How to Get Indirect Moxibustion

Indirect moxibustion is done by waving burning sticks of moxa over certain points on the body. The burning moxa never comes into contact with the skin, as it does in direct moxibustion. This is a relatively modern variation on the traditional technique. Most people find the pain and scarring associated with direct moxibustion to be unpleasant; therefore, indirect moxibustion was developed. While it may not be as effective as direct moxibustion for some conditions, indirect moxibustion has proven itself to be quite useful for other issues, such as breech babies and localized pain anywhere on the body. It is possible to get indirect moxibustion from most acupuncture practitioners around the world.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Moxa stick
• Lighter

1. Purchase several moxa sticks or go to a moxibustion practitioner.
2. Select the points on your body to be treated, depending on what ailments you are experiencing. A trained moxibustion practitioner can tell you just what points you need to use to treat your specific condition.
3. Peel part of the wrapper of a moxa stick, so that the mugwort underneath is exposed, but leave enough of the wrapper in place that you can grip it while the moxa stick is burning. Light the end of the stick, and then blow out the flame to leave the end smoking.
4. Wave the smoking moxa stick over the area of the body you are treating, keeping the stick about 1/2 inch away from your skin at all times. Keep the smoking end of the stick pointed toward your skin. You should feel the heat from the stick, but should not experience any burning or scarring from the treatment.
5. Continue to wave the moxa stick over your treatment area for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and then extinguish the stick by tapping off the ash into a sink.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a practitioner who has been in business for at least 3 to 4 years. This way, you will be sure that your practitioner has adequate experience and has had plenty of time to develop a good bedside manner.
• Be aware that you will feel some heat when you get indirect moxibustion, and this heat may be intense. If it starts to feel too uncomfortable, let your practitioner know, as part of the treatment involves adjusting the space between the moxa stick and your body to ensure your maximum comfort during the procedure.
• Do not be alarmed if your skin turns a bright red during the procedure, as this is normal. You should not, however, experience any blistering.