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Warming therapies are sometimes promoted for anyone who feels cold or tired. Here is why individual assessment should come before choosing moxibustion.

A warming ritual that does not suit everyone

In winter especially, moxibustion is sometimes promoted as a cosy self-care habit for anyone with cold hands or low energy. Traditional Chinese medicine itself is more selective. Classical accounts link moxa with some patterns and advise against it in others. In other words, the tradition itself expects a choice to be made person by person. Simply feeling chilly or worn out is not enough information to decide on a heat treatment by yourself.

Tiredness has many causes

Persistent fatigue or feeling cold can relate to sleep, stress, diet, thyroid function, iron levels or many other factors. Some of these need a GP's input and blood tests. A warming practice should never stand in for checking what is going on.

Telling the whole story

When you meet Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, describe your symptoms and health history in full, including anything new, changing or long-lasting. Useful details include:

• when the tiredness or coldness started and whether it is getting worse;
• sleep quality, appetite and weight changes;
• medicines, recent illnesses and test results;
• skin sensitivity, breathing problems or smoke intolerance.

Then ask whether moxibustion fits the assessment and what alternatives could be considered, such as acupuncture, massage or simply a referral for further tests.

Comfort if you go ahead

If heat is part of the plan, agree beforehand on how to signal that it is too warm, and ask what aftercare to follow. Sensation, skin condition and breathing should all be part of the discussion. Keep your instructions personal; a routine shared online or a friend's experience is no guide to your own needs.

The aim is a decision made for you as an individual, not an assumption that warmth helps whenever energy dips.

If winter fatigue has been hanging around, consider booking a GP check first, then bring the results along to the Lane Cove clinic so Christine can see the bigger picture.