Moxibustion is an effective and convenient treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM),which is widely used for health preservation and self-care.But do you truly understand the specific effects of moxibustion?Reading this article will help you have better comprehension of it.

• Local simulation of moxibustion.
• Warm the meridian and dissipate cold.

Moxibustion is a method utilizes thermal simulation on specific acupoints in order to treat disease and keeping health.When the heat penetrates through acupoints into the body,it travels along meridians and disperse pathogenic cold.Furthermore,moxibustion also can facilitate  blood circulation and lymphatic flow.This improved circulation facilitates of pathological products like inflammation,adhesions and hematomas.Thus,moxibustion has the effect of dissipating cold.

• Sedation and pain relief.

Moxibustion's localized thermal stimulation prompts the cerebral cortex to release inhibitory neurotransmitters, thereby reducing neural excitability and achieving analgesic effects.This method not only can outperform conventional painkillers in efficacy but also remain non-toxic and free from adverse side effects!

• Enhances topical ointment permeation.

The thermal stimulation from moxibustion facilitates blood circulation and lymphatic flow,which significantly enhancing the delivery of medicinal agents to target tissues for optimized absorption.Meanwhile,this thermal energy potentiates the therapeutic efficacy of Artemisia argyi's active compounds and co-administered pharmacotherapies, resulting in synergistic treatment outcomes.

• Meridian modulation effect of moxibustion.

The meridian and collateral theory constitutes a fundamental component of TCM theory,playing a foundational role in moxibustion practice through stimulating acupoints along meridians enables systemic therapeutic interventions.To gain deeper insights into meridian and collateral theory,please,refer to our dedicated article.

• Acupoints exhibit externally-triggered hypersensitivity.

When internal organs develop pathological conditions, corresponding meridian-mapped acupoints may exhibit thermal abnormalities and tenderness upon palpation. These reactive changes are associate d with subcutaneous mast cell aggregation. Moxibustion exerts therapeutic outcomes precisely by stimulating these hypersensitive zones.

• Potentiates drug efficacy.

During moxibustion application, thermal energy from combustion elevates local tissue temperature, inducing capillary vasodilation and enhanced vascular permeability. This physiological state increases transdermal drug absorption rates by 2.3-3.1 fold (measured via microdialysis). Concurrently, accelerated meridian circulation dynamics facilitates rapid delivery of orally administered drugs to target organs, thereby potentiating therapeutic outcomes.

• The meridian acupoints can store medicinal properties.

When you apply herbal patches to acupoints, these energy gateways actually 'hoard' the medicinal power, releasing it slowly over time – this is exactly how Sanfutie (Dog Days Patch) works its magic. Now picture this: when you warm those same points with moxa sticks, the gentle heat acts like a conductor, unlocking the stored medicine and letting it seep steadily into your bloodstream. It’s nature’s time-release system – extending the healing effects while keeping their potency perfectly tuned. That’s why these methods shine for managing chronic conditions.

• Preventive healthcare.
• Regulating immune function.

Moxibustion enhances the body's immune defenses through thermal stimulation of acupoints, activating "Defensive Qi" – the cornerstone of immune function in TCM. As heat from moxa sticks penetrates critical points like Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), and Dazhui (GV14), it boosts blood and Qi circulation while modulating immune cell activity. Studies confirm moxibustion increases natural killer (NK) cell count by over 30% and balances inflammatory cytokines. Its dual-directional regulation proves vital: for those with weakened immunity, moxa heat acts as an immune amplifier; conversely, it gently suppresses overactive immune responses in conditions like hypersensitivity.

• Anti-aging.

Aging is intrinsically linked to our immune system, and moxibustion can effectively modulate this vital defense network. By accelerating the clearance of free radicals—key drivers of cellular aging—while boosting telomerase expression to slow telomere shortening, moxibustion tackles deterioration at its roots. Clinical evidence confirms that individuals receiving biweekly moxibustion treatments for three months demonstrate a 25% increase in skin collagen density, with significantly enhanced mitochondrial function. This dual-action approach combats aging at its metabolic source.

• Holistic effects of moxibustion.

Holistic philosophy stands as the cornerstone of TCM. TCM perceives the human body as a dynamic organism intrinsically connected to nature—where every component interacts reciprocally, and human activities both shape and are shaped by natural forces. This worldview manifests in moxibustion therapy through its systemic effects: By selecting specific acupoints and herbs, then applying thermal stimulation, the combined action of medicinal properties and heat permeates meridian pathways to reach distant regions. Only through this integrated process can moxibustion achieve its full therapeutic potential.

Moxibustion offers versatile and potent benefits—especially when combined with other TCM therapies, it can create remarkable synergistic effects that often exceed expectations. Has this exploration sparked your curiosity? Why not embark on your wellness journey right at home? Experience the warmth of this ancient healing art firsthand!