11 Crucial Home Moxibustion Safety Rules for Beginners(Ⅱ)

During the process of home moxibustion, many people may experience certain physical reactions or have questions about the procedure. In 11 Crucial Home Moxibustion Safety Rules for Beginners (Ⅰ), we shared how to choose high-quality moxa sticks and moxa floss. If you are interested, you can read more about it.

Below are a few common problems encountered in home moxibustion, explained in an easy-to-understand way.

Question 5: What’s wrong with a sore throat the day after moxibustion?

After moxibustion, some people will experience a reddish color and a dry, sore throat.
This is actually a relatively common reaction and not something to worry too much about.

The heat of moxibustion enters the body and promotes blood circulation, accelerating the elimination of cold from the body. The process will consume a certain amount of water; if not properly replenished, it may appear similar to the “fire” feeling, such as a dry and sore throat.

It is recommended to drink some warm water before and after moxibustion to help the body replenish water.

In general, you can continue to do moxibustion; these symptoms will gradually disappear as the body adapts, which also indicates that the body’s cold is being expelled.

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Question 6: What should I do if I get blisters after home moxibustion?

Some people may develop blisters after just one session of home moxibustion, while others experience them only after several sessions—or not at all.

In traditional Chinese medicine, blisters are often seen as a sign of excess dampness in the body and are considered one of the common reactions to moxibustion.

If the blisters are small, it is best to leave them alone and allow them to heal naturally.

For larger blisters, you may use a sterilized needle to puncture them and release the fluid gently, then apply a small amount of iodophor or gentian violet lotion, and cover the area with sterile gauze.

Avoid using adhesive bandages, as they are not breathable. Once the blisters have improved, you can continue with home moxibustion.

If multiple blisters occur, consider reducing the frequency or intensity of your sessions—for example, practicing moxibustion for three consecutive days and then taking a rest day.

In traditional practice, blistering was even regarded as a positive response, believed to indicate that the body was eliminating pathogenic factors and moving toward recovery.

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the fluid inside blisters is considered stagnant waste, and releasing it may help support the healing process.

While we don’t need to deliberately pursue blistering, there is also no need to fear it—trust in the body’s natural ability to restore balance.

The remaining content will be covered in the following two articles.
11 Crucial Home Moxibustion Safety Rules for Beginners(I)
11 Crucial Home Moxibustion Safety Rules for Beginners(Ⅲ)

Question 7: How can I use home moxibustion to prevent internal heat (fire)?

Home moxibustion works by clearing the meridians through the warming effect of fire, which makes it naturally “fiery.” If the method is applied improperly, however, excess heat may accumulate in the body and lead to internal fire.

To reduce this risk, we recommend focusing on two key abdominal points—the navel and the lower abdomen—along with a few essential acupoints. This approach is both effective and less likely to cause internal heat, especially for people with cold and damp constitutions, poor qi and blood circulation, or low immunity.

Before starting home moxibustion, drink some warm water. In the beginning, keep the moxa stick farther away from the skin and apply it for a shorter duration, gradually increasing the intensity as your body adapts. After the session, it is also helpful to drink water or eat fruit to replenish fluids.

People who are prone to internal fire, have a naturally hot constitution, or suffer from Yin and fluid deficiency should be especially cautious. For them, home moxibustion is best practiced under the guidance of a professional.

Question 8: How should I choose acupuncture points for home moxibustion?

Home moxibustion is an integrated therapy that combines acupoints, the medicinal effects of moxa, and heat. Choosing the right acupoints is crucial for achieving the best results. Here are three simple and practical principles:

1. Select acupoints by pain location

If you have pain in a certain area, you can apply moxibustion directly to that spot, such as for muscle pain or joint discomfort. Press with your hand to find the most sensitive or painful point—this often indicates a suitable location for moxibustion. In Chinese medicine, this type of point is known as an Ah Shi point (sometimes called an “Ah Yes” point).

2. Select acupoints according to the affected organ

For spleen and stomach problems, choose points along the spleen and stomach meridians; for heart discomfort, use acupoints related to the heart meridian. This method targets the root cause and tends to be more effective.

3. Select acupoints according to symptoms

For example, for headaches, you may choose points such as Shenmen or Yintang, which help calm the mind and relieve pain. For fatigue, apply moxibustion to Zusanli (ST36), a well-known point for strengthening health and boosting energy.

Ancient doctors often recommended the following acupoints to maintain health:

• Ren Vessel (Conception Vessel, Ren Mai): Shenque (CV8), Qihai (CV6), Guanyuan (CV4)
• Governing Vessel (Du Mai): Mingmen (GV4), Dazhui (GV14), Baihui (GV20)
• Bladder Meridian: Feishu (BL13), Shenshu (BL23)
• Stomach Meridian: Zusanli (ST36)
• Gallbladder Meridian: Fengshi (GB31), Huantiao (GB30)

These acupoints help tonify qi and blood, strengthen the body, and promote overall wellness. Therefore, whether for daily health care or for regulating specific conditions, you can alternate among these points when applying home moxibustion.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of moxibustion, you can refer to the article Top 10 Scientific Benefits of Moxibustion, which explains its health effects and clinical applications in detail.

We hope this information helps you practice home moxibustion more safely and effectively. In case of serious discomfort, it is recommended to consult a medical professional.