Moxa: the fiber at the heart of moxibustion

Moxa is a traditional mugwort fiber used in moxibustion to deliver gentle, stable and controlled warmth to specific areas of the body.

Since Antiquity, people observed that warmth brought comfort and relief when the body felt cold or tense. From this observation emerged jiu (灸), a practice of targeted heat passed down as an art of balance.

Over time, mugwort naturally established itself as the ideal material: its slow combustion, penetrating warmth and subtle aroma made it particularly suited to this practice. Carefully processed, its leaves produce a fine, airy fiber — a true vegetal wool — whose use in jiu gave rise to the moxibustion practiced today.

Today, moxa is obtained from dried leaves of Artemisia argyi, which are ground and sifted to form this characteristic fiber. Its fineness and level of refinement directly determine the comfort of the heat and the overall quality of the experience.

The benefits of moxa in moxibustion practice

If moxibustion has endured through the centuries, it is because its gentle, stable and targeted warmth remains deeply suited to modern lifestyles, often marked by sedentary habits, stress and temperature variations. It helps the body warm up, relax and regain a sense of comfort and vitality.

When used as part of a wellness ritual, moxa may help to:

• provide comforting warmth, encouraging a feeling of flow and circulation,
• warm areas sensitive to cold, such as the lower back or lower abdomen,
• release accumulated tension in muscles and joints,
• promote an inner sensation of warmth, associated with comfort and natural vitality,
• soothe the mind by creating a moment of calm and reconnection.

These effects do not stem from a medical action, but from the quality of the heat:

gentle, steady and enveloping, capable of supporting the body without aggression.

It is this carefully mastered warmth that makes moxa a lasting companion in wellness rituals, transmitted and adapted across generations.

Moxa: the fiber at the heart of moxibustion

Moxa is a traditional mugwort fiber used in moxibustion to deliver gentle, stable and controlled warmth to specific areas of the body.

Since Antiquity, people observed that warmth brought comfort and relief when the body felt cold or tense. From this observation emerged jiu (灸), a practice of targeted heat passed down as an art of balance.

Over time, mugwort naturally established itself as the ideal material: its slow combustion, penetrating warmth and subtle aroma made it particularly suited to this practice. Carefully processed, its leaves produce a fine, airy fiber — a true vegetal wool — whose use in jiu gave rise to the moxibustion practiced today.

Today, moxa is obtained from dried leaves of Artemisia argyi, which are ground and sifted to form this characteristic fiber. Its fineness and level of refinement directly determine the comfort of the heat and the overall quality of the experience.

The benefits of moxa in moxibustion practice

If moxibustion has endured through the centuries, it is because its gentle, stable and targeted warmth remains deeply suited to modern lifestyles, often marked by sedentary habits, stress and temperature variations. It helps the body warm up, relax and regain a sense of comfort and vitality.

When used as part of a wellness ritual, moxa may help to:

• provide comforting warmth, encouraging a feeling of flow and circulation,
• warm areas sensitive to cold, such as the lower back or lower abdomen,
• release accumulated tension in muscles and joints,
• promote an inner sensation of warmth, associated with comfort and natural vitality,
• soothe the mind by creating a moment of calm and reconnection.

These effects do not stem from a medical action, but from the quality of the heat:

gentle, steady and enveloping, capable of supporting the body without aggression.

It is this carefully mastered warmth that makes moxa a lasting companion in wellness rituals, transmitted and adapted across generations.

Selected essential mugwort:

• Sourced from Nanyang, a renowned birthplace of high-quality moxa
• Naturally aged for 3 years to enhance therapeutic effectiveness

Precise manufacturing process:

• Stone-mill grinding in three successive passes, with sieving after each grinding.
• Slow production process: approximately 30–50 g of fiber per mill rotation.

Optimal user experience:

• gentle and penetrating combustion
• steady and comfortable warmth
• fine, light smoke with a natural and pleasant aroma

Originating from the region of Nanyang (China), the historical cradle of medicinal mugwort, this moxa follows the tradition of rigorously selected terroir-based raw materials, recognized for their quality and consistency.

Crafted using a traditional stone-mill method, it preserves the fineness and integrity of the fibers, delivering a gentler heat that remains true to the spirit of ancient craftsmanship, in harmony with a natural and mindful approach to well-being.

Size of essential moxa sticks: Ø1.8cm x 20cm x 10 pcs

The moxa stick is intended for indirect moxibustion, allowing gentle and progressive heat to be delivered without direct contact with the skin. It is suitable for both personal practice and supervised use.

Ignition

• Light one end of the moxa stick using a lighter or a candle.
• Allow it to burn until it produces an even red ember, indicating that the heat has been properly activated.

Application

• Hold the stick a few centimeters away from the skin, above the desired acupressure points or target areas.
• Maintain sufficient distance to deliver a comfortable warmth, without any burning sensation or direct contact.

For safer and more precise handling, a moxa holder clip may be used, making it easier to hold the stick securely during the session.

Duration

• Apply heat to each point for 3 to 5 minutes, or according to your comfort level and individual needs.
• Adjust the distance or duration if the heat sensation becomes too intense.

End of session

• Extinguish the stick by placing it into a non-flammable container, such as a bowl of sand or a purpose-made extinguishing box.
• Ensure that the stick is completely extinguished before storing it.

For sticks with a diameter of Ø 1.8 cm, the use of a stainless steel moxa extinguisher, designed for this size, is recommended to ensure safe and clean extinguishing.

Usage tip: Depending on your needs, the moxa stick may be broken or cut into shorter segments, comparable to cut moxa, for use with a suitable holder.

Proper conditions of use

• Use in a well-ventilated room.
• Keep the moxa stick at a sufficient distance from the skin to avoid burns.
• Never leave a lit moxa stick unattended.
• Avoid wind and cold during and after the session.

Listening to the body and comfort

• Pay close attention to the sensation of warmth and stop the session if any discomfort occurs.
• For beginners, favor short sessions (5 to 15 minutes), until a light, natural redness of the skin appears, without any burning sensation.
• Avoid application on fragile skin (wounds, irritation, eczema, or sensitive areas).
• Avoid moxibustion in cases of high fever or excessive internal heat sensations.

Specific situations

• Moxibustion is not recommended during pregnancy.
• Individuals with specific health conditions (particularly cardiovascular or metabolic conditions) are advised to exercise caution and seek advice from a healthcare professional before use.

After the session

• Drink warm water.
• Take time to stay warm and avoid immediate exposure to wind or cold after the session.
• Avoid washing hands or heated areas with cold water immediately after moxibustion.