There was a time when moxibustion was the part of my day I looked forward to the most. Just me, a moxa stick, and the quiet rhythm of focused healing. I would practice suspended moxibustion on my hands and feet while reading The Meridian Handbook of the Human Body. I could sit and moxa all day long. That kind of absorption—some said I was becoming an immortal. Honestly, they weren’t far off.
But now, moxibustion has become more than just a personal ritual—it’s my career. I no longer enjoy the luxury of time. There are responsibilities: managing raw materials, building a new warehouse, making sure every worker gets paid, handling packaging design with printing companies, and ensuring stable sales to keep the factory running. It’s not just about me anymore. So I’ve turned to moxa belts and moxa garments for quick sessions—traditional suspended moxibustion has become rare.
As a woman, there’s always that important time each month—when my period arrives. I’ve learned over the years that how we treat our bodies during menstruation matters deeply. Ignoring warmth, eating cold foods, washing with cold water, or overworking during this time can lead to hidden problems: pain, stagnation, and imbalance. But if you treat it well, menstruation is also a perfect opportunity for detoxification and renewal—an internal cleanse that clears the old and makes way for fresh blood.
This month, when my cycle came, I felt tired but not in pain. Very punctual. I noticed my skin had started to look loose again, and those dark circles under my eyes were back. I didn’t want to waste the detox window this time. Winter is a time of storing, and toxins tend to accumulate. I decided to moxa my face—to warm, unblock, and promote circulation. After years of body moxibustion, my internal meridians have been well cleared. Now, it’s time to focus on the face.
On Wednesday, I paused everything. I set work aside and picked up my moxa stick to moxa my face. For me, facial moxibustion is highly addictive. It’s a deeply enjoyable experience. But I only ever use my own aged moxa sticks—properly cured and mellow. Other moxa sticks are too harsh, smoky, and irritating. One session takes about 90 minutes, and it’s hard to stop at just one. That Wednesday, I ended up using two sticks.
On Thursday morning, I could feel the meridians in my face had opened up. My complexion was visibly brighter. After breakfast and handling a few chores, I sat down again—and ended up using three moxa sticks. It was that satisfying. And today, Friday, every spare moment not spent answering group questions, I’ve gone right back to it.
This cycle, I’ve noticed my period was heavier and darker, with more visible clots being released—old blood and stagnation clearing out. During the facial moxibustion, I could hear and feel my abdomen gurgling—things were moving, detox was happening. That’s the real magic of this practice.
After each session, my skin turns pink. At that point, I make sure not to be exposed to cold wind or wash with cold water to prevent dampness from invading the open pores. The mild itching afterward is a good sign—it means blood and qi are circulating. What keeps me coming back is that gentle surge of warmth I feel entering my skin during moxibustion. It’s especially intense over areas with large pores or pigmentation spots. There’s a kind of energy drilling inward that’s hard to describe, but deeply pleasurable.
Three full days of indulgence—and it’s been blissful.