11 Crucial Home Moxibustion Safety Rules for Beginners(Ⅲ)

We’ve already covered the first 8 out of the 11 crucial Home Moxibustion safety rules for beginners in detail in our first two posts. Today, we will continue by discussing rules 9 through 11. If you haven’t read the first 8 rules yet, you can check them out at the following links:

11 Crucial Home Moxibustion Safety Rules for Beginners (I)

11 Crucial Home Moxibustion Safety Rules for Beginners (II)

Although at-home moxibustion is not complicated to perform, it is essential to pay attention to the method of operation and safety. In this article, we will introduce some basic precautions, as well as how to handle moxa strips and moxa ash, to help you perform moxibustion more safely and effectively.

Question 9:Precautions During and After Home Moxibustion

Whether during or after Home Moxibustion, paying close attention to the right precautions can help achieve better results and avoid unnecessary risks. Below, we outline the key points to consider at each of these two stages.

During Home Moxibustion:

If you plan to perform moxibustion on several points at the same time and the locations are scattered, the recommended order is: back first, then chest and abdomen; head and torso first, then limbs.

Since Home Moxibustion usually takes some time, make sure to choose a comfortable position. This allows both your body and mind to stay relaxed, which will improve the overall effect.

Special care should always be taken to prevent burns during the process, especially when applying moxibustion to the face or when treating children.

After Home Moxibustion:

After completing Home Moxibustion, always ensure that the moxa sticks are fully extinguished to prevent any fire hazards or accidents.

If you experience discomfort afterward, it is advisable to get adequate rest, drink some warm water, or gently press acupoints such as Hegu and Houxi to help relieve the symptoms.

In case blisters appear, keep the affected area clean and disinfected to reduce the risk of infection.

Question 10:How to Store Unused Moxa Sticks in Home Moxibustion

After completing Home Moxibustion, if the moxa sticks are still burning, make sure to extinguish them completely. Once cooled, place them in a dry location and keep them sealed so they can be reused next time.

Because moxa sticks are highly susceptible to moisture, especially during humid seasons, it is advisable to dry them periodically by exposing them to sunlight. The same precaution applies to leftover moxa floss.

After drying, store the moxa sticks or moxa floss in a clean, dry, and well-sealed container to maintain their quality and effectiveness.

Question 11:How to Safely Dispose of Moxa Ash in Home Moxibustion

No matter which Home Moxibustion method you use, moxa ash will inevitably be produced after each session. Many people simply throw it away, but in fact, moxa ash has several practical uses. It is best to first ensure that the ash is fully cooled, then collect it in a box or container for safe storage and possible future use.

Practical Uses of Moxa Ash:

• Relieving itching and pain: If you have a baby or young child at home, moxa ash can help with diaper rash. After bathing, gently sprinkle a small amount on the affected area to soothe discomfort.
• Reducing foot odor: Moxa ash may also help relieve foot odor. Apply it to your toes or the affected area after washing your feet at night, then wear socks. It can also be used during the day before going out, preferably with dark-colored socks.
• Improving acne symptoms: For red, swollen pimples, apply a mixture of egg white and moxa ash to the area. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off, which can help dry out the pimple and cleanse the skin.

Additional Uses of Moxa Ash in Home Moxibustion

Moxa ash is not just a by-product of Home Moxibustion—it also has several practical uses. For example, ash itself is a natural deodorant. You can place it in a small cloth bag and put it in the toilet, kitchen, or refrigerator to absorb odors. Its effect is comparable to bamboo charcoal.

In addition, moxa ash can serve as a natural fertilizer. The ash produced after each Home Moxibustion session may be sprinkled into flower pots or around trees to provide nutrients and promote plant growth.

If you want to know more about the benefits of moxibustion, you can read this article: Top 10 Scientific Benefits of Moxibustion.

Special Note:

The quality of moxa sticks on the market varies greatly. Some unscrupulous manufacturers add lime powder or wood chips to increase the weight. The ash from such moxa sticks should not be applied directly to the skin, as it may cause irritation or discomfort.

For skin applications, only ash produced from burning pure moxa floss should be used. It should be burned separately and collected in a porcelain or iron vessel to ensure safety and purity before use.