Can moxibustion treat depression?
Nov 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, moxibustion should not be used as the primary treatment for depression, but it may serve as an adjunctive approach to regulate mood, and should be combined with standard treatments according to individual constitution. When using moxibustion as supportive therapy, acupoints should be selected based on professional diagnosis, and the duration and frequency of moxibustion should be properly controlled by qualified practitioners. At the same time, maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), engaging in moderate exercise, actively participating in psychological counseling, and integrating moxibustion with standardized treatments are recommended.
Generally speaking, moxibustion should not be used as the primary treatment for depression, but it can serve as an adjunct therapy to help regulate emotions. It should be used in conjunction with standard treatments and tailored to individual body constitutions. The specific analysis is as follows:
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), depression is often associated with liver qi stagnation and deficiency of both the heart and spleen. Moxibustion, by applying thermal stimulation to specific acupoints, can help soothe the liver, regulate qi, calm the mind, and nourish the heart. Applying moxibustion to acupoints such as Baihui (GV20), Taichong (LR3), and Neiguan (PC6) may alleviate symptoms commonly associated with depression—such as insomnia, fatigue, and low mood—and help regulate autonomic nervous function, thereby providing a physiological foundation for emotional improvement.
However, moxibustion is not suitable for all patients with depression. Individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat may experience worsened symptoms such as dry mouth and irritability after moxibustion. Moxibustion cannot replace psychotherapy or necessary pharmacological treatments. Relying solely on moxibustion is unlikely to cure depression, and blind dependence may delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
When using moxibustion as an adjunctive therapy, acupoint selection should be performed by qualified professionals based on individual pattern differentiation, with careful control of duration and frequency. At the same time, maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), engaging in moderate exercise, and actively participating in psychological counseling are essential. Only by integrating moxibustion with standardized treatments can depressive symptoms be more effectively alleviated and overall physical and mental recovery supported.
