The warming power of dried mugwort (Artemisia) applied to acupuncture points — gently igniting Yang Qi, improving circulation and addressing the root of cold, deficiency and fatigue patterns.
Book Moxibustion About AcupunctureMoxibustion (known in Chinese as Jiu Fa) is a therapeutic technique that uses the heat and medicinal properties of burning dried mugwort — Artemisia vulgaris — applied at or near acupuncture points. The combination of heat and the specific biochemical properties of the burning herb penetrates the meridians, tonifying Yang Qi, expelling Cold, warming the channels and stimulating circulation of Qi and Blood.
Moxibustion has been used in Chinese medicine for over two thousand years and forms an equal partnership with acupuncture in classical texts. The ancient Chinese medical classic, the Huangdi Neijing, states: "Where acupuncture cannot reach, moxa must be used." It is particularly valued for conditions that are cold in nature, deficient in Yang, or chronic and deep-seated — states where needles alone may not generate sufficient warmth and tonification.
At Health Therapies Clinics, Lane Cove, moxibustion is offered by our qualified TCM practitioners as a standalone treatment or as a complement to acupuncture. We use indirect moxa sticks, tiger warmers and pole moxa — selecting the technique based on your constitution, presenting condition and tolerance for heat and smoke.
Moxibustion with acupuncture: Included within acupuncture sessions at no additional charge when clinically indicated
Standalone moxibustion: From $135 / 30 minutes
Breech moxibustion protocol: Packaged sessions available — enquire at booking
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Location: Suite 1, Level 1, 141 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
Book OnlineA moxa stick — resembling a large cigar made of compressed dried mugwort — is lit and held a few centimetres above the acupuncture point or area being treated. The practitioner slowly circles or pecks the stick over the point until the patient reports a comfortable warmth. This is the most common and versatile form, well suited to broad warming of areas such as the lower abdomen, lower back, knees and feet.
A tiger warmer (also called a moxa box or needle warmer) is a small metal or bamboo device into which a moxa stick or cone is inserted. It is then placed directly on the skin over a needle or acupuncture point, concentrating the heat. Tiger warmers allow sustained, directed warming of specific points — particularly effective for chronic cold pain in the joints, lower back deficiency and digestive weakness.
Processed to reduce smoke output without significantly altering its therapeutic properties, smokeless moxa is used in our Lane Cove clinic to maintain a comfortable environment for clients and practitioners alike. While traditionalists argue that the original herb has superior qualities, smokeless moxa allows treatment where smoke sensitivity is a concern, making moxibustion accessible to more clients.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yang energy is the body's warming, activating and transforming force. Yang Deficiency arises when this warming power is insufficient — whether from constitutional factors, chronic illness, overwork, excessive cold exposure or the natural decline of ageing. The clinical picture of Yang deficiency includes:
Moxibustion is the primary tool in TCM for addressing Yang deficiency, warming the channels and restoring the body's metabolic fire — the equivalent of tending a hearth that has been allowed to burn too low.
Moxibustion at points such as ST-36, SP-6, CV-4 and CV-6 is used to warm the uterus, support follicular development and prepare the endometrium. In fertility preparation, moxa is often combined with acupuncture in the follicular phase.
Moxibustion at Bladder 67 (Zhiyin) from 34 weeks gestation is the most researched TCM application in obstetrics. The warming stimulation at this point is thought to increase foetal activity and encourage spontaneous version to the cephalic position.
Cold Bi syndrome in TCM — joint pain that worsens in cold weather and improves with warmth — responds particularly well to moxibustion. Combining moxa with acupuncture at local and distal points addresses both the immediate pain and the underlying cold stagnation.
The evidence base for moxibustion continues to grow. Studies have investigated its effects on circulation, immune function, uterine blood flow, inflammatory markers and pain perception. Key findings from clinical research include improved microcirculation at treated points and in distal regions; modulation of white blood cell activity supporting immune function; increased uterine blood flow with moxa at CV-4 and SP-6; pain-reducing effects comparable to some conventional analgesics for specific musculoskeletal conditions; and statistically significant improvement in breech presentation rates in several randomised controlled trials comparing BL-67 moxa with sham treatment.
As with all complementary therapies, results vary between individuals. We present this research to contextualise our treatment decisions, not as guarantees of specific outcomes.
Moxa at ST-36 (Zusanli), SP-6 and GV-4 supports Spleen and Kidney Yang, addressing the deficiency patterns underlying chronic exhaustion. Often combined with Chinese herbal medicine.
Warming the Middle Jiao with moxa at CV-12, ST-36 and SP-4 strengthens Spleen and Stomach function — improving digestion, reducing bloating and addressing loose stools or poor appetite.
After childbirth, moxa helps restore depleted Qi and Blood, warm the uterus and support recovery from the energetic expenditure of labour — a traditional practice in many Asian cultures.
Moxibustion at BL-67 for breech presentation is specifically used during pregnancy (from 34 weeks) and is considered safe when administered by a trained practitioner. However, moxibustion at points over the abdomen, certain lower limb points and warming of the uterus should be approached with caution in earlier pregnancy. Always disclose your pregnancy and gestational age at your appointment.
We use smokeless moxa to minimise this concern. Our treatment rooms are well ventilated. Smokeless moxa does produce a mild herbal aroma, which most clients find pleasant or neutral. If you have asthma, severe respiratory sensitivity or a strong aversion to any smoke smell, please let us know when booking and we will discuss whether moxa is appropriate for you.
Yes, and for some protocols — particularly the BL-67 breech presentation protocol — home moxa practice between clinic sessions is an important part of the treatment. Your practitioner will demonstrate the technique thoroughly and provide written instructions. Moxa sticks can be purchased from us or recommended suppliers. Home practice should only be undertaken with clear guidance from your practitioner.
Indirect moxibustion (the most common form) should never burn the skin. You will feel a pleasant, penetrating warmth at the treated area. Your practitioner will monitor the distance and ask about your comfort throughout. If the heat becomes too intense at any point, the moxa is immediately moved. Mild reddening of the skin is normal and expected.
Moxibustion at Health Therapies Clinics, Lane Cove. Offered as a standalone treatment or combined with acupuncture. Open seven days, 9am–9pm.
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