Just as the needle works by stimulating Qi, direct moxa applied in the form of a rice grain works on Xue. It is not considered a Yang tonifier but a blood mobilizer. It is very good for treating blood stagnation or chronic symptoms where we want a rapid and clear reaction.

It has effects at the local level (contracture, sprain) and distal (as an acupuncture point) on a symptom.

For this, high-quality moxa powder is used (yellow, fluffy, without twigs or leaves. The greener it is, the worse it is) and it is rolled to make grains the size of a sesame grain or smaller. With a very fine base. The point on which we want to apply it is located. It can be an acupuncture point, but if we notice nearby a painful area like a hard grain or nodule that hurts when pressed (trigger point) better there even if it does not coincide with the point. To avoid mistakes, we can paint with a pen where we are going to put it. A little petroleum jelly or oil is applied to the skin to stick the tip of the rice grain to the point to be treated. The grain is lit with an incense stick (ideally Japanese, which release less ash and sparks). The grain can be extinguished with the finger before it reaches the skin to make it less painful. The sensation for the patient is like a very brief hot prick. An odd (yang) number of rice grains is usually applied on the same point. If the patient is weak, less stimulus.

Global effects

• Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
• Increases white blood cells and red blood cells (good for mild anemia, not severe)
• Regulates blood viscosity and alkalizes it