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A photo of a moxa stick does not show how every session works. Different forms of mugwort and heat delivery suit different people.

If you have seen moxibustion online, you may picture a single glowing stick held over the skin. In fact, moxa comes in several forms, and the way heat is delivered can differ considerably from one session to the next. For anyone who wants a comfortable, relaxing visit, it is worth understanding the options.

More than one way to apply warmth

Moxa is usually made from dried mugwort, but it may be rolled into sticks, shaped into small cones, pressed into charcoal-style smokeless rolls or used in other ways. Some methods keep the heat source at a distance from the skin, while others involve a barrier between the moxa and your body. A photograph of one technique tells you little about how your own session will go.

Questions to ask first

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, uses moxibustion at the Lane Cove clinic and can explain which form she is considering and why. Ask how close the heat will be, how long it is likely to stay in place and what you should feel.

Tell Christine about any past reaction to smoke, incense or heat, even if it happened at home or at a friend's place rather than in a clinic. Asthma, hay fever, sensitive skin and areas with reduced feeling are all important to mention. If you have recently had a cosmetic skin treatment, include that too.

Suitability over tradition

The key question is whether a particular method suits you, not which version looks the most authentic or has the strongest smell. A smokeless option may be more comfortable for some people, while others are happy with a traditional stick in a well-ventilated room.

Planning for comfort

Settle on a simple cue for when the heat needs easing, and find out how to care for the area once you are home. Your sensation, breathing and skin health all guide these choices. Any advice you take home should be written with your body in mind, never copied from a video or a neighbour's habit.

If moxibustion is part of a longer visit that includes massage, ask where it fits in the visit so that warmed skin is treated gently afterwards.