Is Moxibustion for Dampness Removal Effective?
Feb 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, moxibustion patches (Ai Tie) do help remove dampness, although the specific effects may vary from person to person. Ai Tie are typically made from traditional Chinese herbs such as moxa leaves. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, moxa leaves have functions including warming the meridians to dispel cold, eliminating dampness, and relieving itching. When Ai Tie are applied to specific acupuncture points on the body, such as the Fenglong (ST40), Shenque (CV8), Zusanli (ST36), and Yongquan (KI1) points, these points receive stimulation from the medicinal herbs.
Generally speaking, moxibustion patches (Ai Tie) can indeed help remove dampness, although the specific effects may vary from person to person. Detailed explanations are as follows:
Moxibustion patches are typically made from traditional Chinese herbs such as Ai Ye (mugwort leaf). In traditional Chinese medicine theory, Ai Ye has functions of warming the meridians to dispel cold, removing dampness, and relieving itching. When applied to specific acupoints on the body, such as Fenglong (ST40), Shenque (CV8), Zusanli (ST36), and Yongquan (KI1), the stimulation of the medicinal ingredients at these points can promote local blood circulation, accelerate metabolism, and thus aid in eliminating dampness.
However, due to differences in individual body constitutions and levels of dampness, responses and effectiveness of moxibustion patches may vary. Generally, individuals with cold-biased constitutions and heavy dampness, particularly those identified as having cold-dampness syndrome, may experience relatively better effects from using moxibustion patches for dampness removal. In contrast, individuals with damp-heat constitutions may find the effects less noticeable, and in some cases, using moxibustion patches might even exacerbate internal heat symptoms.
Moxibustion patches should not be used continuously for prolonged periods to avoid skin irritation or damage. It is generally recommended to apply them 1-2 times daily, each application lasting for several hours.
