Moxibustion has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. These days, it generally falls into two types: traditional moxibustion and smokeless moxibustion. Each has its own pros and cons.
Traditional moxibustion uses moxa wool. It penetrates deeply, works well, and costs less. On the flip side, it produces a lot of smoke, leaves a smell, and can burn you if you're not careful.
Smokeless moxibustion uses moxa sticks that have been carbonized at high temperatures. It gives off almost no smoke, has a milder odor, and is safer to use. The downsides? It's less effective and more expensive.
So here's my take: if you want the full, original effect of moxibustion and the best results, go with traditional. But if you have respiratory sensitivities or need to use it in a stuffy room, smokeless moxibustion is the way to go.
