What is Moxibustion or Moxa?

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion, often simply called moxa, is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves burning a dried herb called mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) near specific points on the body to warm, nourish, and stimulate healing.

Moxa works by generating a deep, penetrating heat. This warmth helps to improve circulation, move stagnant energy, and dispel cold and dampness from the body. In Chinese medicine, these patterns — cold, stagnation, dampness — are believed to block the natural flow of qi (energy) and blood, leading to pain, discomfort, or illness.

Moxibustion Moxa can be applied in several ways:

Direct moxibustion, where tiny cones of moxa are placed directly on the skin and removed before they burn down completely.
Indirect moxibustion, where the burning moxa is held just above the skin, delivering heat without contact.
Moxa sticks, which look like large cigars of tightly packed mugwort. These are lit and moved in slow, circular motions over areas of the body. This is a form of indirect moxibustion.
Needle moxa, where a small piece of moxa is placed on the end of an acupuncture needle to warm the point from within.

No matter which method is used, the result is a gentle, comforting warmth that many people find incredibly relaxing.

What Can Moxibustion Be Used For?

Moxibustion is especially helpful for conditions where the body needs warmth, circulation, and energy. In Chinese medicine terms, these are situations of “cold,” “yang deficiency,” or “stagnation.”

Some of the most common conditions treated with moxa include:

Cold hands and feet, or an overall feeling of being cold.
Menstrual issues, such as painful periods, long cycles, or absence of menstruation (amenorrhea), especially when the pain feels better with heat.
Arthritis and joint pain, particularly when joints feel stiff and achy in cold or damp weather.
Digestive issues, like bloating, diarrhoea, or abdominal discomfort — again, especially when symptoms improve with warmth.
Fatigue and low immunity, helping to boost the body’s resilience and energy levels.
Recovery after illness or childbirth, where the body needs extra nourishment and strength.

Moxa can also be used preventively, for example to strengthen the body before winter or to maintain wellness in people who tend to feel cold, tired, or sluggish.

Moxa for Breech Babies

One of the most famous uses of moxa in modern practice is for helping to turn breech babies late in pregnancy.

A baby is considered breech when, around 32–37 weeks of pregnancy, they’re positioned feet or bottom down instead of head down. With moxibustion used on a specific point on the little toe, we aim to stimulate movement and help the baby turn naturally to the optimal position for birth.

This acupuncture point, known as Bladder 67, is thought in Chinese medicine to influence the uterus and the flow of qi in the lower abdomen. When warmed with moxa, it helps the baby become more active and find the space to move. It’s not a a non-invasive method, worth trying before moving on to more medical interventions.

Moxa for Children

Moxa

Moxibustion is also a wonderful treatment for children because it is so gentle and non-invasive. Many children respond beautifully to the nourishing warmth of moxa. We use it to support immunity, improve digestion, calm anxiety, and help with conditions like night-time urination or chronic coughs.

We also teach parents how to use moxa at home to continue supporting their child between visits.

Moxa at Natural Solutions Acupuncture

Because our clinic is located in an office building with sensitive smoke detectors, we can’t burn moxa on-site, as the smoke could set off alarms. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits! Instead, we focus on teaching you how to use moxa safely and effectively at home.

During your session, we’ll teach you how to light and hold the moxa stick correctly, how close to hold it to your skin, and how long to apply it for. We’ll also explain which points to focus on, how often to treat, and provide you with the moxa sticks, an extinguisher and a handout with instructions to take home.

Many of our patients love the ritual of using moxa at home — it’s a simple, relaxing way to support your health in between clinic visits, and we’re always here to guide you if you have questions.

Acupuncture & Moxa

At Natural Solutions Acupuncture, we usually use moxa as an add-on to your acupuncture treatment, rather than on its own. Acupuncture and moxa work beautifully together — the needles help to regulate and balance the flow of energy, while the gentle heat of moxa enhances circulation and warms the body. When we recommend moxa, it’s because we believe it will complement your acupuncture session and help you achieve even better results.

Ready to Experience the Warmth?

If you’re curious about moxibustion or think it might help you, please get in touch. You can call us or book a session here or learn more — and let us show you how the gentle warmth of moxa can help you feel your best.