How I Treated a Runner’s Knee Injury with Moxibustion
mars wuA Runner in Pain: The Case of Mark’s Knee Injury
Mark, a 42-year-old marathon runner, walked into my clinic with a noticeable limp. His knee had been bothering him for months, ever since he started training for his next race. He had tried everything—ice, stretching, even painkillers—but nothing provided lasting relief. He was frustrated, worried that he might have to give up running altogether.
After examining his knee and understanding his symptoms, I explained that his condition, often called Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome), was due to stagnant blood flow, inflammation, and weakened Qi in his lower body. Instead of simply numbing the pain, we needed to restore circulation, strengthen his joints, and reduce inflammation at the root cause.
That’s where moxibustion came in.
Why Moxibustion for Knee Injuries?
Moxibustion is a centuries-old therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves burning dried mugwort (Ai Ye) near specific acupuncture points to warm the area, increase circulation, and promote healing. For sports injuries like Runner’s Knee, it helps by:
✅ Reducing pain and inflammation naturally
✅ Boosting circulation to promote faster healing
✅ Relaxing stiff muscles and tendons around the knee
✅ Strengthening Qi (vital energy) and blood flow in the legs
Unlike ice therapy, which temporarily numbs pain but restricts circulation, moxibustion promotes long-term healing by improving energy flow in the body.
Step-by-Step: How I Treated Mark’s Knee with Moxibustion
Step 1: Identifying the Key Acupuncture Points
To treat Mark’s knee, I focused on these powerful acupuncture points:
🔥 ST36 (Zusanli) – “Leg Three Miles”: Strengthens the muscles and improves blood circulation.
🔥 SP9 (Yinlingquan) – “Water Spring”: Reduces dampness and swelling in the knee.
🔥 EX-LE4 (Xiyan) – “Knee Eyes”: Relieves local pain and improves flexibility.
🔥 GB34 (Yanglingquan) – “Master of Tendons”: Supports knee joint recovery.
These points not only targeted his knee pain but also improved overall leg strength and mobility.
Step 2: Applying Moxibustion Therapy
1️⃣ Light a moxa stick and let it burn until you see a steady red glow.
2️⃣ Hold the stick 1–2 inches above each acupuncture point, moving it in a circular motion.
3️⃣ Apply heat for 10–15 minutes per point, feeling a comfortable warmth (never burning).
4️⃣ Repeat 3–4 times a week for consistent results.
After the first session, Mark reported a warm, soothing sensation in his knee. By the third session, his stiffness had noticeably decreased. After two weeks, he was back to light jogging. In just one month, he was running pain-free again!
How You Can Use Moxibustion at Home for Knee Pain
If you experience Runner’s Knee, joint stiffness, or chronic knee pain, you can try moxibustion at home with these simple steps:
1️⃣ Get a high-quality moxa stick (preferably smokeless for indoor use).
2️⃣ Identify the acupuncture points ST36, SP9, Xiyan, and GB34.
3️⃣ Light the moxa stick and apply gentle heat to each point for 10–15 minutes.
4️⃣ Do this 3–4 times a week for best results.
5️⃣ Combine with gentle stretching to improve flexibility and recovery.
Final Thoughts
Mark’s case is just one example of how moxibustion can help runners recover naturally from knee injuries. Unlike painkillers that offer temporary relief, moxibustion stimulates deep healing, reduces inflammation, and restores mobility.
If you’re a runner struggling with knee pain, consider adding moxibustion therapy to your recovery routine. You may be surprised at how quickly your body responds to this ancient healing technique.
👉 Have you tried moxibustion for knee pain? Share your experience in the comments below! 😊