About Moxibustion
Hello, and welcome.
My name is Miyamoto, and I’m a licensed acupuncturist in Japan.
I run this blog, Moxa Zen, to introduce self-care methods using moxibustion, product reviews, and meditation practices.
My hope is to help you find gentle yet effective ways to care for your mind and body.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a traditional practice in which “moxa” (dried mugwort) is burned to gently warm the body.
Professionally, acupuncturists hand-roll moxa and apply it directly or indirectly to acupuncture points.
However, for self-care, there are safer and easier options, like ready-made moxa on a base—just light and apply.
Among these options, Sennenkyu (せんねん灸), a long-standing and trusted brand in Japan, offers a wide variety of moxa products that are easy to use at home.
In this blog, I’ll be introducing different types of Sennenkyu to help you get started.
Three Main Types of Sennenkyu Moxa
Sennenkyu products are generally categorized into three types:
- Fire Moxa（火を使うお灸）
- Smokeless Moxa（煙の少ないお灸）
- Flameless Moxa（火を使わないお灸）
Regardless of the type, always remember:
⚠️ Never overdo it—this can cause burns.
⚠️ If you are pregnant, have sensitive skin, take medications, or have any medical conditions, consult your doctor before use.
1. Fire Moxa
These types are lit and applied like incense. Each model varies in heat intensity.
- Regular Ibuki（レギュラー伊吹）: Standard temperature; the classic version.
- Soft Chikubushima（ソフト竹生島）: Slightly milder than Regular.
- Aroma-kyu（アロマきゅう）: Gentle warmth with a fragrant scent; includes a paper layer for softer heat.
- Moxa Series (4 Scents)（moxaシリーズ）: Thick base with the mildest heat; ideal for beginners.
- Rainbow（レインボー）: Mild like the Moxa Series but fragrance-free.
- Garlic Omi（にんにく近江）: Stronger heat with garlic extract; suitable for tough areas like the heels. Also available in “Miso Kokoku” and “Ginger Hakkei”.
2. Smokeless Moxa – “Sennenkyu no Kiseki”
This uses carbonized moxa, producing little to no smoke.
- Available in Soft, Regular, and Hard heat levels.
- Tends to feel hotter than Fire Moxa and retains warmth longer.
- Even the “Soft” version may feel intense, so caution is advised.
3. Flameless Moxa – “Taiyo” & “Sekai”
These are the most popular type—and the easiest to use.
They don’t use fire or produce smoke at all.
There are two models:
- Taiyo（太陽）: Easier to use and more affordable.
- Sekai（世界）: A bit more advanced and higher-priced.
In this blog, I’ll focus on Taiyo for beginners.
The Taiyo moxa comes with adhesive backing.
Peel and stick directly onto the skin. After a few minutes, it begins to warm gently.
Great for use on pressure points and stiff areas—without any flames or smell.
⚠️ Like all warming products, be mindful of low-temperature burns (especially during long use).
Next Up: How to Use Moxa and Recommended Acupoints
In the next article, I’ll show you how to apply moxa and introduce key acupuncture points that are easy to try at home.
Stay tuned!
コメント