What is Moxa?
Moxibustion is a type of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves burning moxa, a cone or stick made of ground mugwort leaves, on or near your body’s meridians and acupuncture points. The resulting heat helps stimulate these points and improves the flow of qi (energy) in your body. According to traditional Chinese medicine practices, this increased qi circulation can help with a range of health issues, from chronic pain to digestive troubles. Read on to learn more about moxibustion, including how it’s done!
There are a couple of methods for moxibustion. Firstly there is the direct technique. Where the moxa cone rests on the site of treatment on your body. The practitioner ignites one end of the cone and leaves it to burn slowly. Once your skin starts to turn red and you begin to feel the heat, the therapist removes the cone.
Secondly, there is indirect moxibustion that is a more common and also a safer option. In this approach, the burning moxa doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin. Instead, the practitioner holds it about an inch away from your body. Once the skin becomes warm and red, they will remove the moxa from near your skin. Click here to read more.
Traditional Wisdom And Insight
In TCM theory, moxa supports the kidney and spleen yang, dispelling cold that commonly underlies chronic fatigue, weak digestion, and joint stiffness. Historical texts like the Bian Que Neijing mention moxa’s ability to build new energy, especially when used for both deficiency and excess patterns
What do Moxa Sticks Help Treat?
- Infertility
- Asthma symptoms
- Eczema
- Fatigue
- Cold and flu prevention
- Body pain
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Menstrual cramp
- and much more!
What Are The Benefits of Moxa?
Proponents of moxibustion believe it:
Warms and stimulates circulation – helping qi and blood flow through stagnated areas.
Boosts yang energy – especially helpful in cold, deficient conditions.
Removes internal cold and dampness – often at the root of chronic lethargy, digestive issues, and pain.
Supports immune function – delivering mild heat stress that may enhance resilience.
Practitioners often turn to specific acupuncture points like Zusanli (ST‑36) or Dazhui (GV‑14) to treat chronic fatigue, digestive weaknesses, and other low-energy conditions
How It Works: A Practitioner's Approach
During a session, an acupuncturist may combine moxa with acupuncture needles. The practitioner lights the moxa stick and either holds it near specific points or uses needle moxa, where the burning stick warms the needle that’s already inserted. Both methods gently coax energy into the meridians, without burning or stressing the skin Wikipedia+1healingwithzen.com+1.
Different methods of moxibustion include:
Direct non-scarring – cone placed on skin briefly and removed before burn
Indirect moxa – using stick or needle moxa near the skin surface
Stick-on moxa – adhesive-backed moxa used for targeted heat therapy
What To Expect In A Session?
A typical moxa session may include:
Initial evaluation of your constitution, energy levels, any cold/damp symptoms, and specific health concerns
Acupuncture to prime energy flow and open channels
Moxibustion—indirectly warming key points
Feedback and aftercare, including guidelines on home care, breathing, and hydration
Each session lasts about 30–60 minutes, and many people feel deeply relaxed, experience improved warmth, or notice better digestion and vitality afterward.
Is 'Moxa' Right For You?
Great candidates: Those with chronic cold sensations, digestive sluggishness, low immunity, or those seeking natural pregnancy support (e.g., in cases of breech or low energy).
Use with caution: Pregnant individuals (except under guidance), people with heat-based conditions (fever, red skin), or those sensitive to smoke.
Final Thoughts
Moxa stick therapy offers a unique bridge between ancient healing wisdom and contemporary integrative health. When practiced skillfully, it can open energy pathways, warm the body from within, and support holistic wellness—especially in cold or energy-deficient conditions.
If you’re curious about how moxibustion could enhance your well-being, book a consultation at Healing With Zen. Together, we’ll design a personalized combination of acupuncture, moxa, herbs, and lifestyle guidance to help you feel rooted, energized, and balanced.
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