moxibustion for zusanli

In the previous post (titled “strengthen the qi of your whole body”) I introduced Zusanli, Stomach-36, an acu point you can massage to boost your body’s qi. (Please see the previous post for photos showing the location of Zusanli.) To strongly stimulate this point, you can use moxibustion, or “moxa” for short. Moxa is an effective way of applying heat to acu points. It’s made from dried mugwort that’s rolled or compressed into stick form. Mugwort is an herb that’s used in both Eastern and Western herbal traditions. (See last paragraph for info about where to purchase moxa sticks.) I find that when I moxa Zusanli, my whole body warms up. Also, I feel a greater sense of vitality and my energy is improved. It’s particularly nice to do in the fall and winter months. You can use moxa on Zusanli as often as once a day if you’d like.

NB: If you’ve never used moxa before, wait until you find some quiet time without distractions to try it out for the first time. It’s generally safe, but you’re holding a hot stick of mugwort very close to your skin, so make sure you have your wits about you when giving yourself treatments. Also, do not use moxa on any other area of your body without first consulting a licensed acupuncturist. It’s generally considered safe for most people to moxa Zusanli. Moxa, however, can have a very strong effect on certain areas of the body and it’s best not to experiment on your own. If you’re pregnant, have high blood pressure, or any other medical condition, consult with your doctor or a licensed acupuncturist before using moxa (please see Disclaimer).

HOW TO MOXA ZUSANLI (STOMACH-36)

1) Remove all clothing from the area around your lower leg. Place something non-flammable under your leg to catch any falling ash.

2) Use a match or lighter to light one end of the moxa stick. I like to use the flame from a stove because sometimes the stick is slow to light and the flame from a lighter is too weak. Hold the stick in the flame until it starts to smoke and smolder. The stick itself won’t produce a flame (like a birthday candle would). You’ll know it’s lit when it starts to smolder a bit. Keep a small ceramic dish nearby to tap the ash into every few minutes so it doesn’t fall onto your skin and burn it.

3) Hold the stick anywhere from 1 to 3 inches away from Zusanli. Make sure the heat is comfortable. If you hold it too close it can quickly get too hot. It’s better to gradually warm the point, so proceed slowly and carefully. It’s normal for the skin around the acu point to become slightly pink while using moxa. Moxa should feel pleasant, not uncomfortable, so be sure to adjust the distance between the moxa stick and your skin according to how you feel. Your skin should never burn or blister. Never directly touch the skin with the moxa stick.

4) Treat Zusanli for 3 to 5 minutes each leg.

5) When finished, snuff out the moxa stick in a small glass filled with uncooked rice or place the end of the stick into a small amount of water. You can reuse the stick until it’s too short to safely hold.

If you live near a Chinatown, you can usually find moxa at the herb shops there. If you don’t, you can order moxa sticks here:

http://www.kamwo.com/shop/home.php

Click on “Moxa,” “Smokeless Moxa,” and then find the Hoist Smokeless Moxa Rolls. There are other sites that carry moxa, but it’s easy for non-practitioners to order from this site (I have no affiliation with this company). Smokeless moxa is nice when you’re lacking good ventilation. The traditional moxa sticks can produce a lot of smoke. Either type, smokeless or not, has a distinct odor similar to marijuana. You’ll carry it on your clothes and your house might smell for a couple of days, so be forewarned.

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