How to Use Moxibustion Sticks: 6 Wonderful Easy Steps

If you’re familiar with moxibustion but not sure how to use moxibustion sticks, follow this step-by-step guide to get started. Think of it as your first moxibustion walkthrough — we’ll guide you through a safe and effective experience. Bookmark this post and follow along!

The Six Steps of Moxibustion

How to use moxibustion sticks. Step one:

Prepare the needed items and environment

• Environment: First, find a quiet room with good air circulation. Be careful not to let the wind blow directly on you.
• Items: Then, prepare the following items: moxibustion sticks or strips, moxibustion tools (if needed), a lighter, a small container that can hold moxibustion ash, and a practical way to extinguish the moxibustion, such as a cup of water or a damp towel. While a fire extinguisher is excellent for general safety, a cup of water or a wet towel is a more immediate and practical way to extinguish a small amount of burning moxibustion.
• Body and Mind: Before you begin, relax and go to the restroom. It is best to start moxibustion 1-2 hours after eating.

How to use moxibustion sticks. Step Two:

Find the acupoints to be treated with moxibustion

You can refer to the acupoint chart or follow the article’s instructions to roughly find the location of the points with a tool such as a finger or pen cap. Don’t worry about not finding it accurately enough because the heat from moxibustion spreads around, so it’s fine to have the general location correct.

How to use moxibustion sticks. Step Three:

Light the moxibustion sticks correctly

• Using a lighter, completely light one end of the moxibustion stick until it smolders/glows red.
• Hold the moxibustion stick so that the lit (smoldering) end is facing down, and wait for the smoldering to become steady for a while so that the temperature will be more stable.

How to use moxibustion sticks. Step Four:

Begin moxibustion

• Aim the moxibustion stick at the acupoint, keeping it about 2-3 centimeters away. You should feel comfortable warmth, but it should not be painful or scalding.
• The following moxibustion techniques are commonly used:
  • Gyratory moxibustion: Move the stick in a slow, circular motion (clockwise or counter-clockwise) above the acupoint to preheat the area.
  • Bird-pecking moxibustion: Move the moxibustion stick closer to and farther away from the acupoint, like a bird pecking for food.
  • Gentle moxibustion: After finding the most comfortable spot, hold the stick still and apply moxibustion gently and continuously.
• During the process, please concentrate on your senses and look for “moxibustion sensations,” such as heat penetrating inside, or a feeling of deep soreness.

How to use moxibustion sticks. Step Five:

Dispose of moxibustion ash

• The moxibustion ash will naturally fall off when it accumulates. Do NOT catch the hot ash with your bare hand. Instead, gently tap the ash into the prepared container to dispose of it safely.
• Never let the moxibustion ash fall on your skin or clothing to avoid burns.

How to use moxibustion sticks. Step Six:

Tidying up after moxibustion

• Extinguish the moxibustion stick completely. The safest method is to put the stick in a special fire extinguishing container or cylinder to let it go out by isolating it from the air. If you don’t have a special snuffer, fully dousing the lit end in water or pressing it into a container of sand are safe and effective alternatives. Always ensure the stick is completely out before leaving it unattended.
• After moxibustion is finished, gently use the palm of your hand to quickly tap or press the acupoints you just treated a few times. This is called “sealing the acupoints,” and it is often believed to help prevent chills and maintain the therapeutic effect.
• Finally, drink a glass of warm water, keep yourself warm, and avoid touching cold water or taking a shower for 2-3 hours.

Practice is the best way to master your skills. Any special feelings or questions after completing your first moxibustion? Feel free to share your experience!

There are many benefits of moxibustion, such as helping your body relax, relieving fatigue, promoting blood circulation, and strengthening your body’s resistance with long-term use. If you often feel tight or easily tired, try to incorporate how to use moxibustion sticks into your daily health care and feel the comfort and health it brings.