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Moxibustion for Women’s Health: Ancient Heat for Modern Healing

Moxibustion for neck tension
Moxibustion for neck tension

When it comes to women’s health, few traditional therapies offer the gentle power and warmth of moxibustion. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this age-old technique involves burning dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), called moxa, near or on specific acupuncture points to stimulate healing and balance within the body.

While acupuncture often steals the spotlight, moxibustion is a quietly potent ally, especially in supporting menstrual health, fertility, postpartum recovery, and menopause.


What Is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion involves the application of heat from burning moxa—usually in stick, cone, or loose form—over acupuncture points. The therapeutic warmth penetrates deeply, invigorating Qi and Blood, dispelling Cold and Damp, and tonifying the organs.

In TCM, many gynecological disorders are seen as being caused by:

  • Cold in the uterus

  • Qi and Blood stagnation

  • Deficiency of the Kidney, Spleen, or Liver systems

Moxibustion directly addresses these patterns by warming the meridians and promoting smooth circulation.


Key Benefits of Moxibustion in Women’s Health


1. Regulating Menstruation

Moxibustion is widely used to:

  • Relieve painful periods (dysmenorrhea) caused by Cold stagnation

  • Normalize irregular cycles

  • Reduce heavy or scanty bleeding when tied to Qi/Blood imbalance

Points like Ren 4, Ren 6, and Spleen 6 are often warmed to support the uterus and nourish Blood.


2. Enhancing Fertility

When the uterus is too cold or Qi is deficient, it can be difficult for conception to occur. Moxa:

  • Warms the womb and promotes implantation

  • Enhances Kidney Yang, which supports reproductive energy

  • Is often combined with acupuncture during IUI/IVF cycles to increase success rates


3. Easing Menopausal Symptoms

In perimenopause or menopause, declining Kidney Yin and Yang can cause hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, or joint pain. Moxa helps by:

  • Strengthening Kidney function

  • Anchoring Yang to reduce internal Heat

  • Improving mood and sleep


4. Postpartum Recovery

In TCM, childbirth is viewed as a depletion of Blood and Qi. Moxibustion aids in:

  • Speeding uterine recovery

  • Reducing lochia and preventing Cold invasion

  • Restoring digestive and immune strength

A popular Japanese tradition known as “Sanfu moxibustion” is done in the first weeks postpartum for rejuvenation.


A Gentle, Non-Invasive Therapy

Most women find moxibustion deeply relaxing, with a soothing warmth that lingers even after the session ends. It can be done in-clinic, or taught for home use (especially for breech baby correction or chronic menstrual cold).

Note: Moxibustion is generally safe, but should be administered by a trained TCM practitioner to ensure proper technique and prevent burns or contraindications (e.g., Heat conditions, high fever, or during certain stages of pregnancy).

Final Thoughts

From adolescence to menopause and beyond, moxibustion offers a natural, time-tested way to support women’s vitality. Whether you’re struggling with menstrual issues, fertility challenges, or looking to nourish your system post-baby, this gentle heat therapy may be just what your body needs.


Interested in trying moxibustion? Book a session with our clinic to explore how TCM can support your unique health journey — warmly and holistically


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