Understanding Moxa Season: An opportunity to help your body adjust to seasonal change
In Chinese Medicine, the transitions between the seasons are vulnerable moments for our health—and among them, two in particular mark what's known as "Moxa Season." This is a special window of time when the body is especially receptive to the deep, warming, and tonifying effects of Moxibustion (Moxa)—the application of gentle heat using dried mugwort or heat packs over key acupuncture points.
WHAT is Moxa Season?
Moxa Season occurs twice a year:
Between Autumn and Winter
Between Winter and Spring
Why these times? In TCM practice (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the Mingmen — an important region located in the lower back—is said to "open" during these times.
The Ming Men, or Gate of Vitality is said to be open for 4 weeks in total. Booking your appointments throughout this window is a prime time to work on building strength and resilience, particularly for people recovering from burnout, exhaustion, chronic illness, or cold conditions.
Moxa during this time is thought to penetrate more deeply into the body, which aims to build and tonify your energy levels.
Yang Qi is the healthy dynamism, activity or physiology that happen in the body. Moxa and activating Yang Qi is especially useful to build deep resilience, particularly for people recovering from burnout, exhaustion, chronic illness, or cold conditions.
WHEN is Moxa Season?
Specific dates for Moxa Season are based around the Lunar Calendar and treatment during this time is thought to be more potent than outside these windows:
In the Northern Hemisphere
November 7 and continues for about four weeks (Autumn → Winter)
The week before Lunar New Year and 3 weeks after. (Winter → Spring)
Southern Hemisphere Moxa Seasons:
May 7 – June 7 (Autumn → Winter)
August 7 – September 7 (Winter → Spring)
These are your ideal four-week windows to start warming with moxa therapy—when the Mingmen (Vitality Gate) is considered to be open.
Why Use Moxa?
To strengthen energy production in the body via the:
Immune System (Lungs)
General constitution (Are you feeling robust? Are you feeling weak?) (Kidneys)
Digestion (Spleen+ Stomach)
Buffer seasonal adjustment issues (eg symptoms associated with sinus, pain.)
It’s different to herbs or acupuncture—Moxa introduces a unique, nurturing heat that builds your Yang Qi.
Caution with Moxa
It's best to consult with a fully qualified acupuncturist to get specific instructions on how to apply moxa. We don't use moxa in cases of:
- Excessive heat or excess conditions (opposite of weak constitutions)
- Children (You need practitioner guidance here - there are specific cases where it may be appropriate)
- Open sores, sites of infection, redness, inflammation, blistering or other irritation.
- Fever
Where is Moxa applied on the body?
During Moxa Season, a fully qualified practitioner may apply moxa to Stomach, Spleen, Lung and Kidney points.
Mingmen on the lower back – for deep Kidney support
Below the navel – to warm the kidney energy, uterus in women and digestive centre.
Another option is for clients to use Moxa heat packs OR any type of heat packs at home for 30–60 minutes, ideally while resting in the evening. Moving the pack across the area is encouraged to reach multiple points.
More tips during Moxa Season
While Moxa can powerfully support the body, this season also comes with increased vulnerability.
Illness during Moxa Season can penetrate more deeply, so it’s crucial to stay warm and avoid wind exposure if you can help it.
Avoid Burns and Fire hazards If you're using moxa at home, common sense and safety applies to avoid burning yourself. NEVER leave a moxa stick or candle flame unattended at home.
Always eat a hot breakfast—especially in colder months. This fuels the body and strengthens digestive fire.
If you’re skipping meals (e.g., intermittent fasting), skip dinner—not breakfast.
Moxa Season is a golden opportunity to build strength and nourish a depleted body. Tuning into this seasonal rhythm can be a game-changer for long-term wellness in the case of stress, burnout and fatigue. Ask your TCM practitioner how you can maximise Moxa Season.
If you're on Sydney's Northern Beaches, ask me how we can include Moxa in your next acupuncture appointment for building strength.
