What is moxibustion?

Moxibustion works through two primary mechanisms:

• Bringing warmth to an external meridian point that can penetrate deep into the internal specific organs without harming the skin.
• Adding the warm and fragrant properties of mugwort to the heat of the burning moxa stick provides additional warmth and healing benefits. The properties of the mugwort leaf can be absorbed by the skin into the body, increasing external immunity.

During the challenge, you will be learning and practicing what is known as mild-warm moxibustion. It is suitable for all syndromes and reduces the likelihood of burning or blistering the skin.

HOW TO PERFORM GENERAL MILD-WARM MOXIBUSTION

What you need

• A stick of moxa
• A bowl to tap your ashes into
• A glass jar with a lid that you can close tightly to put out the moxa (needs to be tall enough to hold the full moxa stick)
• A lighter to light the moxa stick; you need a strong, constant flame to light the moxa stick

How to use moxa

• Lighting – Light the end of the moxa stick. The moxa will take some time to fully light. Rotate the moxa stick slowly in the flame to light the entire end. Blow on the end of the stick to get an even glow across the end of the stick.
• Removing ashes – Tap the moxa stick several times on the rim of your bowl so that any loose ash is knocked off. You should be left with a clean, glowing end to the stick. It is important to remove the ashes when you notice they are building up, otherwise the heat will not fully penetrate the body effectively. You might also drop hot ash onto your skin.
• General application instructions – Hold the stick like a pen and move it over the suggested meridian points. Your body will tell you the exact distance from the body that you can feel the heat penetrate comfortably and quickly. Allow the stick to come within a couple of inches of the skin’s surface. DO NOT touch the skin. If the moxa stick gets too hot, move it further away from the skin, but you should still be able to feel the heat penetrate inside the body. There are many moxa application methods. You will learn about two methods suitable for home-use by beginners below.
• Application Method One – For the first method, hold the stick as described above in the general method section until the area has absorbed enough heat. You will know you have reached this point because the point will close automatically, and you will not be able to feel the warmth anymore. Generally, this takes 20-30 minutes per point. You might want to start with just 3-5 minutes until you are used to the process.
• Application Method Two – Drawing on the principles of yin and yang, this method prescribes specific patterns for different conditions and general use. Men will start in one place, and women in another. Men will rotate clockwise first over some points and counterclockwise over others. Women will follow the opposite of these patterns. These patterns are described in detail in the Moxibustion Patterns PDF. Follow the general application instructions when using this method as well.
• Extinguishing the moxa stick – The moxa stick will continue to burn until extinguished. Place the moxa entirely in the jar with a tight lid. Seal the lid. This prevents air from entering, which will allow the moxa to extinguish.

SAFETY

• Never perform moxa without first consulting your healthcare practitioner. The information presented by Radiant Shenti is for educational purposes and must be discussed with your healthcare practitioner to determine if it meets your healthcare needs.
• Never leave a burning moxa stick unattended. Always have your bowl handy to hold the burning moxa stick.
• Tap off the ashes regularly.
• Make sure the moxa stick is properly extinguished.
• If you start feeling generally too hot, sweat excessively, develop a strong thirst, or feel that the moxa is affecting you adversely in any way STOP IMMEDIATELY and consult your practitioner.

SUGGESTIONS

• When performing the treatment, sit comfortably in a chair with a table to hold the ash bowl.
• Use gloves in order to prevent yellow staining on the fingers.
• Use a shower cap in order to prevent smoky smelling hair.
• The moxa stick can be quite smoky. We recommend doing treatment in areas such as a backyard, garage, or any other areas where a heavy amount of smoke is okay.
• Plan on washing the clothes you wear during moxa immediately.

PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

• If you have a Hot constitution or tend to Hot symptoms, it is better not to do too much moxa. You might disturb or weaken the blood or decrease liquid in your body.
• Pay attention when you are using the moxa stick, being careful not to touch or burn your skin.
• Remember to drink warm water after performing moxibustion to not alter the ideal viscosity of your blood.

DO NOT USE MOXA IF YOU:

• Have high fever
• Have severe high blood pressure
• Are in the late stages of an infection
• Are coughing blood
• Have severe vomiting
• Have a family history of anemia
• Have extremely heavy menstruation
• Are feeling fine during menstruation.
• Never apply moxa to mucus membranes or near large arteries