How To Pick A Good Moxibustion Stick

If home moxibustion isn’t effective, choosing the right moxibustion is key. Using poor-quality moxibustion can cause skin damage. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we often hear about the four diagnostic methods: ‘inspection, olfaction/auscultation, inquiry, and palpation.’ In fact, we can use an approach analogous to these four aspects to evaluate the quality of a moxibustion stick: look, smell, ask, and touch.

🔍Step 1: Observe With Your Eyes

1. Look at the wrapper
   High-quality moxibustion sticks are usually wrapped in fine cotton paper or mulberry paper.
2. Look at the glue
   The adhesive used inside the wrapping paper should be natural starch paste, not industrial glue. Industrial glue releases toxic gases when burned, which can be harmful if inhaled.
3. Look at the color of the moxibustion
   Tear open the wrapping paper and observe the color of the moxibustion inside:
   • Earthy yellow or golden yellow: aged, high-quality moxibustion.
   • Green or orange: newly made moxibustion, stored for less than three years.
4. Look at the purity
   The purity of moxibustion is usually expressed in ratios such as 1:1, 8:1, 15:1, or 35:1 — meaning how much mugwort leaf is used to make one part of moxibustion wool.
   Cut open the moxibustion stick and check for black spots on the cross-section:
   • Black spots: presence of impurities.
   • More black spots: lower purity.
     The highest purity moxibustion (around 40:1) is ideal for children or facial treatments. It burns gently and is less likely to cause skin irritation.
5. Look at the burning quality
   Good moxibustion sticks burn evenly and produce gentle, penetrating warmth because they are made from well-aged moxibustion.

Why use aged moxibustion?
As the old saying goes, “For an illness of seven years, seek moxibustion aged three years.”
Aged moxibustion produces a softer, more penetrating heat that nourishes the skin deeply without causing irritation or damage. In contrast, fresh moxa is too harsh for moxibustion and may cause irritation; it is generally reserved for external applications such as foot soaks or herbal mixtures. Understanding the differences between aged and fresh moxa helps you better appreciate the full benefits of moxibustion, including its ability to warm the body, promote circulation, and support overall wellness.

👃Step 2: Smell With Your Nose

When good moxibustion sticks burn:

• Good Quality moxibustion:
  • The smoke is pale white.
  • The odor is a clear, fragrant moxibustion aroma that is not pungent or choking.
• Poor Quality moxibustion:
  • The smoke is dark (black or gray).
  • The odor is pungent, irritates the eyes, and smells unpleasant.

🗣️Step 3: Ask the Merchant

In Chinese herbal medicine, the origin of an herb is closely tied to its quality. The same principle applies to mugwort — moxibustion made from regionally authentic sources is generally of higher quality.

Currently, there are four major production regions for premium mugwort in China:

• Tangyin, Henan – known for Northern Mugwort
• Ningbo, Zhejiang – famous for Sea moxibustion
• Anguo, Hebei – produces Qi Ai (Qi Mugwort)
• Hubei Province – known for high-grade Herbal moxibustion

When buying moxibustion sticks, ask the merchant, “Where are the moxibustion leaves produced?” Selecting mugwort from these traditional growing regions helps ensure the moxibustion’s authenticity and quality.

✋Step 3:Touch with Your Hands

For good-quality moxibustion sticks, the moxibustion floss inside should:

• Feel soft and delicate, like willow catkins or fine cotton.
• Contain no impurities such as branches, stems, or dust.

When choosing moxibustion sticks, remember the four steps: look, smell, ask, and touch. By following these, you’ll be able to select moxibustion sticks that are safe, effective, and high in quality.

Key Considerations for Moxibustion Timing

1. Choose daytime moxibustion, preferably in the morning, when the body’s Yang Qi (vital energy) is naturally most vigorous. Moxibustion at this time is more conducive to replenishing Yang and expelling pathogens or correcting imbalances.
2. Try not to do moxibustion late at night, to avoid the heat stimulating the body and disturbing the spirit (Shén), which could affect sleep.
3. Moxibustion duration should not be too long; longer duration is not necessarily better. A session of 20 to 30 minutes is generally sufficient.

Important Note: Moxibustion has many benefits, but it’s important to understand your individual constitution and choose the right points and time. If necessary, you can consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner for a body constitution assessment. This will help you choose the appropriate health care methods to support your overall well-being.