Moxa pole

Also moxa stick; moxa roll. A roll of rubbed moxa leaves enclosed in paper, forming cylinders about six inches in length and half an inch in diameter. The lighted moxa pole is held about one inch above the point to be warmed and is moved slowly in a circular motion to spread the heat over a small area. Alternately, the roll may be moved quickly up and down to increase thermal stimulation in what is called the pecking sparrow method. Moxa pole therapy can be combined with acupuncture by warming the area around the needle. Moxa pole is generally applied for 3–15 minutes or until the skin turns red. The proper distance must be maintained to avoid reddening the skin too quickly or burning the patient. Moxa pole treatment, or poling, is commonly employed to provide mild heat and move qì and blood in a local area; it thus treats wind-damp impediment (bì) pain and similar patterns.