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Moxibustion should feel comfortably warm, never like an endurance test. These comfort and safety checks help you prepare.

What moxibustion involves

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses heat from moxa, a material usually prepared from dried mugwort. Because it produces warmth and often smoke and a distinctive scent, a few health details need discussing first.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, will ask whether you have asthma or are sensitive to smoke or strong smells, whether your skin reacts easily, and whether any area has reduced feeling, for example from nerve problems or diabetes. Any of these could make the technique uncomfortable or unsuitable.

Warm, not scorching

The heat should feel pleasant and tolerable throughout. If a spot becomes too hot, or the smoke irritates your eyes, nose or chest, say so at once so Christine can move the moxa or stop.

Traditional texts describe moxibustion as warming and regulating the body. That language explains the reasoning within Chinese medicine theory; it is not a promise about what will happen to a particular complaint.

Agreeing on signals and aftercare

Before heat comes near the skin, settle on how you will let Christine know if something is uncomfortable, whether by a word or a raised hand. Ask what to watch for afterwards and how to look after the area at home.

Any instructions you receive are tailored to you. A routine shared online, or what worked for a neighbour, cannot tell you what your own skin or breathing will tolerate.

Discussing moxibustion in Lane Cove

It is also worth mentioning if you are pregnant, have recently been sunburnt or have a skin condition in the area concerned, because each of these can change what is sensible.

If moxibustion has been suggested alongside acupuncture, it is perfectly reasonable to ask for a short explanation before agreeing. Christine can talk through the options at the Lane Cove clinic and adapt or skip the heat if it does not suit you.