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Moxibustion brings soft, herbal warmth to an acupuncture or massage appointment. Find out how it fits into a combined visit, how it feels and who should skip it.

Warmth as part of a pampering visit

Picture the end of a long week: a remedial massage to ease tight shoulders, a few acupuncture points, and then a gentle, glowing warmth spreading across your lower back. That last step is often moxibustion. At our Lane Cove clinic, where acupuncture, massage and beauty treatments can be booked in one visit, moxa is a popular way to round off a session on a cold day.

So what is moxa?

Moxa is dried mugwort, a herb used in Chinese medicine for many centuries. It is shaped into sticks or small cones and lit so that it glows rather than flames. Your practitioner holds it above the skin or uses it on a protective base, adjusting the distance so the heat stays pleasant.

How it can fit into a combined appointment

• After massage: warmth over areas that feel tight or cold, such as the lower back or shoulders.
• With acupuncture: moxa may be held near chosen points or placed on a needle handle.
• Before skin or facial care: some clients like to relax first with gentle warmth on the abdomen or feet.

For many people the main appeal is comfort: the sense of warmth, the earthy aroma and a chance to switch off.

The traditional idea behind it

In TCM theory, cold is said to slow the movement of qi, and moxibustion is used to bring warmth back to areas described as cold. Practitioners have traditionally applied it for muscular stiffness, digestive discomfort, monthly cycle concerns and winter wellbeing. Scientific evidence is limited and mixed, so we see moxibustion as a relaxing traditional practice, not a medical treatment. For any health concern, please see your GP first and keep them in the loop.

Who should skip it

Tradition suggests moxa for people who often feel chilly, have slow digestion or hold stress in their body. However, it is not suitable for people with diabetes or reduced sensation in the skin, since they may not feel if the heat is too strong. If you are pregnant, have very sensitive skin or have recently had a cosmetic procedure, or if smoke bothers your breathing, tell your practitioner so they can adjust your visit.