What Is Moxibustion—and Why Is It Used With Acupuncture?
Moxibustion—often called moxa—is a warming therapy commonly used alongside acupuncture. Although it is unfamiliar to many patients, moxibustion has been part of traditional East Asian medicine for centuries. Here is what moxa involves, what it feels like and why your acupuncturist might include it in a treatment.
What Is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion uses a dried form of the mugwort plant, traditionally known as Ai Ye. The herb is burned near specific acupuncture points or areas of the body to provide focused warmth without intentionally touching or burning the skin.
Moxa can be used in several ways. A practitioner may hold a moxa stick above the body, place moxa on top of an acupuncture needle or use a moxa box to warm a larger area. Smokeless forms may also be used when a patient is sensitive to smoke or when ventilation is limited.
The method selected depends on the reason for treatment, the patient’s sensitivity and the practitioner’s clinical assessment.
What Does Moxibustion Feel Like?
Most people experience moxibustion as a comfortable, gradually spreading warmth. It should not feel sharply hot or painful. Some patients find the sensation deeply relaxing, especially when moxa is applied over areas that feel cold, tight or achy.
If the heat ever feels uncomfortable, tell your acupuncturist immediately. The temperature and distance can be adjusted throughout the treatment.
Why Is Moxa Used With Acupuncture?
From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, moxibustion warms the meridians, encourages the movement of qi and blood and helps dispel patterns of cold and stagnation. It may be selected when symptoms feel better with warmth or become worse in cold weather.
Your acupuncturist might consider including moxa when working with:
Muscular tension, stiffness or certain types of pain
Cold hands and feet
Menstrual cramping that improves with heat
Digestive discomfort accompanied by sensations of coldness or weakness
Fatigue or low energy
Areas that feel chronically tight, restricted or poorly circulated
Moxa is not appropriate for every person or every condition. Its use should be based on your individual symptoms rather than added automatically to every acupuncture treatment.
What Does the Research Say?
Research has explored moxibustion for pain, digestive conditions, menstrual discomfort and other concerns. Some reviews report promising results, but many studies have limitations, including inconsistent treatment methods, small sample sizes and differences in study quality. A 2024 overview examining acupuncture and moxibustion for irritable bowel syndrome found indications of benefit while also emphasizing the need for better-quality research.
For that reason, moxibustion is best viewed as an individualized complementary therapy rather than a guaranteed cure or replacement for necessary medical care. Read the research overview
Is Moxibustion Safe?
Moxibustion should be performed by a properly trained practitioner. Because it involves heat and, in some forms, smoke, possible risks include burns, skin irritation, allergic reactions and respiratory irritation. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also notes that improperly performed moxibustion may cause burns or infection. Learn more from the NCCIH
Tell your practitioner if you are pregnant, have reduced skin sensation, respiratory sensitivities, allergies to mugwort or a condition that affects your ability to feel heat. Your practitioner can determine whether moxa is appropriate and may choose a smokeless or indirect method when needed.
Could Moxa Be Part of Your Treatment?
Moxibustion can add a grounding, warming element to acupuncture, particularly for people whose discomfort is associated with coldness, tension or a sense of depletion. As with acupuncture, the treatment should be personalized to your body, symptoms and overall health.
If you are curious about moxibustion in New York City, I can evaluate whether it makes sense as part of your acupuncture treatment and explain exactly what to expect before we begin.
