Acupuncture

Moxa & Acupuncture

Moxibustion — or moxa — is a traditional Chinese warming therapy that uses dried mugwort ("Ai Cao") gently warmed over specific acupuncture points. At AcuPro Clinic Abu Dhabi it is usually combined with acupuncture: once the fine needles are in place, soothing heat is applied to encourage the flow of qi and blood, warm the channels and support the body's natural balance.

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Background

Understanding Moxa & Acupuncture

The gentle, comforting warmth makes it a popular choice for aches and stiffness, sluggish circulation, digestive complaints and women's health.

01
Traditional Background

Traditional moxa: dried mugwort wool, sticks and conesPhoto: Markgran, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Lighting a moxa cone in our clinic

How Did Moxibustion Develop?

Moxibustion is one of the oldest therapies in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It uses dried, aged mugwort (Artemisia argyi, known as “Ai Ye”), which is rolled into sticks or cones and burned close to the skin over specific acupoints.
The classical text Huangdi Neijing (Lingshu) records that “where the needle cannot reach, moxibustion is appropriate”, and the two have been used together for over two thousand years. In TCM theory, moxa warms the channels, dispels cold and damp, and promotes the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, which is why it is traditionally chosen for cold, deficient or long-standing conditions.
Warmsthe channels and acupoints
Dispelscold and damp
MovesQi and Blood
Supportsthe body’s Yang energy
Figure 1. The four traditional actions of moxibustion in TCM theory.
02
Modern Scientific Perspective

Warm needle moxibustion: moxa burns on the needle handle

Moxa cup giving steady, controlled warmth over the acupoints

How Does Moxibustion Work?

Modern research groups the effects of moxibustion into three main mechanisms that act together at the acupoint^[1]:
Burning moxa
near the acupoint
Thermal effectLocal warmth stimulates heat-sensitive receptors in the skin and increases local blood flow.
Radiation effectBurning moxa emits infrared radiation, which can penetrate beneath the skin surface.
Pharmacological effectCompounds from mugwort and its combustion products may have biological activity.
Figure 2. The three mechanisms of moxibustion described in the research literature^[1].
Clinical research is still developing. One of the best-known examples is a randomised controlled trial of moxibustion to turn breech babies, published in JAMA^[2]. A later Cochrane review concluded that moxibustion may reduce the need for other interventions, while noting that more high-quality trials are needed^[3].
Babies in head-down (cephalic) position at birth
Moxibustion group75.4%
Control group62.3%
Figure 3. Cardini & Weixin (1998), randomised controlled trial, 260 women with breech presentation (98/130 vs 81/130)^[2].

References

Deng H, Shen X. The mechanism of moxibustion: ancient theory and modern research. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:379291. doi.org/10.1155/2013/379291
Cardini F, Weixin H. Moxibustion for correction of breech presentation: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 1998;280(18):1580–1584. doi.org/10.1001/jama.280.18.1580
Coyle ME, Smith CA, Peat B. Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012;(5):CD003928. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003928.pub3

Your session

What you need to know

1Before your treatment

What to Prepare

If you have any medical reports, examination or test results, feel free to bring them with you. They can help us better understand your condition, but they are not necessary.
Please let your practitioner know if you are pregnant, have reduced sensation in your skin, or are sensitive to smoke or strong smells.
2During your treatment

What to Expect
- Avoid coming very hungry or overly full, and wear comfortable clothing.
- Your practitioner first inserts fine needles at the chosen acupoints.
- A lit moxa stick is then held or placed near the acupoints, giving steady warmth for around 30 minutes.
- You should feel a gentle, spreading warmth, never burning. Tell your practitioner at any time if it feels too hot and the distance will be adjusted.
- Moxa has a distinctive herbal smell, which may linger briefly on clothes and hair.
3After your treatment

Aftercare
- Keep the treatment area clean and dry.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours after the treatment.
- Keep hydrated.
Some people feel warm and deeply relaxed afterwards, similar to just waking up from sleep. This is usually temporary and simply reflects a relaxed state.

Who can benefit

Conditions moxa may help with

Moxibustion is especially suited to “cold” and “deficient” patterns in TCM: problems that tend to feel better with warmth. These are some of the most common reasons our patients choose moxa + acupuncture.

Joint pain & rheumatic aches

Aching, stiff joints that feel worse in cold or damp weather. The warmth of moxa is traditionally used to dispel cold and damp from the joints.

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Fertility & natural conception

For “cold womb” patterns, such as a cold lower abdomen, cold hands and feet or irregular cycles, moxa is used to warm the uterus and support natural conception.

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PMS

Bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings and low energy in the days before your period.

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Painful periods

Cramping period pain, especially when warmth such as a hot-water bottle eases it, a classic sign that moxa may suit you.

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Fatigue & low energy

Long-term tiredness, weakness and slow recovery, which TCM links to deficient Qi and Yang.

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Always feeling cold

Cold hands and feet all year round, or feeling the cold more than others. Moxa’s warmth directly supports the body’s Yang energy.

Weak digestion

Bloating, loose stools or a poor appetite, especially after cold or raw food.

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Chronic lower back pain

A dull, long-standing lower back ache that feels better with warmth and rest.

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Frequent colds & low immunity

Catching colds easily or taking a long time to recover. Moxa is traditionally used to strengthen the body’s defensive Qi.

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Your practitioner will assess whether moxa is right for you at your consultation.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does moxa burn the skin?

No. In moxa + acupuncture the moxa stick is not applied directly to the skin; it is held or placed near the acupoint so you feel steady warmth. If it ever feels too hot, tell your practitioner and it will be moved further away.

Should there be any marks or burns?

There should not be any marks or burns. The skin around the treated points may look slightly pink from the warmth, which fades on its own.

Does the acupuncture part hurt?

No, it doesn't hurt. It feels like a dull, tingling sensation. Occasionally you may feel a brief sharp pain if a needle touches a pore or capillary; this is harmless and rare, and your practitioner will readjust the needle if you let them know.

How often should I have treatment?

Generally, treatment can be done 1–3 times per week depending on how severe the condition is. Chronic conditions may need a longer course for a longer-lasting effect. Your practitioner will suggest a plan after your first consultation.

Still have a question? Ask our practitioners.