When the cold is deep in your bones
Do you know this? You get cold quickly, have cold hands and feet, and even the thick sweater doesn't really help. Especially in the cold and wet months in Winterthur and Zurich, many people feel drained of energy and "clammy". In TCM, I call this "inner cold" or a lack of yang energy.
Moxa therapy (moxibustion) at FLY TCM is like an inner campfire. It brings targeted heat deep into your tissue, expels moisture from your joints and replenishes your energy reserves (batteries). It is the comforting answer to stress, exhaustion and chronic pain.
What is moxa and okyo?
Moxa refers to the burning of dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) over specific acupuncture points. In both Eastern and Western medicine, mugwort is regarded as a powerful sun plant that generates deeply penetrating heat.
At FLY TCM I often use the Japanese version, called "Okyo". In contrast to coarse Chinese moxibustion, which often produces a lot of smoke, Okyo is finer. I work with:
- Indirectly: With the "moxa cigar" or on a slice of ginger/salt, without touching the skin directly.
- Direct (Japanese): Using rice grain-sized cones ("Rice Grain Moxa") that are placed on the skin and extinguished before it gets too hot. The aim is to create a punctual heat impulse that immediately activates your immune system.
How does the "healing warmth" work?
Not all heat is the same. A hot water bottle only warms the surface. However, the infrared spectrum of the glowing mugwort penetrates deep into the meridians. This has the following effects:
- Blood circulation: congestion and blockages ("blood stasis") are liquefied by the heat.
- Energy boost: It strengthens the "kidney yang" - our constitutional motor. Ideal for burnout.
- Drying: It draws moisture out of swollen joints (e.g. in the case of rheumatism when the weather changes).
Areas of application: When does Moxa help in Winterthur?
Moxa is the method of choice for all conditions of cold, weakness and stagnation. My most common indications with FLY TCM are:
1. chronic pain & "weather sensitivity"
Back pain that gets worse in the cold, osteoarthritis or stiff joints in the morning. Moxa gets your Qi flowing again.
2. exhaustion & immunodeficiency
Anyone who feels tired all the time, is pale and picks up every infection needs yang. Moxa on certain points (such as "stomach 36") acts like an immune cure.
3. gynecology & menstruation
Coldness in the abdomen often leads to cramps, cycle disorders or an unfulfilled desire to have children ("cold uterus"). The gentle warming of the abdomen is extremely soothing and relieving.
4. digestive problems
A tendency to diarrhea, flatulence or intolerances often indicates a "weak center". Moxa strengthens the digestive fire.
For whom is Okyo particularly useful?
This therapy is ideal for "chilblains" and people with low energy levels. It is also excellent for older people to maintain vitality. In aviation (crew/pilots), I use it to drive the cold from the air conditioning and exhaustion from the bones after long-haul flights.
Safety & odor
Moxa is safe, but requires skill. I take great care not to injure the skin ("pleasant heat"). A note: real moxa has a characteristic herbal scent - similar to incense sticks. This scent is part of the therapy, but quickly dissipates after airing. I also use low-smoke charcoal moxa for sensitive noses.
Procedure & costs of the treatment
I rarely use moxa on its own, but usually integrate it seamlessly into your session in combination with acupuncture or Tui Na if my diagnosis (tongue/pulse) indicates cold.
The costs are covered by the regular 590 tariff (time required). As moxa is a core method of TCM, it is generally covered by supplementary insurance (EMR).
At a glance: Moxa / Okyo
- ⏱ Duration: Integrated into the acupuncture session (approx. 60-75 minutes in total).
- 🔥 The feeling: pleasantly warm, penetrating, grounding.
- 🌿 Special feature: Japanese Okyo (fine) or Moxa cigar (indirect).
- 📍 Therapist: Niklas Lütgen (FLY TCM Winterthur).
- 🎯 Perfect for: People sensitive to cold, exhausted people, women & osteoarthritis.
Ready for new energy?
Book an appointment with heat therapyFrequently asked questions
Will I burn myself?
No. With indirect moxibustion (cigar), I don’t touch the skin at all. You only feel an intense heat. With the direct Japanese method (Okyo), tiny heat points are created which can “prick” briefly but should not cause any burns. I control the temperature constantly. It should be comfortable.
Do I smell like smoke afterwards?
I use high-quality moxa. Nevertheless, smoke is produced that can cling to clothing and hair – similar to after a campfire, but more subtle. If you have an important business appointment afterwards, let me know: I then use “moxa charcoal” (low smoke) or a heat lamp (TDP) as an alternative.
Does moxa help if my child is in a breech position?
Yes, this is a classic area of application! Moxing a specific point on the little toe (bladder 67) can help to encourage the baby to turn from the 33rd/34th week of pregnancy. We do this very gently and also instruct you on how to use it at home.
Can I also use moxa for inflammation?
Caution. Moxa adds heat. Moxa is usually contraindicated for “hot” inflammations (red, swollen joint, fever) as it would add fuel to the fire. In this case, we tend to cool (e.g. with acupuncture). I always decide according to the individual diagnosis.
Does the insurance company pay for this treatment?
Yes, moxibustion is a recognized method of TCM (tariff 590). If you have supplementary insurance, it will be reimbursed as part of the treatment session.
