Shiunkō Moxa Paste - Japanese moxibustion

This moxa paste is designed to help moxa adhere to the skin in the practice of Japanese moxibustion. Its texture holds cones or direct moxa precisely in place, while forming a supple interface between the skin and the point being treated.

It follows the formulation of Shiunkō (紫雲膏), also known as Zǐ Yún Gāo or "Purple Cloud Ointment" — a reference to the characteristic purple hue it takes from Zi Cao root.

This celebrated preparation was developed by Hanaoka Seishū (1760–1835), a Japanese physician of the Edo period remembered as a pioneer of surgery. He adapted it from an older Chinese formula recorded in the Wài Kē Zhèng Zōng (外科正宗, "Orthodox Manual of External Medicine") by Chén Shígōng, published in 1617 under the Ming dynasty.

Our version follows the recipe recommended by Master Mizutani Junji, in which we replaced the original lard with organic shea butter, for an entirely plant-based preparation.

Master Mizutani Junji is a recognised figure in traditional Japanese moxibustion, trained in the lineage of the Sawada style and steeped in Kampo herbal medicine, of which he is an ardent advocate.

The Zi Cao Gen (Arnebia) and Dāng Guī (Chinese angelica) roots come from a French Chinese-pharmacopoeia laboratory, from plants sourced in Asia.

The paste is poured hot into a glass jar, never into plastic. Glass does not interact with fats and releases nothing into the preparation; once empty, the jar can be reused or recycled indefinitely. It is the same choice we make for all our preparations.

Ingredients: organic sesame oil, beeswax, organic shea butter, Dang Gui root (Chinese angelica), Zi Cao root (Arnebia), natural vitamin E.

This product is also known as Shiunko, Shiunkou, Shiun-kō, Zi Yun Gao, Zǐ Yún Gāo, 紫雲膏, Purple Cloud Ointment or purple cloud salve.

Directions and precautions (label):

External use. Adhesion base for moxibustion. Apply to healthy skin. Do not use on broken skin. Allergen: sesame. Stay attentive to the heat during the session. Keep out of reach of children. Best used within 12 months.