Moxibustion with moxa stick, also known as moxa roll moxibustion, is a method of moxibustion using a specially made moxa stick to apply moxibustion or scorching on acupoints. When medicinal herbs are added to the moxa wool to make a medicinal moxa stick, it is called medicinal moxibustion.
Moxibustion with moxa stick can be divided into two types: suspended moxibustion and direct moxibustion.
(1) Suspended moxibustion:
Suspended moxibustion is a method of moxibustion where a lit moxa stick is suspended above the moxibustion site. Generally, the moxa stick is about 3cm away from the skin, and the moxibustion lasts for 10-20 minutes. The aim is to achieve a warm and reddish skin without burning. Suspended moxibustion can be categorized into gentle moxibustion, rotating moxibustion, and sparrow pecking moxibustion based on the operational methods.
Gentle moxibustion:
Gentle moxibustion involves lighting one end of the moxa stick and directing it towards the acupoint or affected area, about 2-3cm away from the skin, for fumigation and roasting. When the patient feels a warm and comfortable sensation, the moxa stick is fixed without movement. The optimal result is a local warmth without burning pain, and it generally takes about 30 minutes of moxibustion per acupoint until the skin becomes reddish. In the case of fainting or decreased local perception in patients, especially children, the practitioner can place their left thumb and index finger on both sides of the moxibustion site to assess the local heating level and adjust the distance and time of moxibustion to prevent burns.
In addition, to avoid fatigue or difficulty in controlling the distance and accidentally burning the patient, the practitioner can hold the moxa stick with their thumb, index finger, and middle finger, while placing their little finger near the acupoint for moxibustion.
Sparrow pecking moxibustion:
Sparrow pecking moxibustion involves moving the lit end of the moxa stick towards the acupoint, mimicking the motion of a sparrow pecking at rice, with a quick approach and retreat. Generally, this moxibustion method lasts for about 5 minutes and produces a stronger heat sensation. It is important to take precautions to prevent skin burns.
Rotating moxibustion:
Rotating moxibustion involves moving the lit moxa stick in a parallel and repetitive motion near the moxibustion site (about 3cm away from the skin). Generally, this method lasts for 20-30 minutes.
(2) Direct moxibustion:
Direct moxibustion involves applying a lit medicinal moxa stick, wrapped in several layers of coarse cloth, directly onto the acupoint or affected area to allow the heat to penetrate deeply. The prescription of medicinal herbs added to the moxa wool varies depending on the purpose. Common prescriptions include Taiyi Shenzhen (Supreme One's Divine Needle) and Lei Huo Shen Zhen (Thunder and Fire Divine Needle).
Taiyi Shenzhen:
Also known as Taiyi Divine Needle. During the operation, the moxa stick is burned thoroughly using an alcohol lamp. The red-hot end is wrapped in 6-7 layers of prepared coarse cloth and pressed onto the acupoint or affected area while still hot. The medicinal aroma penetrates through the layers of cloth into the skin, reaching the affected area. If the patient feels too hot, the "needle" (moxa stick) can be slightly lifted until the heat subsides before resuming moxibustion. This process is repeated. Each moxibustion treatment involves moxibustion 6-7 times per acupoint. It is recommended to have two Taiyi Divine Needles ready for moxibustion, so that when one moxa stick is burning, the other can be used for moxibustion, ensuring continuous heat and better results. This moxibustion method can warm and promote the circulation of Qi and blood, dispel cold and dampness, and is therefore effective for wind-cold-damp bi syndrome and chronic diseases.
Lei Huo Shenzhen:
Also known as Thunder and Fire Divine Needle. It was first mentioned in the "Compendium of Materia Medica, Volume Six" and is the predecessor of Taiyi Divine Needle. Apart from the different prescriptions of medicinal herbs added to the moxa wool, the operational methods and indications are the same as those of Taiyi Divine Needle.
