Moxibustion

What moxibustion is

Moxibustion is a technique from traditional Chinese medicine in which a herb is burned on or near the skin. A Cochrane review describes it as burning a herb close to the skin, and in breech trials the heat is directed at the acupuncture point Bladder 67 (Zhiyin) at the tip of the fifth toe. [1] The herb is usually Chinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi or Artemisia vulgaris), and the word "moxa" comes from a Japanese term, "mogusa", meaning herb for burning. [2] The Chinese terms are "jiu" and "ai". [2]

Moxibustion is often used alongside acupuncture. For needling, see What Is Acupuncture?. This page does not give instructions for doing moxibustion, and it should not be tried at home without training (see TCM Practices That Should Not Be Tried at Home).

How it is traditionally explained

In traditional Chinese medicine, the classical method is to make the moxa into a cone and apply it at points identical to those used for acupuncture. [2] Traditional explanations rest on concepts such as qi and meridians, which are frameworks, not measured biology. For those concepts, see Qi, Yin and Yang, Five Phases and Meridians as Traditional Concepts.

How it is proposed to work

One overview suggests that the effects may combine warmth, radiation from the burning herb and the pharmacological effects of its smoke, and that warmth may stimulate receptors in the skin at acupoint zones. [2] These are proposed mechanisms from that overview, not established ones. Trials also cannot easily hide whether someone received heat, so expectation can shape reported results.

What a session involves

A practitioner chooses points and a method, then applies heat from burning moxa. Methods are described on Types of Moxibustion. Smoke and a smell of burning herb are common. Ask the practitioner how they protect your skin, ventilate the room and deal with ash and embers, and speak up at once if heat is more than warm.

What research shows

Details on the breech trials are on Moxibustion for Breech Presentation. Of 104 Cochrane reviews on TCM interventions, only 2 concerned moxibustion. [5]

For other uses promoted online (fatigue, digestion, immune support, "cold" conditions) we searched PubMed and did not find a review we could responsibly summarize here. Proper evidence not found.

Who should take extra care

• Pregnancy. Do not use moxibustion for a breech baby without the advice of your maternity care provider. Pregnancy reports in the adverse event review included premature birth and premature rupture of membranes. [6] The 2023 Cochrane review says adverse events were inadequately reported in most trials. [1]
• People with allergies or skin problems, since allergic reactions and burns are the most common problems reported. [6] Check with a clinician first.
• Anyone with new, severe or worsening symptoms, who should get assessed first. Do not use TCM to replace or delay conventional care. [9]