Moxa

Has your practitioner given you a moxa stick, but you're not sure what to do? Here are some instructions to get you started on the path to being a moxa pro!


Use a candle or lighter to light one end of the moxa stick. Keep the stick in contact with the heat source until it begins to smolder a bit. (You can test the heat of the stick by placing it a half inch to an inch above the back of your hand. When you feel a pleasant warmth the stick has been heated correctly). You can also gently blow on the stick to help the process. Make sure to scrape the gray ash from the stick on the corner of a bowl or something metal.
The stick can now be held about an inch over any area (or corresponding acupuncture point) in which you feel pain, aches, cramps, or physical discomfort. Hold the stick just above the area to be treated low enough to feel a pleasant warmth, but high enough to prevent burning. Be very careful NOT TO LET THE MOXA STICK MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SKIN.
Make sure to ash stick every 2-3 minutes.
Move the moxa stick slowly over the area you are treating for 5-7 minutes. It should feel soothing and warm, but not too hot.
When you have finished the treatment, extinguish the moxa stick in a dish of salt or rice.
Repeat daily over area.