How does moxa work?
The dried mugwort burns slowly and its heat passes into the point. Sometimes I hold a moxa stick above the skin, and sometimes I place a small cone on the point and remove it before it gets too hot.
Moxa is usually part of an acupuncture session. I choose the points based on the diagnosis, so it may be on the legs, the abdomen or the back.
What is moxa used for?
- Pain that gets worse in the cold or in the morning.
- Back and knee pain.
- Period pain that eases with a hot water bottle.
- A sense of cold and fatigue in the body.
How does it feel?
You feel a pleasant warmth spreading at the point. I watch the heat the whole time, and you only need to say it's too hot for me to remove the moxa right away. Moxa has a strong smell, a bit like incense, which can linger on clothes.
What does the research say?
An analysis of 39 trials with 3,293 patients on moxa for knee osteoarthritis, published in 2019, found greater improvement in pain and function compared with medication. Very few studies compared it with sham treatment or no treatment, and the researchers noted the low quality of the trials and called for larger, better studies.
Source: Yuan et al., The Effectiveness and Safety of Moxibustion for Treating Knee Osteoarthritis, Pain Research & Management, 2019.
Who shouldn't have moxa?
The main side effect of moxa is a burn or blister, so tell me right away if it feels too hot. Let me know beforehand if:
- You're pregnant.
- You have diabetes or reduced feeling in your skin.
- You have asthma or are sensitive to smoke.
- The skin in the area is broken or irritated.
Questions
Does moxa hurt?
It shouldn't. You feel a pleasant warmth, and if it gets too hot I remove it right away.
How long does it take?
Usually a few minutes on each point, within a regular session.
Can I do moxa at home?
In some cases, yes, but only after I've shown you exactly how and where, because of the risk of burns.
Want to see if this is right for you?
Send me a few words on WhatsApp about what brings you in, and I'll get back to you to find a time that works. Sessions can be in English or Hebrew.