Moxibustion Therapy: What Conditions Can It Treat?

05 Mar 2026

By: Yi TCM Admin

Moxibustion is an ancient therapeutic technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), frequently combined with acupuncture to support healing and restore balance in the body. Based on the TCM principle that sickness and diseases stem from patterns of Qi and Blood imbalances in the body, moxibustion offers a natural approach to restoring balance, and as a result, treating a variety of health issues.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion involves the burning of dried plant material on certain acupuncture points on the body. Small cones or sticks of mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), or “moxa”, are typically used in moxibustion, and the heat from the burning herb is believed to enhance the flow of Qi (Qì 气) and blood (Xuè 血). Moxibustion treatments can be used to treat various conditions, as well as help to relieve pain and improve energy levels in the body.

Benefits of Moxibustion

According to TCM principles, moxibustion is a versatile treatment with a dual effect, offering both relief from symptoms as well as enhancing and supporting the body’s overall health.

Conditions That Can Be Treated with Moxibustion

Female Infertility

In TCM, female infertility is caused by having a “Cold Womb” (Gōng Hán 宫寒). This principle suggests that both poor circulation and a yang deficiency create a pattern of “stagnation” in the womb, along with irregular menstruation, and a suboptimal environment in the uterus for egg implantation. Moxibustion is used to enhance fertility by addressing the cold and stagnant conditions in the female reproductive system in the following ways:

Warms the Uterus: Helps prepare the uterine lining for egg implantation.
Enhances Blood Flow: Nourishes the ovaries.
Regulates Hormones: Helps rebalance reproductive hormones.
Reduces Stress: Helps manage mood swings and emotional well-being.

Women undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) may benefit from moxibustion as a complementary treatment to possibly increase their success rates. This is most probably due to an increase in endometrial thickening, which creates a more favourable environment for egg implantation [1].

Women’s Health

Moxibustion dispels “cold” from the body, especially in the lower abdomen and pelvis, by warming and enhancing the flow of Kidney Yang. The discomfort of menstrual cramps and irregular periods can be alleviated by the soothing deep heat due to the increased flow of blood to the reproductive organs.

Breech Baby Turning

Moxibustion is believed to help turn a breech baby by applying a burning “moxa” cone or stick close to the mother’s BL67 (Zhì Yīn 至陰) acupuncture point. The BL67 point is located at the outer edge of the little toenail, and during moxibustion treatment, the point is warmed for 15–20 minutes a day, for up to 10 days. By engaging this acupuncture point, the muscles in the uterus are gradually relaxed, allowing for the easy turning of the baby to a head-down (cephalic) position [2].

Digestive Issues

Moxibustion warms the ‘digestive fire’ supporting the major organs, particularly the spleen and stomach. By increasing the circulation and enhancing Qi flow, moxibustion can assist the body in breaking down food efficiently. This has been observed to benefit patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [3], constipation, indigestion, or bloating.

Pain Management

In TCM theory, pain is a manifestation of blockages throughout the meridians; therefore, moxibustion aims to restore normal flow in the network of channels. Arthritis and joint pain are believed to be aggravated by “cold dampness” in the body, whereas lower back pain, muscle stiffness, and headaches are likely caused by blocked or stagnant Qi and Blood. The heat generated by moxibustion delivers pain relief and relieves muscle tension by penetrating deeply into underlying tissues at the exact acupoint location [4].

Eczema

Skin health is connected to the lung Qi in TCM medical theory. If the lungs are low in Qi, it manifests as skin inflammations such as eczema. Moxibustion can boost circulation by warming the affected areas of skin to relieve itching and irritation, and clinical trials have shown moxibustion to have better treatment outcomes for eczema than topical steroid flumetasone ointment [5]. The warming action also helps dispel “dampness” and speeds up the skin’s natural healing process.

How Moxibustion Works Alongside Acupuncture

While acupuncture utilises thin needles to activate specific points on the body, moxibustion provides warmth to these same areas. By penetrating deep into the skin layers, moxibustion treatment enhances the effects of acupuncture by dispelling “cold” and ‘dampness’. Together, they form an integrated strategy that can provide a well-rounded approach to treating both the symptoms and underlying causes of various health conditions.

Moxibustion is a time-honoured pillar of TCM, which stands out for its quick warming properties when applied to specific acupuncture points, as well as its use in treating conditions based on “cold” and stagnant conditions. Ultimately, moxibustion acts as a versatile TCM tool for treating various health issues and restoring the natural balance in the body.

Disclaimer on The Use of Moxibustion

The information presented in this article is intended for general educational purposes only, and it does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Herbal remedies, such as moxibustion, may interact with prescription medications, underlying health issues, and may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals should consult a licensed TCM practitioner or qualified healthcare professional before starting any herbal treatment or therapies.

At Yi TCM, we offer moxibustion treatments as well as TCM fertility treatment in Singapore. Our licensed TCM practitioners will customise our treatments to suit your individual concerns, and help you address the root causes of your health issues. Contact us today.

References

Zhu, Q., Thomas, K., Ma, S., Zhou, J., Zhan, Q., Zang, P., Wang, D., Zhang, Y., Zhu, W., Li, H., Li, J., Shi, Q., & Zhang, C. (2025). Efficacy and safety of moxibustion for diminished ovarian reserve infertility with kidney deficiency and blood stasis: A randomized controlled trial. *European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 80,* 102576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102576
Liao, J. A., Shao, S. C., Chang, C. T., Chai, P. Y., Owang, K. L., Huang, T. H., Yang, C. H., Lee, T. J., & Chen, Y. C. (2021). Correction of Breech Presentation with Moxibustion and Acupuncture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 9(6), 619. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9060619
Bao, C., Wu, L., Shi, Y., & others. (2022). Long-term effect of moxibustion on irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: A randomized clinical trial. *Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 15,* 17562848221075131. https://doi.org/10.1177/17562848221075131
Dawes, N. C., & Anastasi, J. K. (2022). The case for moxibustion for painful syndromes: History, principles, and rationale. Current Research in Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 6(153). https://doi.org/10.29011/2577-2201.100053
Hao, L. F., Zhao, L. X., Wang, P. R., Zhao, T. T., & Hao, Z. F. (2021). Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion, 41(9), 1017–1020. https://doi.org/10.13703/j.0255-2930.20200817-k0002