Moxibustion Therapy
Gentle Heat Therapy to Support Circulation, Comfort & Recovery
People usually ask about moxibustion when they feel persistently cold, tight, fatigued, or slow to recover, even when other treatments have helped only partially. Moxibustion is a controlled heat therapy that can be used on its own or alongside acupuncture to support circulation, relaxation, and tissue response.
At Herbs Meta, we provide moxibustion therapy as part of our acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care in Richmond Hill, supporting people with pain, stress-related tension, fatigue, cold sensations, and recovery needs. Moxibustion may be used on its own or alongside acupuncture and herbal prescription, depending on individual presentation.
At our clinic, moxibustion is delivered with careful technique, clear explanation, and realistic expectations never rushed or overly intense.
What Is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion uses gentle warmth generated from moxa (dried mugwort) to heat specific areas of the body. The warmth is applied near the skin, not directly on it, and is adjusted to remain comfortable at all times.
In practical terms, moxibustion is used to:
- Promote local circulation
- Reduce cold or tight sensations in tissues
- Support relaxation and recovery
- Complement acupuncture when warmth is beneficial
You do not need to subscribe to traditional explanations for moxibustion to be appropriate. Many people choose it simply because warmth helps their body respond better.
Common Conditions We See
At our clinic, care is primarily focused on pain management, stress relief, sleep quality, energy support, women's health, and fertility care.
We commonly see moxibustion used to support:
Cold & Circulation Patterns
- Persistent cold sensations in specific areas
- Tightness that improves with warmth
- Stiffness that responds poorly to stretching alone
- Areas that feel slow to recover
Pain & Recovery Support
- Chronic or recurring discomfort
- Sensitivity that improves with gentle heat
- Muscle tension linked to restricted circulation
Stress & Fatigue-Related Patterns
- General fatigue patterns
- Tension linked to prolonged stress
- Difficulty relaxing deeply during treatment
Moxibustion is used as part of an individualized care plan and may be combined with acupuncture or herbal prescription when appropriate.
What Happens During a Moxibustion Session at Herbs Meta?
Traditional moxibustion is often performed using a handheld moxa stick or a small moxa box placed over the skin. While helpful for some people, heat intensity may vary and smoke can feel irritating in an indoor clinical setting.
At Herbs Meta, we use a smoke-free moxibustion device and a separate air purifier to maintain a clean, comfortable treatment environment. Real moxa rolls are placed inside the device, allowing warmth to be generated from burning moxa within a controlled system. We also select high-quality, low-impurity moxa rolls to support cleaner combustion and a smoother treatment experience.
This modern approach allows for:
• More stable, consistent warmth
• Greater temperature control
• Significantly reduced smoke exposure
• A cleaner, more comfortable treatment environment
During your session:
• You’ll be positioned comfortably and covered as needed
• Gentle warmth is applied gradually to targeted areas
• Heat levels are closely monitored and adjusted based on your response
• Treatment is modified or stopped immediately if any discomfort occurs
Most people describe the sensation as:
• Deep, soothing warmth
• Relaxing and calming
• Comfortable and never sharp or burning
Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes, depending on the area treated and individual response. Many clients find this modern, smoke-free approach easier to tolerate and more comfortable than traditional handheld methods.
Is Moxibustion Safe?
When performed by trained professionals, moxibustion is considered low-risk.
Before treatment, we review:
- Heat sensitivity
- Skin conditions
- Circulatory concerns
- Medical history or medications
We use controlled techniques and maintain safe distances to ensure comfort and safety at all times.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
This depends on:
- The nature of your symptoms
- Whether warmth improves or aggravates them
- How your body responds after initial sessions
Some people notice immediate comfort, while others benefit from repeated treatments over a short period. We reassess regularly rather than continuing without clear benefit.
Is Moxibustion Right for You?
Moxibustion may be helpful if you:
- Feel cold, tight, or restricted in certain areas
- Respond well to heat-based therapies
- Want to support acupuncture results
- Prefer gentle, non-invasive treatment options
If moxibustion is unlikely to help, we’ll discuss alternatives openly so you can choose what’s most appropriate.
Book a Moxibustion Session
If you’re curious about moxibustion and want to understand whether it suits your concerns, we’re happy to help.
You can:
- Book a moxibustion session online, or
- Contact us with questions before booking
Good care starts with clarity, comfort, and informed choice.
Subscribe to our emails
Be the first to know about new collections and special offers.
