- Hanging moxibustion: Hang the burning moxa over the body.
- Portable moxibustion: Use different kinds of moxa accessories to stick moxa on the body. Accessories suitable for this technique include moxibustion boxes, moxibustion cups, specialized needles and lion warms.
- Indirect moxibustion: Apply ginger, garlic, salt or other herbs on the skin, and put moxa over them.
- Direct moxibustion: Put moxa directly on the body. For direct moxibustion, please use loose moxa to make a moxa cone, and then burn the moxa cone.
Learn About Moxibustion: Benefits, Side Effects & Moxa Types
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a traditional healing technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), often used alongside acupuncture. Both practices share the same foundational principles, focusing on stimulating specific points along the body’s meridians to restore balance and promote health. In Chinese, moxibustion is known as 灸 (jiu).
Unlike acupuncture, which uses needles, moxibustion involves burning dried mugwort (moxa) near or on the skin to generate therapeutic heat. This warmth stimulates the flow of Qi and blood, helping to dispel cold and dampness while warming the body’s acupoints and meridians.
What Is moxa made of?
Moxibustion uses moxa which is made from dried mugwort leaves (Artemisia argyi or Artemisia vulgaris). Traditionally, the moxa is burned to produce heat, which is applied to specific acupoints on the body to stimulate healing.
Today, modern options such as smokeless moxa sticks are available. These sticks are made from refined mugwort and produce minimal smoke and odor, making them ideal for use at home or in clinical settings where ventilation is limited.
The benefits
Moxibustion is known for its warming, stimulating effects on the body. When used correctly, it can help:
- Improve circulation of blood and Qi
- Relieve pain in joints, back, and abdomen
- Dispel cold and dampness from the body
- Soothe menstrual cramps and regulate cycles
- Support digestion and reduce bloating
- Boost energy and reduce fatigue
- Strengthen the immune system
- Promote relaxation and reduce stress
- Support fertility and reproductive health
The possible side effects
While generally safe, moxibustion may cause:
- Mild skin irritation or redness
- Discomfort from heat if overused
- Sensitivity to smoke in traditional moxa
- Not recommended for use on broken skin or during pregnancy without guidance
but...what moxa should I use?
With a wide variety of moxa now available from traditional rolls to stick-on and liquid forms. it’s important to choose the option that best suits your treatment style, smoke tolerance, and application area.
Whether you're a practitioner looking to stock your clinic, or exploring moxibustion for home care, each format offers unique benefits in terms of intensity, convenience, and control.
Types of Moxa
At Lierre, we offer a variety of moxa to support your practice or personal care routine:
Type
Description
How to use
Tips
Moxa Rolls & Sticks
Traditional or smokeless mugwort formed into rolls and sticks
Light one end of the roll until it glows red. Hold it 2–3 cm above the acupoint or area being treated, moving it in small circles or holding it stationary for 5–10 minutes.
Use with a moxa holder for easier handling and to avoid burns.
Ideal for: Warming larger areas like the back or abdomen.
Stick-on Moxa
Mini moxa pieces with an adhesive base, placed directly on acupoints.
Remove the backing and stick the base directly on or near an acupoint. Light the top of the moxa and allow it to burn down slowly.
Make sure the area is well ventilated and avoid direct skin contact if you're sensitive to heat.
Ideal for: Localized relief (e.g. joints, abdomen) and self-application at home.
Liquid Moxa
Topical application often used in massage or alongside cupping/Gua Sha.
Apply topically to the desired area, often during massage or after cupping or Gua Sha. No heat or flame required.
Ideal for: Sensitive clients or smoke-free environments.
Loose Moxa
Pure mugwort in a fluffy form, used for custom setups or with moxa boxes.
Shape the fluffy mugwort into small cones or use it inside a moxa box. Light the cone and let it burn while positioned safely over the skin or belly.
Best handled by experienced users or professionals.
Ideal for: Traditional setups and deep warming over larger areas.
Types of Moxa
At Lierre, we offer a variety of moxa to support your practice or personal care routine:
Swipe left to see more.
Moxa Rolls & Sticks
Traditional or smokeless mugwort formed into rolls and sticks
How to use
Light one end of the roll until it glows red. Hold it 2–3 cm above the acupoint or area being treated, moving it in small circles or holding it stationary for 5–10 minutes.
Tips
Use with a moxa holder for easier handling and to avoid burns.
Ideal for: Warming larger areas like the back or abdomen.
Stick-on Moxa
Mini moxa pieces with an adhesive base, placed directly on acupoints.
How to use
Remove the backing and stick the base directly on or near an acupoint. Light the top of the moxa and allow it to burn down slowly.
Tips
Make sure the area is well ventilated and avoid direct skin contact if you're sensitive to heat.
Ideal for: Localized relief (e.g. joints, abdomen) and self-application at home.
Liquid Moxa
Topical application often used in massage or alongside cupping/Gua Sha.
How to use
Apply topically to the desired area, often during massage or after cupping or Gua Sha. No heat or flame required.
Tips
Ideal for: Sensitive clients or smoke-free environments.
Loose Moxa
Pure mugwort in a fluffy form, used for custom setups or with moxa boxes.
How to use
Shape the fluffy mugwort into small cones or use it inside a moxa box. Light the cone and let it burn while positioned safely over the skin or belly.
Best handled by experienced users or professionals.
Tips
Ideal for: Traditional setups and deep warming over larger areas.
Moxa Rolls & Sticks
Traditional or smokeless mugwort formed into rolls and sticks
How to use
Light one end of the roll until it glows red. Hold it 2–3 cm above the acupoint or area being treated, moving it in small circles or holding it stationary for 5–10 minutes.
Tips
Use with a moxa holder for easier handling and to avoid burns.
Ideal for: Warming larger areas like the back or abdomen.
Stick-on Moxa
Mini moxa pieces with an adhesive base, placed directly on acupoints.
How to use
Remove the backing and stick the base directly on or near an acupoint. Light the top of the moxa and allow it to burn down slowly.
Tips
Make sure the area is well ventilated and avoid direct skin contact if you're sensitive to heat.
Ideal for: Localized relief (e.g. joints, abdomen) and self-application at home.
Moxa Rolls & Sticks
Topical application often used in massage or alongside cupping/Gua Sha.
How to use
Topical application often used in massage or alongside cupping/Gua Sha.
Tips
Ideal for: Sensitive clients or smoke-free environments.
Loose Moxa
Pure mugwort in a fluffy form, used for custom setups or with moxa boxes.
How to use
Shape the fluffy mugwort into small cones or use it inside a moxa box. Light the cone and let it burn while positioned safely over the skin or belly.
Best handled by experienced users or professionals.
Tips
Ideal for: Traditional setups and deep warming over larger areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the methods of doing moxibustion?
Does the age of the moxa matter?
Aging improves the quality of moxa by allowing excess oils to evaporate, making it burn more evenly and gently.
3-year moxa: Balanced quality and affordability.
5-year moxa: Burns smoother and is slightly more effective.
8-year moxa: Considered premium, with optimal burn quality and therapeutic potency — but it’s the most expensive due to the aging process
However, moxa aged over 8 years may become too dry and lose its desired effects.
3-year moxa: Balanced quality and affordability.
5-year moxa: Burns smoother and is slightly more effective.
8-year moxa: Considered premium, with optimal burn quality and therapeutic potency — but it’s the most expensive due to the aging process
However, moxa aged over 8 years may become too dry and lose its desired effects.
What does the moxa ratio mean (e.g., 15:1 or 20:1)?
The ratio indicates the amount of raw mugwort used to produce the final product.
A 15:1 ratio means 15kg of mugwort was processed to yield 1kg of moxa.
Higher ratios like 20:1 or 35:1 reflect higher purity and finer quality.
At Lierre, we offer high-quality moxa in a variety of purities — all carefully selected to provide both performance and value.
Does moxibustion have side effects?
Moxibustion is generally considered safe when performed by trained practitioners. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as throat irritation, coughing, or nausea — usually due to smoke exposure. These effects can often be avoided with proper ventilation or by using smokeless moxa.
One of the main risks is accidental skin burns, particularly from falling ash or improper handling of lit moxa. To prevent this, always remove ash regularly and follow safety guidelines during treatment.
We strongly recommend consulting a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner before beginning moxibustion to ensure it’s used appropriately and safely for your condition.