Scientific Research Behind Moxibustion: What Do the Studies Say?

Moxibustion, a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), might sound unfamiliar, but its health benefits are being increasingly explored by modern science.

This blog will break down some of the key scientific studies explaining how and why moxibustion works, supported by relatable examples.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a traditional therapy that involves burning dried mugwort (moxa), near specific acupoints on the body to promote healing and balance. Used for thousands of years in China and East Asia, it remains an integral part of TCM.

In TCM, health is believed to depend on the flow of vital energy, called Qi (pronounced "chi"), through the body. When this flow is blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to health issues. Moxibustion is thought to restore the flow of Qi by applying soothing heat to acupuncture points, stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, improving circulation, and relieving tension.

What is Moxibustion Used For?

Moxibustion is often combined with acupuncture and is believed to help with conditions such as:

• Pain relief (e.g., back pain, arthritis)
• Digestive problems
• Menstrual issues
• Low Immunity
• Respiratory concerns (e.g., asthma, colds)

1. Pain Relief: Helping Your Back, Knees, and Joints

Chronic pain in the back or knees can hinder daily activities like climbing stairs. Research suggests that moxibustion may alleviate such discomfort. For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial indicated that individuals with knee osteoarthritis experienced significant pain reduction and improved mobility after regular moxibustion sessions (Zhao et al., 2023).

A practical case involved a 55-year-old woman with osteoarthritis who found that adding moxibustion to her routine, along with light exercise, made her morning walks less painful. The study explains that moxibustion’s heat promotes blood flow and reduces inflammation, offering effects similar to a heating pad.

2. Digestive Issues: IBS and Stomach Problems

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause bloating, cramps, and unpredictable discomfort. Studies reveal that moxibustion may help calm the digestive system and reduce such symptoms. For instance, a systematic review highlighted moxibustion’s effectiveness in improving symptoms of ulcerative colitis, which shares similar triggers with IBS (Lee et al., 2022).

One example involves a young participant who experienced frequent stomach cramps. After using moxibustion after meals, they noticed fewer flare-ups. Researchers suggest that moxibustion’s warmth relaxes digestive muscles and reduces stress, which are common IBS triggers.

3. Women's Health: Menstrual Cramps and Pregnancy Support

Moxibustion has long been used to alleviate menstrual pain and support pregnancy. A notable application involves helping turn breech babies. A Cochrane systematic review found that applying moxibustion to a specific point on the pinky toe improved the likelihood of turning breech babies to a head-first position (Coyle et al., 2012).

For example, a pregnant woman at 34 weeks with a breech baby reported success after a few moxibustion sessions, leading to a safer delivery. Researchers attribute this to moxibustion’s ability to stimulate uterine health and fetal movement.

4. Boosting Your Immune System

Moxibustion may play a role in enhancing immune function, as supported by scientific research. A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of moxibustion and acupuncture on gastric cancer patients undergoing surgery and chemotherapy found significant improvements in immune system markers. Patients receiving these therapies showed increased levels of CD3+ and CD4+ T-cells—key indicators of a stronger immune response (Yu et al., 2024).

This suggests that moxibustion’s therapeutic heat and stimulation of acupoints may help strengthen the body’s defenses, making it a valuable complementary approach for immune support.

5. Mental Health and Stress: Better Sleep and Less Worry

Moxibustion may also help with stress and sleep issues. A bibliometric analysis found that moxibustion positively influenced relaxation, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep quality (Xia et al., 2021).

For example, a college student struggling with exam stress found that using moxibustion on her wrists and feet before bed helped her fall asleep faster and wake up more rested. The warmth of moxibustion is thought to balance the nervous system and promote relaxation.

What Does This Mean For You?

Moxibustion isn’t just an ancient practice; it’s a natural, science-backed therapy with the potential to address pain, stress, digestive issues, and immune health. While further research is needed, many studies highlight its promising benefits, especially when combined with other healthy habits.

Whether you’re a therapist or curious about trying moxibustion yourself, consider these examples as a starting point. Whether you’re looking for pain relief, better digestion, or simply a way to relax, moxa therapy could be worth exploring.

Would you like to learn more or share your own experiences with moxibustion? Let us know in the comments below!

References

• Zhao, L., Guo, W., & Wang, X. (2023). Effectiveness of moxibustion treatment as adjunctive therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 25(1), Article 4590. https://doi.org/10.1186/ar4590
• Lee, D. H., Kim, K. H., & Choi, S. M. (2022). Moxibustion for ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Gastroenterology, 10(36), Article 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-230X-10-36
• Coyle, M. E., Smith, C. A., & Peat, B. (2012). Cephalic version by moxibustion for breech presentation. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 5(CD003928). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003928.pub3
• Yu, C., Mao, X., & Zhou, C. (2024). Influence of acupuncture and moxibustion on gastrointestinal function and adverse events in gastric cancer patients after surgery and chemotherapy: A meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer, 32(Article 524). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08740-8
• Xia, Y., Li, X., & Huang, J. (2021). Research trends of moxibustion therapy for pain treatment over the past decade: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Pain Research, 14, 301–312. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S294058