Common Moxibustion Positions: A Guide to Optimal Body Posture

Proper body positioning during moxibustion is essential for accurate acupoint location, preventing dizziness (moxibustion syncope), facilitating the practitioner's technique, and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. The following are the standard positions used in clinical moxibustion practice.

The patient sits upright with both feet flat on the ground, arms bent and resting on a table, exposing the back. This position is suitable for moxibustion on the neck and back acupoints.

The patient lies face down, with a small pillow placed below the navel to relax and flatten the back muscles. This position is ideal for treating acupoints on the neck, back, waist, posterior lower limbs, and parts of the upper limbs.

The patient lies on the back with arms placed flat by the sides and legs either straight or slightly bent. This position is used for moxibustion on the chest, abdomen, anterior upper and lower limbs, and head and face acupoints.

The patient lies on the side with the non-treated side down, arms placed in front of the chest, and legs extended. This position allows access to acupoints on the lateral head, outer or inner aspects of the lower limbs, and some upper limb points.

References

Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic), Chapter on Acupuncture and Moxibustion.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), Ming Dynasty.
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), Jin Dynasty.