Moxibustion
Moxibustion warms points on the body with smoldering mugwort. It is the jiu in zhenjiu.
How a moxa stick is used
Light the end
Hold the tip in a flame until the end glows evenly. It smolders like a cigar, with an ember and no flame.
Keep your distance
Hold the ember about an inch above the skin and move it slowly. You want warmth. Pull away the moment it feels hot.
Put it out properly
Moxa keeps smoldering long after you stop. Push the lit end into a snuffer or lidded jar, then check that it is out.
The same mugwort hangs on doors at Dragon Boat Festival.
Choosing moxa
Moxa can burn you and start fires. Keep it away from numb skin and the face. In pregnancy, use it only under a licensed practitioner. Ventilate the room, especially with asthma. It is not medical treatment.
Moxibustion
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Good to know
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a Chinese practice of burning dried mugwort on or near acupuncture points. People use it for warmth in traditional care. The Chinese word for acupuncture, zhenjiu, names both needles and moxa.
What does moxa smell like?
Earthy, herbal and strong. Many people compare it to cannabis or burnt sage, and it lingers in curtains and clothes. Open a window, or try a smokeless stick.
Can you do moxibustion at home?
Many people do, using a stick held above the skin. Ask a licensed practitioner where to work first. Sit by an open window, keep a snuffer close, and never doze off.
