Direct moxibustion:A small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned on top of the skin. Direct moxibustion is a traditional technique considered to be very therapeutic. Much scientific study has been done on the effects direct moxibustion. The effectiveness of direct moxibustion, particularly on immune function, has been reported as early as1927by Dr. Shimetaro Hara, at the Kyushu University in Japan. Presently however,direct moxibustion is not performed routinely outside of Japan, as it mayhavesome undesirable effects such as blistering, burn marks, and even scarring atthemoxibustion site. In an attempt to prevent skin damage, someacupuncturistsplace a medium slice of ginger, or topical paste between the skinand the burningmoxa or extinguish the burning moxa just before it reaches theskin. The possibleeffect derived from this type of moxibustion (sometimes referredto as non-scarring direct moxibustion or categorized as indirect moxibustion)should not beconsidered the same as the scarring direct moxibustion since themain effect ofdirect moxibustion is considered to result from actual damage to theskin (thusstimulating the release of immunological mediators resulting in a healingreaction). I
In my method, I press moxa before it has burned, so you won't have a burn.
Indirect moxibustion:Currently, the more popular form of moxibustion inmanycountries including China is the indirect form, because there is a much lowerriskof pain or burning. In indirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of amoxastick (roughly the shape and size of a cigar) and holds it an inch or two awayfromthe skin, usually around the inserted needles to bring mild warmth to theareawithout burning, until the skin becomes slightly red. The intensity of the heatisadjusted according to the patient's condition and comfort. Indirect moxaisconsidered to induce a gradual localized vasodilatation response. In additiontoincreasing the local blood flow, skillful indirect moxibustion is extremelycomfortingand can create a deep relaxation response.