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Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine that’s used for healing. The practice of moxibustion involves burning a moxa stick. The purpose of this practice is to improve the flow of qi in the body by awakening certain areas by burning the moxa stick near body meridians and acupuncture points.
Increasing the flow of qi can contribute toward improving a number of health concerns. Moxibustion is an easy and effective way of restoring balance to the body. If you’re keen to try moxa sticks for your own wellness, here’s a guide to the best moxa sticks to help get you started.
Read on to learn more about moxibustion and what moxa sticks can do for you.
The 5 Best Moxa Sticks
Acuzone Smokeless Moxa-Rolls
Acuzone’s smokeless moxa sticks are ideal for being used by anyone who is sensitive to smoke. These moxa sticks are of premium quality which ensures a lighter and more even burn.
As they are smokeless you won’t have to worry about setting the fire alarm off and getting a smoke smell stuck in your hair. Although smokeless, these moxa-rolls are equally as effective in performing external heat therapy.
Made from premium mugwort and densely packed, each moxa stick works to generate an intense heat for healing.
Acozone’s moxa-rolls offer a very slow burn for more in-depth penetration. It burns at a rate of about 5 cm per hour. These moxa rolls can either be used as an instrument for moxibustion at home or by a practitioner.
These moxa sticks are also a great option for anyone with pets. As they are smokeless, they won’t affect animals, whereas smoke moxa sticks may cause irritation to animals such as cats.
There are five moxa rolls in a pack which is a great amount to get in a couple of moxibustion treatments. With a slow and even burn, these moxa sticks should last quite a while.
Pros
- Smokeless
- Odour free
- Animal friendly
- Slow and even burn
Pure Moxa Rolls
These pure moxa rolls are ideal for use in mild moxibustion. They are great for use in either indirect moxibustion or in combination with acupuncture performed by a practitioner. These mild moxa rolls offer a slow and uniform burn that works to create heat in the affected area for healing.
With a slow and even burn, each moxa stick will last for about 30 to 45 minutes but you can burn them in intervals. This is an ideal product for an in-depth but mild healing treatment.
There are 10 moxa sticks in a box. With each stick offering a slow burn, this box should last a while.
Pros
- Slow and uniform burn
- Mild moxibustion
- 10 in a box for longevity
Cons
- Smokey
Five Chen Pure Moxa Rolls
Five Chen’s pure moxa rolls are made from premium quality mugwort for superior burning and healing. These higher purity moxa rolls are easy to light and offer a gentle heat. Each moxa stick is densely packed which ensures that the moxa stick burns evenly during moxibustion.
Each stick provides uniform heat and is ideal for using acupuncture points for intense healing and penetration. These moxa sticks offer all the qualities needed for effective healing.
They can either be used directly by a practitioner or indirectly to increase the flow of energy through the body to warm meridians and boost immunity.
With very fine moxa wool these moxa sticks offer gentle burn as well as a light and delicate herbal scent with little smoke. There are 20 sticks in a pack which ensures long-lasting use.
Pros
- 20 in a pack for long-lasting use
- Slow and uniform burn
- Little smoke
10-Years Purity 60:1 Ratio Moxa Sticks
10-Years’ 60:1 moxa sticks are suitable for mild moxibustion. The moxa sticks can be used to warm meridians to increase circulation and promote healing. These moxa sticks have a 60:1 ratio which means that the longer the moxa stick is used the better the effects the moxibustion treatment will have.
How long these moxa sticks last depends on you. How fast one of these moxa sticks burn can be controlled by opening and closing a window. With a window open slightly, 10-Years’ moxa stick can last up to an hour.
These sticks are made from premium-grade mugwort and offer a slow and even burn for intense healing.
These moxa sticks are also suitable for use with a copper moxa box. Doing so helps to create warmth that can be directly applied to your treatment point. There are 54 moxa sticks in a pack which ensures long-lasting use.
Pros
- Slow and even burn
- Ideal for mild moxibustion
- Light smoke
- 60:1 ratio for extra penetration
Qian Yi Da 35:1 Moxa sticks
Qian Yi Da’s moxa sticks are made from wild argy wormwood. Using this ingredient contributes to the purity of the product. These moxa sticks not only use superior moxa, but they are also handmade. They are densely packed and rolled by hand to a professional and high-quality standard. Its ratio of 35:1 represents its high purity.
These moxa sticks have high purity and they have no impurities which create a mild burn and a clean and light smell. This high-quality product offers a steady and uniform burn with intense heat and penetration as it creates strong permeation.
For effective use, one moxa stick can be used either once daily or three to four times a week for 30 minutes at a time for the best results.
Pros
- Premium quality
- Slow and even burn
- Light smell
- Handmade
Buying Guide
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine that can be practiced alongside acupuncture to promote health benefits. The practice of moxibustion helps to improve qi circulation and remove dampness from inside the body.
By increasing the stimulation of blood circulation and energy, moxibustion works to promote a natural healing response.
Moxa Stick
Moxa is made from ground mugwort. Moxa sticks are commonly used in the practice of moxibustion. They are used by being burnt slowly around or on acupuncture points or treatment points for healing.
Moxa for moxibustion comes in a cone or stick form for easy ignition. There are different types of moxa sticks, some are smoke and are used for inhalation others are smokeless and are ideal for those sensitive to smoke.
Perform Moxibustion
The practice of moxibustion can be applied in two ways; directly and indirectly.
Direct application of moxibustion involves either placing a moxa cone directly on the area you want to treat. Once lit, it will begin to burn slowly until the skin starts to turn red. Once the heat reaches the treatment point, the practitioner can remove the cone.
Another way of applying moxibustion directly is by placing a moxa cone on top of an acupuncture needle and lighting it. As it begins to burn, the heat from the moxa will travel down the need to meet the acupuncture point.
Indirect moxibustion involves lighting a moxa stick and holding it a couple of inches from the body until the treatment point begins to feel warm and the skin turns red.
Another indirect method of applying moxibustion involves using ‘moxa boxes’ which is a box filled with moxa that is ignited and placed on the body or putting a barrier of herbs, garlic, and salt between the moxa and the skin.
Applying moxibustion can be done directly and indirectly. Applying moxibustion directly and indirectly through acupuncture should be performed by a certified practitioner as it involves direct to skin contact whereas indirect moxibustion practiced by burning a moxa stick can be performed safely at home.
The Benefits Of Moxibustion
Helps To Correct Breech Presentation
Moxibustion has long been used as an alternative therapy for helping to turn a breech baby around. A baby in a breech position can cause high levels of stress for both the mother and baby and it can make birth difficult. Studies show that moxibustion may be safe and effective in correcting breech presentation.
Stimulates Qi To Promote Healing
Moxibustion works to stimulate the circulation of qi in the body. Increasing the body’s energy and blood flow works to warm meridian channels in the body. Warming meridians helps to reduce dampness and cold which can result in reducing inflammation.
Inflammation and dampness is a leading factor in the development of ailments. By reducing inflammation, moxibustion helps to alleviate connected health concerns.
Studies have suggested that moxibustion may be effective in alleviating health concerns associated with inflammation such as gastrointestinal symptoms by relieving muscle tension and easing pain.
Boosts Immune System
Moxibustion helps to improve the immune system. By stimulating the flow of qi and restoring balance to the body, systems in the body are able to function better as an increased flow of energy helps to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, therefore, helping systems like the immune system perform more effectively to fight illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Moxa Stick Good For?
Using a moxa stick as an instrument for moxibustion can be effective in healing a number of health concerns caused by dampness.
It can be effective in treating female health issues such as breach pregnancy, menstrual irregularity, and cramping as well as inflammatory health issues such as easing joint pain and reducing gastrointestinal symptoms.
How Quickly Does Moxibustion Work?
Moxibustion isn’t the same for everyone, different people will experience varying results depending on their ailment. Moxibustion tends to have gradual results and is a treatment you can keep coming back to.
It’s not a practice where you will see immediate results, however, you may feel a sense of release after the treatment.
Takeaway
Moxa sticks are a great instrument for use in moxibustion. Whether you’re looking to treat a health concern or to just simply improve the flow of qi throughout your body, moxibustion can be effective in improving the balance of your body and promoting health benefits.
Each of the moxa sticks presented is made from high-quality moxa and offers deep penetration for effective healing.
With this guide, you now have the tools and information you need to get started.
