What parts of the body to apply moxa stick on?

Great! You're ready to experience moxibustion's warm, gentle therapy, but you're probably wondering where to "stick" it! Can I just put it anywhere? Definitely not! Moxibustion works best when applied to certain parts of the body to promote healing in other areas, but it doesn't take a genius to figure it out. Just look for the body's centers of energy and moxibustion will outlet healing energy to those spots.

Using a moxa stick isn't modern pain treatment; it's more about pain and nourishing the systems of the body. When practicing traditionally, acupressure points are used and the coverage extends to larger bodies that manage and control different aspects of the body. The moxa sticks are great channel warmers. The heat promotes the natural circulation and functions of the body. If you want to release built up tension, support your gastrointestinal functions, or just want to relax, it's important to know where the heat will be directed. Let's look at the parts of the body that are the easiest and safest for self moxibustion that will be the most effective. 

The Core of the Body: The Abdomen

Many wellness traditions hold the abdomen, especially the area around and just below the navel as the center. Moxibustion on the abdomen is great for supporting core energy and for the digestion.

A central part is the navel, with the navel point referred to as Shenque. It is a central point. Traditionally, the warming of the navel with light circular motions of a moxa stick is believed to strengthen your core, assist in digestion, and promote a feeling of balance. It is a classic method of providing a feeling of internal warmth and comfort. This is especially true for those who are easily cold and those who suffer from sluggish digestion.

Another important area is situated a little lower than the navel, about three fingers widths down. Moxa sticks have been believed to support overall energy and vitality. While the stick is slowly moved, warmth is released to help reduce feelings of internal cold and to improve the functions of the organs in the lower belly. It is a great feeling and practice to have moxa warming down there. A great feeling practice is to have moxa warming down there. It is important to keep the moxa stick in circular motions at a distance where the heat is warm, but not so warm that it begins to hurt.

The Essential Back and Lower Back

If you sit for long periods, you have shoulder and back tension, you will greatly appreciate the warm, penetrating heat that moxibustion provides.

One of the most well-known lower back discomfort points is located between the second and third lumbar vertebrae, around your waistline. If lying face down, or sitting, you can have a partner hold a moxa stick and gently rub it in circles around the area, as the heat is soothing to the lower back and kidneys. This is a traditional remedy to ease lower back soreness and heat the body's core. 

Another great spot is between the shoulder blades, particularly the one directly in the midline between the spine and the inner side of the shoulder blade, level with the heart. Moxa over this area can help relieve upper back and shoulder tension. The radiant heat eases tight muscles and creates a sense of openness in the chest and back. It is best if someone else applies the moxa, or you can use a moxibustion aid designed for back application. 

Your arms and legs have some of the best points for self moxabustion.

Each leg has one main point. Focus on the area just below the knee. Just below the kneecap and a little to the right of center, there is a small dip on the shin bone, about four fingers down from the knee. This point is praised to assist the digestive system and support overall energy. Traditionally, to strengthen the stomach and energize the body, practitioners will use moxa. When applying moxa, a person should feel solid, gentle, and comforting, "top" heat.

Definitively important is the point just above the ankle, inner side of the leg, about four fingerbreadths from the inner ankle bone. This point is the resource of overall wellness. Traditionally, a practitioner would use moxibustion on this point to promote warmth and nourishment to the body’s inner energy, and the body systems overall. This is a great point to strengthen the body of those who constantly feel weak and tired.

A great point on the arm, particularly helpful, is the outer forearm area. Make a thumbs up. The point is located in the dip, at the end of the crease of your wrist, inline with the thumb. This point is commonly worked with when trying to relieve symptoms of the common cold, headaches, and tightness in the neck, since it's believed that this point helps to release those external problem. It is particularly comforting to warm this point with a moxa stick when you have a cold and feeling stiff in the shoulders.

Helpful Tips when Using Moxa

Now that you have found your target, keep in mind that the way you apply the warmth determines how great the experience will be.

Gentle warmth is best rather than hot burning heat. You want to feel the arrival of qi, that is a heat that is deep, pleasant, and well distributed; not heat that is burning. Always move the moxa stick in circles, and use the sparrow-pecking technique to help the qi arrive. Do not keep the moxa stick still for too long over one area. Use your other hand to feel the warmth on the skin near where you are moxing to help you feel where the heat is coming from.

Sensitive Areas. Areas such as the face and the skin that cover bony prominences are extra sensitive. For these increased the distance between the glowing tip and the skin. You might also use a slice of ginger, or a thin layer of cloth as a barrier, to help reduce the heat, while allowing the therapeutic properties to transfer.

Relaxed Ritual. Moxibustion works best when you are relaxed, and it’s a good idea to stimulate relaxation when using moxibustion. Having your ritual indoors, in a fresh-air setting, where you won’t be disturbed for at least 10-15 minutes, will help a lot. Inhale deeply, as you moxibustion stick moves over the skin, to help you concentrate on that gentle warmth, and elevated your relaxation to a true moxibustion ritual.

Conclusion. Your Personal Map to Warmth and Wellbeing

Moxibustion sticks are great for allowing you to experience primal warmth, and with the guidance of this text, you can focus on your moxa stick to the torso area and back, and also the ends of your limbs, as this will be the best starting points. The main reason for moxibustion sticks now is to help with minor aches, and replenish your energy.

As we focus on one area, don’t forget to enjoy the comforting, soothing heat of your moxa stick. It’s this very warmth that makes moxibustion such a wonderful ancient practice that you can integrate into your modern lifestyle. Now, you can let your stick glow, and bring that special heat to support your comfort.