MOXIBUSTION AT HOME

IGNITING MOXA

Light the moxa stick in a candle flame.  The first time it is ignited, the outer rim will catch first; then it will slowly burn to the middle.  Blow occasionally on the end of the stick; this encourages it to ignite all the way to the center.  Once the whole end is glowing red, the stick is ready to be used.  After the first use, the moxa should be held in the flame until about a centimeter of the conical tip has been ignited.  This will ensure that the moxa does not burn itself out prematurely.

EXTINGUISHING MOXA

Prepare a mug ¾ full of dry rice, sand or millet.  When you are finished using the moxa, place the stick firmly and deeply into the middle of this mug to smother it.  Leave it there.  This mug will double as an ash catcher.  Do not tap the moxa cigar on the side of the mug to knock the ash off, for this will cause fractures inside the moxa stick, which will later fall off while burning! Simply roll the edge of the moxa against the rice in the mug to allow the ash to come off the burning tip.

APPLYING MOXA

Moxa can be used on any area where you are experiencing pain.

Here are some important points:

  • Do not get closer to the skin than the thickness of the moxa stick.
  • Do not linger over a single point for more than 15 seconds at a time.
  • Do move away from the skin ANY time the moxa feels too hot, rather than just warm.
  • Go from point to point with the moxa in rounds, until all the points are too hot within 5 seconds of moxa application.
  • Moxa can also be used on large areas, rather than just specific points.When using the moxa in this way, slowly snake the moxa above the skin so that the skin feels very warm, but not too hot. Such areas can be treated for periods up to 5-10 minutes at a time.  You will know if an area is receiving too much moxa if it becomes intolerant to the moxa.
  • Moxa treatment is most successfully used 1-2 times a day.

COMMONLY USED MOXA POINT LOCATIONS

  • Spleen 6

Found on the inside of the lower leg, one hand’s breadth above the inside anklebone, and just behind the bone.

Functions: regulates spleen, kidney and liver, nourishes blood and body fluids, calms the spirit and dries dampness.  General strengthening point.  Use steady finger pressure and/or moxabustion.

  • Spleen 9

Found on the inside of the lower leg, just below the knee.  Run your thumb up from the ankle towards the knee and behind the shin bone.  As you near the knee, the bone flares out and a depression below the widening bone feels sore.  This will be a hand’s breadth below the level of the knee.

  • Do move away from the skin ANY time the moxa feels too hot, rather than just warm.
  • Go from point to point with the moxa in rounds, until all the points are too hot within 5 seconds of moxa application.
  • Moxa can also be used on large areas, rather than just specific points.When using the moxa in this way, slowly snake the moxa above the skin so that the skin feels very warm, but not too hot. Such areas can be treated for periods up to 5-10 minutes at a time.  You will know if an area is receiving too much moxa if it becomes intolerant to the moxa.
  • Moxa treatment is most successfully used 1-2 times a day.