Can infants receive moxibustion?

Under normal circumstances, moxibustion is not recommended as a routine treatment for infants and should only be performed in extremely rare cases under evaluation and supervision by a qualified medical professional. The specific reasons are as follows:

Infants have thin and delicate skin, making them highly susceptible to burns from the thermal stimulation of moxibustion. Additionally, infants cannot clearly express discomfort, which may delay timely intervention. Their thermoregulatory centers are also not yet fully developed; the warming effect produced by moxibustion may disrupt body temperature stability and cause distress. Furthermore, infants' organ systems are not fully matured—particularly the respiratory system, which is highly sensitive. Smoke generated during moxibustion may irritate the airways, potentially triggering symptoms such as coughing or wheezing.

In current clinical practice, common infant conditions such as colds or diarrhea are typically managed through adjustments in feeding methods, physical care, or the use of mild medications under medical guidance, without the need for moxibustion. Only in very rare cases—such as certain specific, complex medical conditions—might a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner cautiously perform moxibustion, strictly controlling the application site and duration. However, such procedures must adhere rigorously to medical guidelines and must never be attempted by parents or caregivers at home.

If an infant develops any health concerns, prompt medical attention should be sought. Treatment decisions should be made under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals, using scientifically sound and safe approaches to avoid harm caused by inappropriate interventions.