What Is Moxibustion (Moxa)?
A gentle heat therapy used in acupuncture
Moxibustion—often called moxa—is a traditional therapy used alongside acupuncture to warm, nourish, and strengthen the body.
Moxa is made from dried mugwort leaves, which are formed into sticks, cones, or loose material. When lit, moxa produces a steady, penetrating heat that is held near specific acupuncture points or areas of the body. The goal is to gently warm the tissues and stimulate circulation.
Personally, I like to think of moxa as the original laser. Moxa penetrates deep into the body stimulating blood flow and warming the channels.
How Moxa Works
Moxibustion works by adding heat and movement where the body is cold, weak, or stagnant.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cold slows things down—circulation, digestion, immunity, and healing. Moxa helps by:
Warming acupuncture points and meridians
Improving blood flow
Supporting digestion and metabolism
Easing pain and stiffness
Strengthening immune and constitutional energy
You can think of moxa like adding sunlight to frozen soil—once warmth returns, things can grow and move again.
When Moxibustion Is Helpful
Moxa is commonly used for:
Cold hands and feet
Digestive weakness, bloating, or loose stools
Low energy or chronic fatigue
Menstrual cramps and fertility support
Chronic pain that feels better with heat
Recovery after illness
It is especially helpful for people who feel cold, depleted, or run down.
What Does It Feel Like?
Most people find moxibustion deeply relaxing. It feels like a comforting warmth, similar to a heating pad—but more targeted and longer-lasting. Many patients report feeling calmer, more energized, or pleasantly sleepy afterward.
Is Moxa Safe?
When performed by a trained practitioner, moxibustion is very safe. It is adjusted carefully based on your constitution and symptoms, and is not used when heat would be inappropriate.
The Takeaway
Moxibustion is a simple yet powerful therapy that helps the body warm, circulate, and heal. When combined with acupuncture, it supports deeper balance—especially for conditions rooted in cold, weakness, or low vitality.
Sometimes, healing doesn’t require doing more—it just requires adding warmth in the right place.
