Moxibustion Course

Lesson 1 • Fundamental Concepts of Qi and Meridians

Introduces Qi, Blood, and meridian theory as the physiological framework for moxibustion. Connects energetic concepts to therapeutic rationale.

Lesson 2 • Therapeutic Properties of Moxa

Examines the warming, tonifying, and dispersing actions of moxibustion. Links biomedical and traditional explanations of its physiological effects.

Lesson 3 • Yin, Yang, and Five Element Theory

Explains Yin-Yang balance and Five Element correspondences as diagnostic and treatment frameworks. Provides the conceptual lens for pattern identification.

Lesson 4 • Indications and Contraindications

Defines clinical conditions suited to moxibustion and those requiring caution or avoidance. Establishes safe practice boundaries from the outset.

Lesson 1 • Storage, Quality Control, and Sourcing

Addresses proper storage conditions, shelf life, and supplier evaluation. Protects treatment efficacy through consistent material quality.

Lesson 2 • Artemisia Vulgaris: The Core Material

Covers the botanical identity, harvesting, and processing of Artemisia vulgaris. Explains why its properties make it the preferred moxa herb.

Lesson 3 • Equipment and Accessories

Introduces moxa boxes, holders, needle moxa attachments, and safety tools. Ensures students can set up a fully equipped treatment space.

Lesson 1 • Point Selection Strategies

Applies traditional and symptomatic selection principles to build effective treatment plans. Bridges theory to clinical decision-making.

Lesson 2 • Point Palpation and Verification

Develops tactile skills for confirming point location through tissue texture and patient response. Reduces location error in clinical practice.

Lesson 3 • Mapping Points on Diverse Body Types

Addresses location adjustments for varying body size, age, and musculature. Ensures accurate point identification across a diverse patient population.

Lesson 4 • Commonly Used Points for Moxibustion

Focuses on high-frequency moxa points across major meridians. Builds a core clinical repertoire for common conditions.

Lesson 1 • Moxa Box and Burner Application

Introduces box moxa for large area treatment of the abdomen, back, and joints. Expands treatment capacity for chronic and deficiency conditions.

Lesson 2 • Moxa Stick Techniques

Develops skill in mild warming, pecking, and circling stick methods. Provides the most versatile and widely applicable moxa technique set.

Lesson 3 • Needle Moxibustion

Combines acupuncture needles with moxa to deliver heat directly into the point. Requires prior needling competency and precise heat control.

Lesson 4 • Indirect Moxibustion with Intermediaries

Teaches ginger, garlic, salt, and aconite cake interpositions for indirect moxa. Explains how each medium modifies the therapeutic effect.

Lesson 1 • Infection Control and Hygiene Standards

Applies standard hygiene protocols to moxa materials, surfaces, and practitioner hand hygiene. Ensures compliance with professional health and safety standards.

Lesson 2 • Professional Boundaries and Scope of Practice

Defines the practitioner's scope, referral obligations, and ethical conduct standards. Prevents overreach and supports interprofessional collaboration.

Lesson 3 • Smoke and Air Quality Management

Addresses ventilation requirements, smoke extraction systems, and smokeless alternatives. Protects both patient and practitioner respiratory health.

Lesson 4 • Informed Consent and Patient Communication

Structures the informed consent process including risks, benefits, and alternatives disclosure. Builds the ethical foundation for patient-centered practice.

Lesson 1 • Eight Principle Pattern Identification

Applies Interior/Exterior, Hot/Cold, Excess/Deficiency, and Yin/Yang differentiations. Determines when moxibustion is the primary or adjunct therapy.

Lesson 2 • Intake Assessment and Case History

Structures a comprehensive intake process including chief complaint, history, and lifestyle factors. Ensures treatment plans are grounded in complete clinical data.

Lesson 3 • Organ System Pattern Differentiation

Identifies Spleen, Kidney, Lung, and Heart deficiency patterns most responsive to moxa. Builds organ-specific treatment rationale.

Lesson 4 • Formulating a Moxibustion Treatment Plan

Translates pattern diagnosis into point selection, technique choice, and session frequency. Produces a structured, reproducible clinical plan.

Lesson 1 • Neurological and Geriatric Applications

Addresses stroke recovery support, peripheral neuropathy, and age-related Yang deficiency. Adapts technique for fragile and elderly populations.

Lesson 2 • Digestive and Metabolic Disorders

Treats Spleen-Stomach deficiency, diarrhea, and abdominal cold with moxa. Demonstrates the organ-warming strength of moxibustion therapy.

Lesson 3 • Gynecological and Reproductive Conditions

Applies moxa to dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and breech presentation. Highlights safety protocols for reproductive health treatment.

Lesson 4 • Musculoskeletal and Pain Conditions

Addresses cold-damp Bi syndrome, lower back pain, and joint stiffness with targeted moxa protocols. Builds the most frequently encountered clinical skill set.

Lesson 1 • Warm Needle and Intradermal Moxa

Refines warm needle technique and introduces intradermal moxa for sustained stimulation. Targets deep-seated cold and chronic deficiency patterns.

Lesson 2 • Moxa Combined with Cupping and Gua Sha

Integrates moxibustion with cupping and Gua Sha for enhanced circulation and pain relief. Teaches sequencing and contraindication management for combined use.

Lesson 3 • Moxibustion and Herbal Medicine Integration

Coordinates moxa treatment with internal and topical herbal prescriptions. Maximizes therapeutic synergy while managing interaction risks.

Lesson 4 • Complex Case Management

Applies advanced diagnostic and treatment skills to multi-pattern and comorbid cases. Develops clinical reasoning for the most challenging patient presentations.