How to Give a Moxa Treatment

Moxa whose formal name is 'moxibustion' comes from the Japanese word "Moe Kusa" meaning "burning herb". It is obtained from the herbal plant called mugwort. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxa is used to treat and prevent pain, discomfort and dis-ease by expelling stagnancy and cold, thus warming the meridians, strengthening the blood and stimulating the flow of Qi. There are a few different ways in which Moxa can be applied, but for all intents and purposes I will explain how to apply the Moxa stick. Generally, the moxa stick is used on acupuncture points or on specific parts of the body depending on the condition. Moxa has very powerful Qi tonifying properties and should always be used sparingly, only for short intervals, and with caution.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A moxa stick (or roll)
• A match or lighter
• A small ceramic or glass dish to catch any wayward ash.
• A towel to place under the area being treated.
• A glass of water

1. 
   Moxa stick or roll

   First, obtain a moxa stick. A moxa stick is essentially loose 'moxa-wool' tightly packed and rolled in a cigar-like fashion with a paper covering. (You can purchase moxibustion supplies from www.healthpointproducts.com).

2. Remove any clothing from the area that you intend to treat. Lay a towel underneath the area you are treating to catch any falling ash.

3. Use a match or lighter to light one end of the moxa stick. Keep the stick in contact with the heat source until it begins to smoke and smolder a bit. Gently snuff the stick out into the ceramic or glass dish. (You can test the heat of the stick by placing it a few centimeters above the back of your hand. When you feel a pleasant warmth the stick has been heated correctly).
   Safely extinguish the match or lighter.

4. 

   The stick can now be held about 2 to 3cm over any area (or corresponding acupuncture point) in which you feel pain, aches, cramps or physical discomfort. Hold the stick just above the area to be treated low enough to feel a pleasant warmth, but high enough to prevent burning. Be very careful NOT TO LET THE MOXA STICK MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SKIN. Use your dish to catch any wayward ash.

5. Move the moxa stick slowly over the area you are treating for 5-7 minutes. It should feel soothing and warm, but not too hot.

6. 

   When you have finished the treatment, extinguish the moxa stick by snuffing off any ash or immersing the lit end into a bit of water.

Tips & Warnings

• This 'How To' article was not posted by a licensed acupuncturist or healthcare practioner, and is no substitute for the advice or treatment of a licensed professional.
• Moxa is a powerful herb, use sparingly and with caution.
• If you are senstive to smoke or strong odors you may prefer using a smokeless moxa stick, moxa box or foregoing the moxa treatment entirely.

Resources

• www.healthpointproducts.com

[momose]

on 5/9/2009 I cannot wait to try this. Thanks for the information. *****

[ElleZsen]

on 3/16/2009 @ anamarielaThat's a really good question. You CAN indeed reuse the remainder of your moxa stick at a later time. But to clarify, Moxa 'sticks' (which burn more like incense) are best put out with a bit of water. Moxa 'rolls'(like the one pictured above) can just be snuffed out into a plate until it has stopped smoking. Either way, your moxa is reusable once dry and no longer smoking. Thanks for your question! I have updated the article to reflect this.

[anamariela]

on 3/16/2009 Thanks for your advices and to give basic steps to use the moxa. Question for you: can I re-use a moxa stick once I already use and put immersing the lit end into a bit of water? Thanks!

[rdardenea]

on 7/21/2008 This is completely new for me. Thank you for the article. EXCELLENT!!!

[AbbyNormal]

on 3/31/2008 Interesting article. Would like to see more of this type.