Introduction
Moxibustion is a traditional technique from Chinese medicine that uses heat, infrared thermal radiation, and essential oils released by burning mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) to stimulate acupuncture points or specific body areas.
It is practiced using several techniques that must be learned in an acupuncture or Chinese medicine school. Not all schools teach the same methods, and some may vary according to tradition (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc.).
⚠️ This guide is for informational purposes only.
It is not a self-treatment manual.
Its aim is to provide a general overview of the main moxibustion techniques.
You will find examples of applications for common minor conditions in our dedicated moxibustion practice booklet.
Important Warnings
🔥 Moxibustion techniques carry a risk of burns if not performed correctly.
🤰 Pregnant women: certain points and areas (especially the abdomen and sacrum) are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy.
It is essential to consult a certified practitioner before any application.
I. Moxibustion with Mugwort Cones
(Our products: Purified Moxa Wool EP50 and Pre-ground June 21 Mugwort EC21)
1. Direct Moxa
Non-scarring:
A small cone of mugwort is placed directly on the skin.
It is lit and removed as soon as the heat becomes intense.
Repeat 3 to 5 times until slight local redness appears.
Scarring:
This ancient technique (allowing the cone to burn until it causes a blister) is no longer used today for safety and ethical reasons.
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2. Indirect Moxa
These techniques use a medium between the skin and the mugwort cone.
On coarse salt:
Mainly applied to the navel.
Fill the navel with coarse salt, place the cone on top, and remove when the heat becomes too strong.
Repeat 3–5 times.
On ginger slice:
A slice about 3–4 mm thick (like a 2€ coin).
Ginger adds an extra warming and stimulating effect.
On garlic slice:
Same procedure, but with a more cleansing effect.
On aconite root (Fu Zi):
Mentioned only for historical purposes; aconite is highly toxic and prohibited for therapeutic use today.
II. Japanese Moxibustion
(Separate category)
Okyu technique:
Tiny cones the size of a grain of rice are fixed to the skin using a special paste (moxa paste or Shiunko cream).
This method provides gentle, progressive stimulation.
Ontake technique:
Moxa is inserted into a bamboo tube, lit, then the tube is tapped or rolled on the skin.
The effect is both warming and massaging, with no risk of burning.
III. Moxibustion with Mugwort Cigars/Sticks
(Moxa cigars R1 and R2)
Gentle moxibustion:
The lit cigar is held about 5 cm from the skin, making small circles or pecking movements.
The heat should feel pleasant and penetrating, never burning.
Often used for tonification.
Strong moxibustion:
The cigar is very hot, ashes are regularly removed.
It is brought 2–3 cm from the skin until the patient feels a sharp heat, then moved away.
Repeat several times.
Used more for dispersion.
IV. Warm Needle
(Mini moxa M1, M2, M3 and Purified moxa wool EP50)
An acupuncture needle is inserted into the chosen point, then a small moxa cone is placed on the handle.
It is lit (often with an incense stick) and left to burn for about 2 minutes before removal.
Repeat 3–5 times as needed.
This technique is particularly effective for joint pain, rheumatic conditions, and “Bi Zheng” syndromes (blockages due to cold and dampness in Chinese medicine).