Moxibustion Types

Published On: May 13, 2026/Categories: News/Views: 45/496 words/2.5 min read/

Person doing suspended moxibustion

Moxibustion falls into multiple categories based on differences in materials, temperature, operation methods and forms of action. It mainly differs in techniques, materials and application scenarios, and different moxibustion methods suit different physical constitutions and symptoms.

Moxa stick moxibustion

Moxa stick moxibustion refers to a method that ignites a moxa stick and applies it to acupoints for moxibustion therapy. It also goes by the name of moxa roll moxibustion. Furthermore, moxa stick moxibustion falls into three categories: handheld suspended moxibustion, pressing moxibustion, and indirect moxibustion.

Handheld suspended moxibustion

It refers to an external therapy of traditional Chinese medicine. You hold a lit moxa stick and perform moxibustion above acupoints without direct contact with the skin. Moreover, people widely adopt this moxibustion method in daily life.

Pressing moxibustion

Adopt medicated moxa sticks for moxibustion therapy. Ignite the medicated moxa stick first, pad with paper or cloth, then press it against the acupoints to allow heat to penetrate deep into the body.

Indirect moxibustion

Ignite the moxa stick first and suspend it above the moxibustion area. Place a certain type of covering material over the acupoints to conduct moxibustion. Furthermore, different covering materials correspond to different clinical indications. Ginger slices and salt are the most commonly used options.

Moxa cone moxibustion

Conical cones made of moxa wool are defined as moxa cones, and placing moxa cones on acupoints either directly or indirectly for moxibustion constitutes moxa cone moxibustion therapy.

Direct Moxibustion

Also known as skin-contact moxibustion or bright moxibustion, this method places moxa cones directly on the skin over acupoints to perform moxibustion.

Indirect Moxibustion

Also known as material-separated moxibustion or spaced moxibustion, this method places a certain barrier between moxa cones and the skin, and conducts moxibustion by means of the interposed material.

Moxa cake moxibustion

Moxa cakes are compressed from moxa wool, and it includes two types: ironing moxibustion and solar moxibustion.

Ironing moxibustion

Spread moxa wool evenly over the abdomen, affected areas or acupoints first, then cover it with several layers of cloth. Next, apply repeated pressing movements over the cloth with an iron or a hot water cup.

Solar moxibustion

Spread moxa wool over the affected areas or acupoints, then expose the locality to intense sunlight for sun scorching.

Moxa fumigation moxibustion

Moxa fumigation moxibustion includes three types: smoke fumigation moxibustion, steam moxibustion, and Moxibustion with Moxibustioner.

Smoke fumigation moxibustion

Place moxa wool in a cup and ignite it, then fumigate the affected areas or acupoints with moxa smoke.

Steam moxibustion

Take an appropriate amount of moxa wool or mugwort leaves, place them in a container and add water to decoct, then fumigate the affected areas or acupoints with the rising stea.

Moxibustion with Moxibustioner

It is a moxibustion method using specialized tools. Common tools include moxa jars and moxa boxes.

With the development of the times, people have derived many convenient and effective moxibustion products. These products combine traditional moxibustion with modern technology and enable moxibustion to exert greater health and wellness value.

Why choose Qichunmoxa?
How to Choose High-Quality Moxa Sticks: A Complete Guide to Identifying Authentic Moxa and Avoiding Low-Quality Products

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