7　What Are the Moxibustion Sensations?

Moxibustion sensations are the physical feelings experienced by the person receiving moxibustion. The key to obtaining a positive therapeutic effect with moxibustion lies in these sensations, and are particularly important in HSM.

— Chen Ri-xin

In suspended moxibustion, since the heat from the burning moxa is radiating on the body surface, it is natural for the patient to feel heat sensations. However, the sensation varies depending on the type of acupoint, whether there is an acupoint in the area,and the functional status of the point (tranquilized or sensitized). Acupoints in healthy people are in a tranquilized state, and moxibustion usually only causes local superficial heat sensations. When there is disease, acupoints are heat sensitized, and suspended moxibustion usually causes one or more of the following sensations.

The first, penetrating heat, is the feeling of the heat from the moxa received by the skin sinking into the underlying tissues or organs. The second, expanding heat, is the feeling of heat spreading out from the spot receiving moxibustion. The third, transmitting heat, refers to the sensation of heat moving from the spot receiving moxibustion along a certain route, sometimes to the diseased area. The fourth, distal but not local heat, refers to a feeling of heat somewhere other than the spot receiving moxibustion, with only a mild heat sensation at the acupoint receiving the moxibustion. The fifth, deep but not surface heat, refers to heat felt in the underlying tissues or organs rather than on the skin where moxibustion is being administered. The sixth, non-heat sensations, are feelings other than heat felt at or away from the spot receiving moxibustion, such as soreness, distention,pressure, heaviness, pain, numbness and cold.

Local and superficial heat sensations are common to all types of moxibustion, while these six special sensations are particular to HSM. These sensations indicate that channel qi has been stimulated and transmission has occurred. To achieve a significant therapeutic effect with suspended moxibustion, these sensations must be elicited. Since different sensations carry different information about the therapy, the meaning of each sensation must be interpreted correctly.