Needle Moxibustion Technique
(click on the images for larger views)

    I sometimes refer to this technique as the "prehistoric heat lamp" treatment. Moxa on the head of the needle warms both the needle in the point and the surrounding skin.

    I use inch-and-a-half needles for this technique. The needle must be inserted at least half an inch deep into the muscle so the needle will be stable with the weight of the moxa on top. The extra length of the needle also holds the burning moxa away from the skin.

    Pieces of moxa are rolled into balls and placed atop the needle. The black stick in my hand is a small piece of incense that I have used to make a hole in the moxa ball to make it easier to place the ball on the needle.

   The moxa is lit from the bottom. I usually light all the moxa at the same time. If I have selected points very close together I will stagger the lighting to prevent overheating of the skin.

    The moxa burns by smoldering, not with flames. The heat is gently warming. I run HEPA and negative-ion air cleaners to prevent the room from becoming smoky.

   Moxa tightens up as it burns and the ash adheres to itself, keeping its shape. Although I can remove the ash with my fingers, I usually use a slotted spoon, to help keep everything clean.

    The skin is reddened from the warmth, but the heat is felt deeper in the body. The redness will fade in 10-20 minutes.