A Warm Companion During Uncertain Times: My Story with Moxibustion
Written by Tang Ping
Before the Spring Festival, I returned to Shanxi from Wuhan to spend the holiday with my family—just in time, it turned out. Shortly afterward, the city was locked down. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate.
In our home in Wuhan, we’ve always had a moxibustion bed. When I returned to Shanxi, I made sure to get one here too, along with a good supply of moxa sticks. Being confined at home didn’t worry me—I had everything I needed for daily moxibustion. With moxa in hand, I felt at ease. Stocking up on premium Chuye moxa sticks proved to be a wise move—they became a treasured part of our home care routine, benefiting everyone in the family. I’m grateful to have this chance to share my experience.
A Year to Remember: 2020 and a Global Health Crisis
The events of 2020 will stay with all of us: a new illness that swept the globe.
Before it became a major public concern, we had already left Wuhan for Shanxi. As the situation worsened, local officials began regular check-ins—asking when we returned, how we traveled, whether we had symptoms, and monitoring our temperatures.
Throughout this, I remained calm. I knew my body, and I knew I was well. I had been practicing moxibustion almost daily through the winter. That consistency gave me peace of mind.
Once we began self-isolating, I encouraged my whole family to join me in daily moxibustion. Before the holiday, we had taken advantage of a sale and bought a new camphor wood moxa bed. I had also brought along eye masks, warming pads, and of course, plenty of moxa sticks—so we had all the tools we needed. My parents used the bed regularly, while I did facial and eye moxibustion at night.
My husband, who had been struggling with tendon pain but never had the time to deal with it, finally had space to start treating it. Every day, he focused on moxibustion over the sore area, then we’d warm the room with the scent of burning moxa. We didn’t skip a single day. This simple routine brought a sense of structure, and no one in the house felt anxious or restless, despite everything going on outside.
Small Changes, Big Relief
As the days passed, we began noticing unexpected improvements.
My father, who had long dealt with a persistent cough, suddenly coughed less and slept more soundly.
My mother, who often struggled to fall asleep and would wake frequently at night, began to sleep through until morning. She even said, “I can’t believe I slept all night—that’s never happened before.” And yet, it did.
I truly believe these changes are connected to our consistent use of the moxibustion bed.
At first, my dad was skeptical, but now he lies down for a session anytime I light the bed. Both he and my mom now make time each day to relax with moxa therapy, usually for about an hour. Seeing these changes makes me hopeful for their continued health improvements.
As for my husband, his tendonitis has also eased—less pain, and he can move his fingers freely again.
In these unusual times, having the chance to care for ourselves has been a blessing. Moxibustion is more than just a daily habit; it’s a way to boost our immunity, purify the air, and protect our well-being—all at once.
A Note to Friends Near and Far
I’ve been reminding everyone I know who has moxa at home to make time for it—especially those working on the front lines. Even a short session can help the body restore and recharge.
Let’s support each other through this challenging time. When the seasons change and flowers begin to bloom again, I hope we can all reunite in health and joy.
