Can Moxibustion Help Manage Chronic Migraines?
mars wuIntroduction
Migraines are not just headaches—they’re often debilitating episodes that affect quality of life, productivity, and emotional well-being. While Western medicine typically turns to pharmaceuticals for relief, an increasing number of people are exploring traditional Chinese therapies like moxibustion to address the root causes of chronic migraines.
As a practitioner of classical Chinese medicine for over 30 years, I have witnessed the powerful effects of moxibustion, especially for chronic conditions like migraines. In this article, I’ll explain how moxibustion works, what the ancient text Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic) says about headaches, and how you can safely try this therapy at home.
What Is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is the burning of dried mugwort (艾草, Artemisia argyi) near or on the skin to stimulate acupuncture points. The heat generated is gentle but deeply penetrating, helping to warm meridians, improve circulation, dispel cold and damp, and restore internal balance. In Chinese medicine, many types of headaches, especially chronic migraines, are associated with liver yang rising, qi stagnation, blood deficiency, or cold invading the channels.
Moxibustion helps regulate these imbalances by targeting specific acupoints related to the liver, gallbladder, and bladder meridians—systems that are deeply connected to head pain according to TCM theory.
How Moxibustion Helps with Migraines
1. Regulates Liver Qi and Calms the Spirit
Many chronic migraines are linked to emotional stress, liver qi stagnation, and pent-up frustration—something the Huangdi Neijing clearly describes. Moxa at points like Liver 3 (Taichong) and Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) can regulate liver energy and calm the nervous system.
2. Improves Circulation and Dispels Cold
Migraines caused by poor blood circulation or internal cold benefit from warming acupoints such as Bladder 10 (Tianzhu) and Stomach 36 (Zusanli). These points help promote yang qi, increase blood flow to the head, and reduce tightness in the neck and upper back.
3. Restores Energy Flow in Meridians
When energy in the gallbladder and bladder meridians is blocked—common in tension headaches—moxibustion helps clear the channels. Gallbladder 20 (Fengchi) and Large Intestine 4 (Hegu) are frequently used points that offer fast relief by unblocking qi and reducing inflammation.
Patient Case: A Real Story
A 42-year-old woman came to me after suffering from migraines for more than 10 years. Her headaches were often triggered by stress, cold weather, and her menstrual cycle. She had tried various medications, which offered only temporary relief. I prescribed a course of moxibustion at Liver 3, GB20, and ST36, along with a gentle daily self-care routine using a moxa cup at home.
After just two weeks, the frequency of her migraines dropped significantly. Within a month, her menstrual-related migraines disappeared entirely. She now continues weekly moxa sessions as part of her self-care routine.
How to Try Moxibustion at Home
If you’re new to moxibustion, don’t worry—it doesn’t require expert-level skills. Our Daily Moxibustion Kit is designed for beginners. It includes reusable moxa cups and aged mugwort moxa sticks. Simply place the moxa in the cup, light it, and gently adhere it to the target point. The warmth is soothing and safe when used as directed.
Recommended points for migraines:
- Liver 3 (Taichong) – For liver qi stagnation
Taichong (Liver 3) helps release blocked liver energy and calm emotional stress
- GB20 (Fengchi) – For tension and wind-cold
Fengchi (GB20) is great for headaches, neck stiffness, and seasonal colds
- LI4 (Hegu) – For general head pain and stress
Hegu (LI4) is a key point for pain relief and emotional balancing
- ST36 (Zusanli) – For boosting qi and blood
Zusanli (ST36) strengthens energy, digestion, and the immune system
Image Insertion Suggestions
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Illustration of Liver 3, GB20, and LI4 acupuncture points with simple anatomical guides.
Alt Text: "Acupressure points Liver 3, Gallbladder 20, and Large Intestine 4 used in moxibustion therapy for migraines."
Caption under image: “Key moxibustion points to relieve chronic migraine pain naturally.” -
Photo of moxibustion in action at home using moxa cups.
Alt Text: "A person using reusable moxa cups for home migraine relief therapy."
Caption under image: “Self-care moxibustion: gentle, effective, and empowering.”
Conclusion
Migraines are complex and often rooted in systemic imbalances. While medication has its place, traditional methods like moxibustion offer a holistic, drug-free approach that treats both the symptoms and the underlying causes.
If you suffer from chronic migraines and are looking for a safe, natural, and time-tested method to find relief, consider incorporating moxibustion into your wellness routine. Your body—and your mind—may thank you.