11 Crucial Home Moxibustion Safety Rules for Beginners(I)
Home moxibustion is a traditional Chinese therapy that is increasingly being practiced at home. Not only is it convenient, but it also helps relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and boost immunity. However, there are certain risks if home moxibustion is not performed properly.
To help you practice home moxibustion safely and effectively, we have compiled 11 essential safety guidelines. Whether you are just beginning or already have some experience, these tips will help you avoid common mistakes and fully enjoy the benefits of home moxibustion.
As the content is extensive, we will divide it into three parts. In this post, we will first share the following key points:
Problem 1: Does moxibustion have side effects?
If you choose the right acupuncture points according to your physical condition, perform the procedure correctly, and apply home moxibustion in the proper amount, it generally does not produce side effects.
However, if the selection of points is not allowed or improper operation occurs, the body may experience some discomfort. But don’t worry, as long as there is a timely adjustment, these discomforts will usually be relieved soon.
Additionally, when first starting acupuncture, some people may feel hot, fatigued, or have a dry mouth. Most of these reactions are normal and often disappear naturally after continuing moxibustion for a while.
These reactions occur because the heat of moxibustion is entering the body, pushing the body’s cold and dampness out of the body, the body’s positive qi and evil fight each other, triggering a temporary reaction, such as similar to the “fire” or local inflammation phenomenon.
When performing home moxibustion, it is essential to stay focused to avoid burns. Overall, home moxibustion is considered a very safe natural treatment.
If you want to know more about the benefits of moxibustion, you can refer to this article:
Top 10 Scientific Benefits of Moxibustion
Question 2: What is the difference between moxa cones and moxa sticks?
The two materials commonly used in moxibustion are moxa cones and moxa sticks. They are both made from mugwort and work in the same way, but the difference lies in their shape and the way they are used.
Moxa Cones
Moxa cones are made of pure moxa floss rolled into conical shapes of various sizes. Their use can be divided into direct and indirect moxibustion:
when applied directly to the skin, it is called direct moxibustion; when applied through a medium such as ginger or salt, it is called indirect moxibustion.
Small cones, about the size of a grain of wheat, are typically used for direct moxibustion. Medium to large cones, such as half a jujube or the size of an olive, are mostly used for indirect moxibustion.
Each cone burned to completion is usually counted as one session.
Moxa Sticks
Moxa sticks are long rolls of moxa floss compressed into a cylindrical shape. There are two types: pure moxa sticks, which contain only moxa floss, and medicinal moxa sticks, which include additional herbs to enhance therapeutic effects.
In home moxibustion, you can choose the type of moxa stick according to your personal needs and desired outcomes.
Question 3: How to choose high-quality moxa floss and moxa sticks for home moxibustion?
The quality of moxa floss and moxa sticks directly determines the effectiveness of home moxibustion, so you must choose them carefully.
How to choose moxa floss?
Good moxa velvet usually meets the following conditions:
- No impurities, dry and delicate;
- It will not fall off when rubbed by hand.
- Easily lit, but with little open flame;
- Less smoke and a clean flavor.
In addition, how long the moxa has been stored also affects the results – usually, aged moxa is more effective. Fresh moxa wool is grayish white in color, while the quality moxa wool that has been stored for a longer period of time is earthy yellow or golden yellow. Those with a golden color and uniform texture are often referred to as “golden moxa floss”.
How to choose moxa sticks?
To judge the quality of moxa sticks, the key is to look at the purity and texture of the moxa velvet inside. The following methods can be used to help identify the quality of moxa sticks:
Squeeze the section of the moxa stick with your hand; the one that is firm and delicate is usually better.
Observe after lighting, if the smoke is less, the fire is mild, the flavor is fragrant, and the combustion is stable and long-lasting, it means that the quality is good. On the contrary, if it is easy to extinguish the fire, smoke, and taste pungent, it may be poor quality products.
Question 4: What should I do if I have halo moxibustion?
During home moxibustion, some individuals may experience dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, blushing, panic, or even fainting—a condition that must be taken seriously.
Regardless of the cause, if fainting occurs during home moxibustion, stop the procedure immediately and lie down flat to rest.”
If it is caused by low blood sugar, you can drink a glass of sugar water. For general fainting moxibustion, you can press acupoints such as Renzhong, Yongquan and Shenmen to help relax and relieve tension.
Dizziness during home moxibustion is often caused by a weak constitution, overly strong stimulation, uncomfortable posture, or poor ventilation.
Those with a weaker constitution should relax, start with a small amount of moxibustion, and use gentle, restorative techniques.
People prone to dizziness are advised not to perform moxibustion while sitting or standing, as these positions may increase discomfort.
Moxibustion at home should be done in a well-ventilated space at the right temperature to prevent dizziness.
The rest of the content will be explored in the next two articles.
