Is moxibustion effective for lumbar disc herniation?
Jul 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, whether moxibustion is effective for lumbar disc herniation depends on the specific circumstances. If the condition is relatively mild, moxibustion may have some therapeutic effect; however, if the lumbar disc herniation is severe, it may not be effective. Moxibustion treatment should be performed under the guidance of a physician.
Generally speaking, lumbar disc herniation refers to lumbar disc herniation syndrome. Whether moxibustion is effective for lumbar disc herniation needs to be determined according to specific circumstances. If the condition of lumbar disc herniation is relatively mild, moxibustion may have some therapeutic effect; however, if the condition is severe, it may not be effective. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the lumbar disc herniation is mild and only presents with pain symptoms, moxibustion may have a certain effect. Moxibustion can promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, and dredge the meridians. It can improve local blood circulation, alleviate pain or swelling symptoms after use. Additionally, moxibustion can relieve pain through its thermal effect, reduce the accumulation of inflammatory substances, thus alleviating the compression on nerve roots, stabilizing muscles and the lumbar vertebrae, and potentially reducing the protrusion of the nucleus pulposus.
If lumbar disc herniation is severe and presents with significant nerve compression symptoms, such as numbness or pain in the lower limbs, simple use of moxibustion may not achieve a therapeutic effect because although moxibustion can promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, it cannot directly relieve nerve compression symptoms. In such cases, moxibustion can be used as an adjunctive therapy combined with bed rest, physical therapy, and medication, which may yield better results.
When using moxibustion for treatment, it is recommended to undergo comprehensive treatment in combination with other therapies and under the guidance of a physician. Additionally, moxibustion is not suitable for everyone; individuals with skin allergies or heat syndromes should use it cautiously.
