to deliver a glorious warmth around the acupuncture point. High grades of this type of loose moxa can be moulded into tiny cones which are applied directly to the skin. More commonly, acupuncturists use moxa rolls which are either the normal form surrounded by a paper wrapping; or smokeless rolls (as seen in the picture) which has been processed to release less smoke and odour when burned. These rolls are held centimetres away from the surface of the skin until a comfortable warmth is felt by the patient (do NOT apply directly to the skin!).

Other methods/varieties of use include smokeless moxa cones which can be balanced on the end of an acupuncture needle; and moxa boxes, which are wooden boxes with a protective central unit to hold the burning herb while the box is is placed on various parts of the body to deliver it’s healing benefits to a large area.

Use at Home- Moxabustion Instructions

Sometimes Lena will give you a moxa stick to take home and she will demonstrate in the session on the safe use and handling of this herb. As a reminder, please read the following instructions:

  1. Prepare the environment for use. Ensure there are non-flammable items in the immediate vicinity. Have a heatproof surface within easy reach of where you are doing the moxibustion. On this surface, place a jar with a secure lid to store the burning moxa stick when you have finished. Ensure that the interior is dry so that you can use the stick again. Finally, have a heatproof dish nearby, like a metal saucer or ashtray, and a metal teaspoon so that you can scrape the ash off and deposit it safely. Wear appropriate clothing so that you reduce the need to adjust it during treatment and risk igniting the fabric.

  2. Light the end of the moxa stick, preferably from a blue flame like gas hob/ brulee torch/cigar lighter. You can use a candle but it takes a frustrating amount of time.

  3. The end of the stick will start to glow red and you will notice the edges do this first. Continue to light until the whole end is red. Removing the lighter and gently blowing air onto the end (as seen in adjacent photo) will increase oxygen flow and achieve burning quicker.

  4. Now you are ready for moxabustion! Get into a comfortable position and start to move/wave the end of the stick over the recommended points. Ensure you start a couple of inches away from the surface of the skin so you can gauge the amount of heat emanating from the stick. Make stippling, circular or side-to-side motions with the stick for a comfortable distribution of heat.

  5. Every few minutes, you will notice grey ash thickly accumulating on the end of the stick. Use the metal teaspoon to scrape the ash onto the heatproof dish. Then blow on the end until it glows read and continue to apply over the acu-point (s).

  6. After 20 minutes, place the stick, end first into the jar and securely screw on the lid. Place this on the prepared heat resistant surface and allow the contents to fully cool before moving the jar or using the moxa stick again.