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Moxibustion Therapy: The Uses & Benefits

Moxibustion is a TCM technique that involves burning of mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris), a small spongy herb, on particular acupoints on the body to facilitate healing.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a TCM technique that involves burning of mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris), a small spongy herb, on particular acupoints on the body to facilitate healing. Moxibustion “heat” therapy mainly helps to warm the meridians, improve blood circulation, dispel cold and dampness, and strengthen the immune system. Scientific reviews have reported an increase in red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets around the area of treatment, effectively improving oxygen uptake by the cells of the body and driving the targeted systemic functions. Many patients report a warm, soothing sensation during and after a session of moxibustion.


MOXIBUSTION-box

What conditions is it catered for?

It is usually used on people who have cold or stagnant conditions, such as:

  • Joint pain, arthritic conditions
  • Women’s health: infertility, menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, breech births
  • Deficiencies in energy: low immunity, sluggish digestion, fluid retention

Why is it important to let a registered TCM physician administer it?

There are two types of moxibustion. For direct moxibustion, mugwort cones are ignited after they are placed on the skin. They are removed before they burn down to the skin.

Indirect moxibustion is more commonly used as it has a much lower risk of burning. The moxa stick is kept about 3-4 centimetres away from the skin. The moxa stick is placed above the area of treatment for several minutes until the area turns red. A licensed TCM physician would be able to observe the heating of the moxa stick and gauge the time and distance of the treatment.

What are the precautions of Moxibustion?

  • It should not be used on anyone diagnosed with excess “heat”.
  • Women on period should not undergo moxibustion.
  • Drink sufficient water after each treatment session.

How many sessions are required?

Typically, one course of treatment comprises of 12 sessions (20-30 minutes per session). The physician will advise according to each individual’s needs.

Written by Physician Tan Kang Ting

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When performed by a licensed TCM physician, moxibustion is incredibly safe with minimal side effects. You may experience temporary redness or a slight flush on the skin where the heat was applied, which typically fades within a few hours. Because mugwort produces smoke when burned, your hair or clothes may carry an earthy, herbal scent after the session.
The timeframe for results depends on the severity and nature of your condition. For acute issues like mild menstrual cramps or sudden muscle stiffness, you may feel relief immediately after one session. For chronic conditions such as arthritis, prolonged fatigue, or fertility support, cumulative sessions are required. Most patients notice significant improvements within 4 to 6 sessions of a recommended 12-session treatment plan.
Generally, moxibustion on the lower abdomen or lower back is avoided during pregnancy. However, there is a very specific and well-documented exception: moxibustion is frequently used to naturally turn a breech baby into the optimal head-down position. This involves applying indirect moxa to an acupoint on the little toe (Zhiyin, BL67) usually around weeks 33 to 35. This should only be performed or prescribed by a certified TCM professional.
Burning mugwort produces a distinct, pungent, and earthy aroma. Many people compare the scent to strong sage, incense, or even cannabis. Modern TCM clinics, like PULSE TCM, utilize well-ventilated treatment rooms and specialized smoke-extraction systems to ensure your experience remains comfortable and relaxing. (Smokeless moxa options are also available in some clinics).
While moxa sticks and home-kits are available in stores, DIY moxibustion is not recommended for beginners. Without proper training, there is a risk of skin burns. Furthermore, targeting the incorrect acupoints or applying heat if your body constitution is currently suffering from "excess heat" can worsen your symptoms. Always consult a licensed TCM physician who can assess your pulse and tongue before recommending any at-home care.
Coverage for TCM treatments, including moxibustion and acupuncture, varies heavily depending on your personal or corporate health insurance policy. Many modern insurance plans in Singapore now include a TCM allowance. We recommend checking with your insurance provider directly regarding your specific coverage limits.

References

  • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2019, April). Traditional Chinese medicine: What you need to know. NCCIH. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine-what-you-need-to-know/
  • World Health Organization: WHO. (2019, November 25). Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine. https://www.who.int/health-topics/traditional-complementary-and-integrative-medicine
  • Xia, Q., Gao, S., Song, J., Du, D., Li, C., Zhou, Y., Zhang, X., Dong, Z., Ma, Y., & Ma, Y. (2022). Effectiveness of herb-partitioned moxibustion on the navel for pregnancy outcomes in patients with recurrent implantation failure undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 23(1), 217. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06156-5 | PMCID: PMC8922927 PMID: 35292074
  • Zhang, H., Zhao, M., Wu, Z., Wang, X., Jiang, Y., Liang, J., & Chen, H. (2022). Effects of Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, and Massage on Sports Injuries: A Narrative Review. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2022, 9467002.
    [ PMID: 35668787 | PMCID: PMC9167071 | DOI: 10.1155/2022/9467002 ]
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35668787/
  • Liu, J., Liu, J., Wang, X. S., Li, X. X., Lin, M., Liu, J. Y., Zhang, X. F., Gao, Y. B., Lu, G. T., & She, Y. F. (2024). Comparative study of different dosages of grain-sized moxibustion on uterine artery blood flow in patients with cold and dampness primary dysmenorrhea. 不同剂量麦粒灸对寒湿凝滞型原发性痛经患者子宫动脉血流影响的比较研究. Acupuncture research, 49(7), 760–766. https://doi.org/10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230026 | PMID: 39020495 DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230026
  • Ministry of Health Singapore (MOH). (n.d.). TCM Practitioners. [ Ministry of Health Singapore - moh.gov.sg ]
  • Guo, X. Z., Qin, Z., Wu, D. H., Han, H., Han, Y. H., Wu, X. K., & Zhang, Y. H. (2026). Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy on endometrial receptivity of infertile women with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: status quo and countermeasures. Frontiers in medicine, 12, 1702214. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1702214 | PMID: 41743455 PMCID: PMC12929554 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1702214
PULSETCM-Physician-Dr-Sim-Beng-Joo
Reviewed by: Dr Sim Beng Joo
Advisor (Science & Strategy) / Consultant Physician TCMPB T1303003A

Dr Sim Beng Joo is a fully MOH-licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, registered with the Singapore TCMPB.

Expertise: Gastrointestinal Syndromes Pain Management Sleep / Fatigue / Concentration Syndromes

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Note: The information shared is based on clinical experience and TCM principles. This is for educational sharing and should not replace a personalized consultation. Always speak to your healthcare provider before starting new treatments.