Types of Moxibustion: Thermal Box, Fume & Solar

III. Thermal box moxibustion

Thermal box is specially made device for moxibustion. Put lit moxa or moxa stick in the thermal box, then place it on the acupoint or the affected area, and perform moxibustion until the skin turns ruddy and warm. This method is easy to operate, and not only suitable for patient with diseases of deficiency and internal cold, such as epigastric pain, diarrhea, etc., but also very beneficial for care of the elderly. The actual list of benefits is much longer, depending on the specific scenario moxibustion is applied, as one would see in future posts.

The following are pictures of some of the popular thermal boxes:

Hole-type thermal box
Hole-type thermal box
Needle-type moxa box
Needle-type moxa box
Mobile moxibustion box
Mobile moxibustion box

IV. Fume Moxibustion

Fume moxibustion is also a common method of moxibustion. Add moxa leaves or moxa and water in a container and start boiling or steaming, then put the container in a basin and place under acupoints or affected area. One can also light proper amount of moxa in a vessel, and use the fume to perform moxibustion. This method is suitable for treatment of diseases of wind cold and dampness.

Fume moxibustion
Fume moxibustion

V. Solar Moxibustion

Spread moxa on acupoints or affected area, expose it under the sun; perform moxibustion by using sunlight till local skin becomes warm and comfortable, and preferably last 10-20 minutes each time. During the process, skin around the acupoints or affected area should be covered with clothing; beware of heat stroke in summer. Solar moxibustion is suitable for treatment of diseases of wind cold and dampness, and chronic debilitating diseases.